The Arizona sentinel., 1886-01-30
DISGUSTED WITH THEM.
A Strong Minded Lady Airs Her Views on shopping Women"

The strong-minded lady was slipping chocolate in one of the little lunch re. sorts in Sixth avenue. Her lip curled with scorn as through the windows she beheld the crowds of ladies shopping with all their heart and soul and might, as though they had been brought into the world for no other purpose and fully intended to carry out their mission. The strong-minded lady was disgusted The young girl who sat at the table with her tried her utmost to dissipate the gloomy clouds which lowered so consistently over her intellectual companion. The effort was futile. The strong-minded lady declined to be anything but dis gusted.
 Don't tell me that such condition of things is normal" she said. as a group of ladies more energetic and chattering with more volubility than any she had previously seen passed be- fore the window. ''I tell you it is noth- ing of the kind. Those creatures there are for the time being puppets, dolls, or anything you like. Women decline to call them. Look at them rushing mad ly into the stores as though their lives depended upon the act What do they want? Intellectuality to entertain their husbands? Funds of information to amuse their fathers? Attractive little devices to keep their brothers at home? IL ,i aE match bonnet, half yard of plush to cover hat designed to excel one they have previously seen, or some material from which 10 make dress for sum- mer, though summer isn't nearly here. Pshawr'
 The strong-minded lady viciously drained her cup of chocolate, ordered another in stentorian tones, and turned to her youthful companion with re- newed vigor. "A shopping woman," she said, ''is an abnormal condition of womanhood induced by the absurdly rapid civilization of the times. 1 have for the past six years studied the phe- nomenon of shopping, and l may say, as the result of my studies, that the chronic shopper is afflicted with spe- cies of insanity. She can not help her self. She is determined to shop, come what may. It is as much part of her daily work as eating or drinking. Let me cite the case of an aunt of mine, which 1 diagnosed for my own benefit, and which trust you will allow me to quote in medical manner Lizzie C., my aunt, daughter of a very estimable gentleman, married when young girl, and mixed in the best society. She de- spised frivolity, had written series of Bible stories for her children, was always ready to preach against the foolishness of girls, and was generally considered a model wife. 1 staid some time in her house about the year 1878, and noticed that her husbands s business seemed in a bad way, and that there was some paucity of funds. Lizzie C., my aunt, consequently felt herself obliged to re- duce expenses and to buy everything of the cheapest. A frantic desire for bar gains came upon her. She would rise at an early hour of the morning and at tend sales which she had seen adver- tised, though there was, absolutely no necessity that she should do so. I have had such tiring day, dear,' she said to me; I have been at the store since nine o'clock this morning. It's extremely fatiguing. But am pleased to say I have bought some wonderfully cheap goods. They are simply remarkable. Look here. She produced a parcel, un- folded it, and placed upon the table what to my horror l recognized as black crape collars, cuffs and bows.
 My dear said I, in amazement, what did you make those wretched purchases for? I'm not superstitious, but 1 don't like to see you buying crape when you don't need it.
 You goose, said Lizzie, laughing, they only cost a trifie, and I intend to keep them until go into mourning. Perhaps 1 shall never have such chance again. And you never know when you'll require them Now" said the strong-minded lady, energetically, ''do you call that the act of sane woman? My dear child, her intellect had been touched by her husbands misfortunes, though no one recognized that fact but myself Her doctor always said that she was the healthiest and most clear minded woman he had ever seen. She reminds me of the fictitious case of Mrs. Smith, which isn't half as ridiculous as you might think at first. Mrs. Smith went to sale and saw very cheap door plate with the name, Mrs. Jones, upon it. She bought it. My dear girl, said friend to whom she spoke of her purchase, what did. you buy that use less thing for?' It's not useless, said Mrs. Smith, indignantly. My husband might die and I might marry a man named MT. Jones. And it's awfully cheap"
 But don't compare those sensible ladies shopping on Sixth avenue to the cranks you have just mentioned" said tbe youthful listener, Crayelv.