Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1857-03-19
The Thriftless Wife.
8 The discomfort Of the poor mans hons

8 The discomfort Of The poor mans hons is
often tie thrift'ess."
The above sentence from the deeply in
teresting sketch of *" has awakened a
train of thought, that with your permission,
Messrs, Editors, will transfer to the Her
aid.
The observation of many years has con-
vinced me, that two causes operate largely
in producing thriftless wives-fdIse vietOs Of
respeetaaiEiss end actual isnorancesof econ
omy. ass .s
Whefe are these false views obtained!
Many Of fs<kem in our own kitchens. A
large proportion of the wives of poor men.
have been servants in the families of the
wealty and medium class. and have passed
to the bridal hour utterly unprepared for
the sta tions in which they were TO be pla-
ced They have attached great Importance
to dress, hence their wages were expended
for external ,adornment, and the economy
necessary for the poor mans wife was not
learned.
As we look at the utter wretchedness of
many families induced by false views, may
we not exclaim-We are verify guilty re-
specting our sisters, il that we saw the fu-
ture that awaited them. and failed to give
this advice and instruction.
Let me mention an instance or two, that
show the beneficial effects of such instruc-
tions:
A bright-eyed, rosy-cheeked girl once ex-
pressed grea. astonishmen at seeing the
lady with whom she lived, mending calico
dress. why Mrs. M, do you mend such
old thingst TO be sure do, don't you?'
No indeed, with toss of her head you
won't find many paor people that would
nerd the ike of that'
The next day Mrs. NJ. found piece of
Chrissy's old dress used for securing brass,
though ample materials were provided for
such purposes. The poor girl was misera-
bly, destitute ofuseful garments, while every
pensy of her wages was expended for fimsy
articles, that were snowy and fashionable,
1t required many weeks of patient effort to
convince Chrissy that would be more truly
respectable By dressing according to her
station, and means, than by aping the veal
thy. But at length righ. Impressions were
received, and tie work of economy cem-
menced. Appropriate purchases were made,
AMI Chrissy's resources husbsnded with
care. For instances, Here are two old
calicpes, Mrs. NJ, that can't wear any
more. what shall DO with themr The
best breadths we'll take for quilted skirt,
and make an apron or two besides. Stop
Chrissy, don't throw that waist awsy. 1t
must be carefully ripped. Here's box for
the hooks sad eyes, and the cord can be
sewed together to use again. 'Well-if
that don't beat all, and cord is only penny
roll.' Never mind, you must save it.
Ten pennies make dime, ten dimes dol
lar, and with dollar you can buy new
dress A bright fash passed over her speak
ing face, the idea was perfectly novel
This waist lining, you see, is perfectly
good, ie siarched and ironed, il will do for a
new calico. Here are some pieces that you
car, quilt for holders, you'll want them when
you get married. What merry laugh,
(she vas only fitteen,) and how her black
eyes sparkled. 'LaS of all, here is rag
bag for the oldest pieces-when you 90 to
housekeeping you can buy tin pans to bake
your bread in, from the contents of the rag
bag
Years passed rapidly. In due time Chris
sy married widower with two children
During visit to Mrs. NJ, she described her
snug home; told how nicely she fitted up
the little girls with their mothers old dres-
ses, now her husband praised her economy
and good housekeeping. Then with SUD
den burstsof feeling, she caught Mrs. Ms
hand and kissing it, exclaimed, L owe it all
to you, I've told my husband so a hundred
times; can never thank you enough for
giving me right views in life and teaching
me economy
Another instance. More than twenty
years have passed since servant girl mar
ried, and left home where she had been
taught frugality and, CONFORMITY to her station.
Come with me to a neat parlow in her East.
ern home. 1t is handsomely not extrava.
ntlyfurnished. The two young ladies', SO
graceful and refined, are the daughters ot
our former servant girl. There is no silly
blush of shame as their mother refers to days
of service. and tells of the industry and
economy that secured their present ample
means. sWe own this house, have two
more up town that are rented, and my hus-
band has good business besides.' He was
drayman when she married him.
Let ps glance at the books on the centre
table, these often tell true story of char
acter. A few standard works of ancient
and modern literature (no novels) 'LyelI's
Geology and the Phi losophv of the Plan
of Salvat ion' There is nothing said OF
these, however. Mother is talking of old
times, and her daughters are quietly rejoic-
ing in her happiness. She is called out OF
the room, then we talk of books, and the
conversation affords convincing proof that
these lovely daughters are well educated
intelligent and pious. They take joyous
views Of life, and have learned the true Sc.
cret ofits happiness. self discipline and be-
nevolent action.
But we must not linger too long-How
pleasant TO hear them say as we leave, 1--WE
thank you VERY much for remembering oul
mother, and visiting her so kindly"
These instances are referred to, not fol
their rarity, but because sufficient time hns
passed, to show the results of careful train.
ing.
"Let US not be weary in well doing, for ir
due season we shall reap, if VIC faint not
- Cleveland Herald.
FEvery lie, great or small, is the brink
of precipice, the depth Of which nothing
but Omniscienoe can fathom.
OtA witty doctor says that tight lacine