The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1883-07-19
4 PEEP INTO THE FUTURE.


It was chilly spring evening; the
rain battered down merrily, and fitful
gusts of wind blew the chin berries rat
Ting over the roof. All of our house.
held had retired to slumber, and sat
alone.
I had grown tired of books. and now
turned to my work. basket for solace.
am an old fogy in some matters-espe-
cially do like old things; time-honored
customs and occupations I reverence.
Among others, like patchwork. On
this particular evening, as clipped
hexagon pieces from pile of old papers.
and basted the gay pieces of cloth around
the edges, o sad strain of thought stole
upon me.
Most Of my patchwork was formed of
pieces of cloth left from dresses of my
friends. which they kindly gave me as
souvenirs.
Ny needle glimmeredi in the lamplight,
and I thought of the many pleasant
hours had spent sewing. and q bitter
thought arose in my mind that this fast,
progressive age of machinery will soon
laugh at the little bits of steel which
once did the work, and the thimble will
rest beside the needle in the museum as
curiosity of primeval days. I held my
needle tighter, but the tide of thought
rolled swiftly on.
was in the city stranger, alone
Strange sights and people surrounded
me. The streets where once was all bus.
tie and activity, was one immense "par.
terre," with walks Of marble; beautiful
fountains spouted upward nectar, water
and wine; trees laden heavily with fruit
of every cline, spread forth their
branches, inviting all to partske; ex.
Quisite flowers, 10 bud and bloom, filled
the air with their delicious sweets. I
paused in bewilderment and gazeo at
the strange beings by whom I was sur
rounded.
Some glided by, like skaters on ice.
while others were provided with wings
and flew far above the trees in the air.
All wore long hair and dressed alike.
noticed that those who glided on the
earth did SO by means of little wheeled
shoe under each foot; but those in the
air seemed to possess the wings of birds.
drew as near them as could, hoping
that one of these winged creatures would
deign to speak to me. My fondest hopes
were soon realized. heard the hutter
Of wings behind me; turned and con-
fronted delicate and angelic creature,
With great wide wings, who scrutinized
me with evident curiosity. For o mo-
ment trembled; then gained courage
and asked:
"You are not q man?"
"Man! How dare you insult me! Do
look like pusillanimous man?"
l., t,rk II
belong to the past age. Everything is so
strange. cannot tell men from women. "
The strange being looked at me con-
temptuously and said:
"Oh, that is easy enough. Men pull
out their boards, wear long hair, and try
to ape us. but. dear me, even If they had
woman's sense, or strength of mind their
awkwardness would betray them"
'This city is much changed since
was here last. see no means Of public
conveyance. We used to have street
cars"
Cars laughingly replied my new
friend. "Why, You certainly do belong
TO the past; cars have boon abolished
nearly one hundred years; cars are one
OF mans inventions. have read Of the
time when men would sit in these great,
bulky cars and force women to stand.
krasping at the sides Of the unwieldy
vehicle to keep from falling. and men
used to smoke and chew . noxious weed
called tobacco, and they were 30 indiffer-
emit 70 women's health and happiness
that it became necessary TO pass laws
that NO man should smoke in the ladies'
cara. What barbarians men must have
besn"
How are they now?" asked I.
''Oh, since women have showed their
superiority, they know their sphere toe
we'll 10 gosbeyond bounds"
"How did women gain asccndency?"
"Well," exclaimed my new friend. II
will have 70 90 some distance back into
the past TO make you understand. First
tell me how far women had advanced in
your day toward their rights?"
'Oh." said I, lin my days there were
some women clamorinR for what they
called their rights. but they were called
wild women All through this pert Of
the country they were held with scorn
and contempt"
"FieI' exclaimed my wing friend,
pointing ct me with mimic scorn, a.
she shook her wings with laughter. "Fie!
know you now. You belong 10 that
band OF women who understand the art
Of hoodwinking and binding men. You
threw such . glamor over them that they
did your bidding without knowing it.
Oh. IN tricksry You must have
peasticsdr'
NJ new friend became 20 oonvulssd