Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1881-10-07
A Plea for Occupations for Men.

We have heard enough of woman's
"sphere" and its enlargement. Wom-
ems rights" have ceased to be dwelt
upon with SO much force since they
have quietly stepped forward and taken
them. Several cases have come to my
knowledge of late where men have
trained their wives into knowledge
OF their business. One of them, who
had been a soldier and came home with
broken health, made this provision for
his family in case of his death, and he
has died. as much hero and martyr
as If he had perished on the battle field.
His wife is now able to carry on his
family reputably and comfortably. We
have been driven to such things by
stress of circumstances. 1t may be
contrary to all our old notions; we may
still think it wiser for women to marry
for a home, however she may shrink
from it, than to support herself inde-
peudently, but they won't do it.
The fact is, there is no absolute rule
to regulate the work or the relations OF
men and women. 1t is a matter of Gus.
tom, aud customs may change if it bo
expedient. Now, as our customs are
changing, why should not men learn
certain things which would give them
something to do and make them hap
pier? Why may not men knit. or sew,
or crochetp OF course, it sounds very
odd; indeed, / do not know that ]
should have pluck enough to be found
engaged in any of these or kindred oc-
cupations. But why notp Why sit
idleP am not always tired; / do not
always want TO read; get tired OF
twirling my thumbs; | can't play on
any musical instrument, and If could
that is noisy. Why can't man have
some tranquil occupatlonP have seen
Mrs. Smith sit down with the needle
and work OF fit of impatience, in n
time of waiting, to great profit. ]
should have whistled and fretted and
bitten my nails, and only grown more
restless.
Boys ought to learn. Why should
they leave all their things about fol
others to take care of-for the weary
mother. If there be not servants enoughi
Why shouldn't boy, if he is off on 1
tramp. be able to sew on a button ol
mend hole in his stocking pBoperlyi
They sometimes manage to do 1t, bu
howp And now, when 1t is sort O
fashion to have ranch in Colorado. o.
somewhere where no woman may ven
, ture, don't see any way but for tn,
boys to learn these things. Let then
.. knit their stockings instead of PLAYING
cards. believe in interchange. VIII
may women enter into so many of oul
Q occupations and we be excluded from
7 theirsp "Efeminate. is itP Not O
D necessity. Why is it any more so, saw
from custom. than writing or any othe
I quiet, sedentary workp There ar
V trades where men sew, as we know
and in many business boy has b
0 learn some rudimentary practice of tn
: art. The doctor. as a surgeon, mus
n thread needle, sew bandagcs. to sa
nothing of other artistic stitches. Yo
o see my plan only carries matters trlfl
Q farther, and would teach, as an art
that which is now but rudely done.
o My friend Prof. X. can hem a tows
d or a handkerchief with the best of then
n He is none the less manly. and one
saved his own life by having stron
o muscles and weighty fists. Things al
}, rather mixed, butif women poach o
our manor let US be even with them
Is we may gain by it.-Oor. NJ y Posi-