marriage by rape exists in races which are absolutely
endogamous. Westermark believes it arose from the repugnance to unions
contracted in a narrow circle. The savage has difficulty in procuring
a wife without giving the father compensation; besides, his own
repugnance to the companions of his childhood and the prejudices
against unions between relations, as well as the enmity of other
clans, all increase the difficulties to be overcome. This is why he
often decides on rape. Marriage by rape has not, however, been the
rule at any period, and on the whole, unions concluded by mutual
agreement have always predominated.

Marriage by purchase has followed marriage by rape, and forms a
slightly higher stage of civilization, developed by exchange of money
or other symbols. It first appears, in Australia, for example, as
marriage by exchange (exchange of a woman for a sister or a daughter).
Afterward young men gain their wives by working as servants for the
father. In marriage by purchase the price is based on the beauty,
health and social position of the woman. A young girl is generally
worth more than a widow or a rejected woman. Skill in female manual
labor also increases the price. Among the Indians of British Columbia
a wife will cost from twenty to forty pounds sterling, while in Oregon
they are exchanged for bisons' skins or blankets. Among the Kaffirs
from three to ten cows is a low price, twenty to thirty a high price
for a wife. When a wife was given gratis, her parents had a right to
the children. Marriage by purchase and by exchange still exists among
the lower races as it formerly ruled among civilized peoples. We still
possess the rudiments.

Marriage by rape or by purchase has, however, never been in general
usage. Certain races in India and Africa considered it a disgrace to
pay a price for a wife.

From the historical point of view it is interesting to note that, in
the ceremonies of marriage by purchase, a simulated and symbolical
rape of the betrothed still recalls the old form of marriage by rape;
also, in races where a higher form has replaced marriage by purchase,
traces of the latter are still preserved in certain nuptial symbols.

DECADENCE OF MARRIAGE BY PURCHASE--THE DOT

The position of woman has undergone steady improvement in higher
civilization by the progress of altruism. This is why culture, in
India, China, Greece, Rome and Germany, etc., has gradually
discredited marriage by purchase.