The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-09-06


stares the projectors in the face,
when further outlay, could it
be made, would tide them over
successfully. The same causes which have
produced depression in other lines of trade
have affected this unfavorably; but, on the
other hand, the hard times make the main
tainance of the agency greater necessity than
before, and its discontinuance an event to be
deplored. AS men are thrown out of work or
wages cut down. the number CT women who
must become breadwinners or aid in providing
for their families increases in like ratio Very
many of these can give but portion of their
time to such labors, and comparatively few
can leave their homes; but, if sure of market
for such handiwork as they may be able to
produce, they can add many a dollar to the
scanty incomes, and may at least
ward off dreaded charity. This assurance
the Exchange gives them, SO far as possible,
and in this way has proved a godsend to num-
bers of women. That the enterprise has not
succeeded in financial way is no indication
that its utility is not great. The testimony of
the managers and the many women who have
benefited by it is to the contrary, and the
latter regard its possible discontinuance with
the greatest apprehension. The difficulties in
the way of women who must provide for
themselves are numerous, but for those who
have families to care for in a
| double sense the obstacles are al
most insurmountable. Whoever removes one
of these obstacles and so make it easier for
women to earn money honestly is doing a serv-
ice to them and to the community. Where
one can earn dollar by her own exertions,
the chances are greatly against the probability
of that woman asking dollar from public or
private charities. Those who contribute to
the support of the regular charitable institu.
tons would, by devoting share of these
donations to the maintenance of the exchange,
besimply making an economical investment, as
they would thus assist some to help themselves
WHO ulSuI OTHERWISE De IOrceQ TO ask Tor char-
ity. 1t is to be hoped that benevolent citizens,
men who are interested in the public welfare,
and women who are concerned with the ad
vancement of their sex, will come promptly
to the relief of the struggling exchange, and
make it, at least temporarily, secure. 1t is a
good thing, and the need of it was never
greater than now. 1t rests with the public,
however, to make the exchange permanent
establishment. With an increase of patron
age it is sure to prosper. The workers are
numerous but not more so than the custom
ers, if the latter could be persuaded that it is
saving of time and strength to 90 to
what may be called headquarters when
they wish to employ labor instead of
hunting for it at random, and at last
securing inefficient service. if any. Knitting,
plain sewing, mending, bread and cake baking,
preserve making are only few of the things
which the exchange guarantees to have done in
the best manner. One who desires any of the
thousand varieties of woman's handiwork can,
by applying there, find some one to fill their
orders. Let the people patronize the exchange
and they will benefit themselves while at the
same time aiding worthy cause.