The Iowa transcript. (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1858-1866, 1861-10-24
NO. 81
4 short Lecture to Husbands,
r, the Editor Of the American Agriculturisl

To the Editor of the American Agricuitunss.
The other day I accidentally over
heard part Of conversation which IN
terested me much, and set me to think
ing, and finally to writing this article.
II wish the women could talk little
more sensibly about what is going on ~
the world,'' said the speaker. "Wher
they meet, there's nothing discussed
but neighborhood gossip and the faults
of servants, and how to make pickles
and preserves. As for the topics tnss
interest men, women are generally q
ignorant of them as though they were
deaf, dumb, and blind. Now there's
my wife, good soul that she IS, can keep
house with any woman in the lana.
Everything is neat and tidy at home'
the cooking is first rate, the chlldreh
are kept all straight, no torn frocks,
nor shabby trowers, but that's al
When I want some one to talk with
about the war, or the prospects ahead.
Or ANYTHING more than household mat.
ters, l have to 60 to the store or the
tavern, Or to the neighbor's." ! had no
time to listen to the reply, bnt here is
nv answer, for his benefit and that OF
hundreds more who think, if they do
Not allow themselves to say the same
things.
shame on xon Mr.. GrnmbIei, for
making your .swise's devotion to your
Interests and eon!ort, the occasion OF
complaininr. Why is She ignorant OF
Tie topics which interest YOU? Nh'ie
va,l ave enjoying your newspaper, very
likoly She is trying to prepare your sup
ner. keop the children from disturbing
vaa. anl st The same time to forget the
headache vh1ch . hard days ironing
I,as brouaft 81. II the evening When
Won hasten to the store or !o a neigh
b3rs il talk over the news, she has
J Jshnav's stockings to mend and Sarahs
fr,,k to patcl,. and tho bread to mix,
/ aasl fifty more things to look after. that
n nevortronble YOU because she takes the !
| whole burden So she gees on from
day to day, with head ands heart. and
hands I'll of household care. lon
knew Size refused to keep hiredss help
I heeause y3u eon,l not afford j, prcsrr-
inc to sacrifice comfort, intelligence.
4 lsralth. an. perhaps life itself in keep
lae house that you may be happy.
You did not think Of AL this. Well
! NV it is suggested let me tell you hoyf
ID raaesly il, fer I'm ydxel enough to
I be very tboi1. Yea have opposr!anity
. fsr becoming informed on the topics .of
tle dav by eonversa;icn ana reading:
share the benefits with your wife.
/ While she mends the stockings, read
tie newspaper to her. 1fyou do not
enjoy reading it = second time, then
wait until she can listen before opening
It. .ts YOU read, explain what is neccs-
sary to make il interesting. Try to be
rs entertaining as you would when visi.
/ ting your neighbor, and very soor tse..
viii be response that a.Y maze ysd
clad to stay at'h6mc. II lssefs be chill.
dren in tne family old enough to takc
part in the reading and conversation,
they may join you, taking their turns
in reading, and very soon you may have
4 charmed circle about you tla! vii
make home paradise on earth, both to
them aud to yourself, rs it was meant
70 be; and You will bless tho day you
received this lecture from
MARTHA,