The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1886-07-01
WON ANS TIME.
Estimate Which the Weaker Sex Puts
Upon It's Leisure Hours.

| WOM ANS IIME.
Estimate Which the Weaker Sex Putt
Upon It's Leisure Hours.
From well-known popular woman s
rights paper comes the following: '.Is
a woman's time worth any thing? No,
absolutely nothing-that is, if we take
the estimate which women usually put
upon it. If this statement seems in
correct, ask the next woman you see
with garment on which she made
herself h ow much it cost. If she tells
you ten dollars, or any other amount,
ask her if that includes the cost of
making, and see if she doesn't reply,
Il mad, it myself / am not now find
| ing fault with women for making their
clothes, trimming their hats, or en-
broidering their cloaks, although be-
lieve great deal of time is wasted
thereby. Neither am 1 going to argue
that men spend their time more use
fully than women, for l do not believe
it..
There is no use denying that while a
few exceptions to a great number may
appreciate this fact, the large majority
seem unable to grasp the idea that a
woman may not always be at liberty to
entertain visitors, write letters or pay
morning calls. The only valid excuse
for a lack of leisure is a press of
domestic duties, but other reasons.
especially if they relate in any manner
to literary labor. are considered an
atfectation.
In this truth lies a partial explana-
ton why mems work is more frequent
ly satisfactory than women's The
man of business breaks off break
fast or luncheon chat with guest
to say: ''This is all very pleas
ant, but | ought 10 be at the Of
fee. You will excuse me, of course"
He apologies for dilatoriness in social
duties with the plea of the quantity of
extra work he has had to do at his
store or counting-room. Even the
clergyman can claim rs his right GER
tain hours in his study. The man or
woman who took offense at such a
course would be justly voted deficient
in perception and Judgment. But look
at the other side of the question for a
moment
A woman has received liberal edu-
cation, one THAI fits her for something
higher than mere society and house
hold occupations. She comes home
from school or college full of plans for
study and self-improvement, deter
mined to give regular hours to the
pursuance of those branches in which
she has stood first at her examinations.
She is willing to give a reasonable
amount of time to society, for she has
no prediction for the life of hermit
She is desirous to learn housekeeping
to relieve her mother of burdens and
to take her proper place in the home.
With all this there are still two or three
hours per diem that she resolves to re-
serve for intellectual work. If the
choice must be between yielding that
and renouncing balls and parties, the
latter must suffer. Should she persist
in this course, what is the re-
suit? Her girl friends pityingly
speak of her as being complete
ly spoiled, settled down into regular
recluse. Young men shun her as blue
stocking, and when she seeks relaxation
in society she is greeted by ironical
compliments upon her literary powers.
mock serious marvelings that she should
have been coaxed from her books by
such frivolity. while even by we'll
meaning acquaintances her pursuits are
apt to be regarded with compassionate
patronage.
If, however, a woman gives herself
up to her home duties she is esteemed
a model to her sex. Literary work is
no excuse for withdrawing from society
duties, but let it be known that the time
thus won is devoted to doing her own
cooking, sweeping or sewing. the mat
ron is regarded with added respect.
To this general state of public opin- |
ion New England offers a strong con-
trast. While a knowledge of house
keeping is thought essential for all
women, proficiency in a language or
science is admired and commended. If
the daughter of a wealthy father chooses
to teach school or take pupils no adj
verse criticism is passed upon her |
course. and girls ability to earn |
money Dy an accomplishment is looked
on as a credit, rather than disgrace
81 really don't know what to do with !
my time" said a well-to-do young
married woman. Il have more leisure |
than can manage to use.
Alasl that it is not possible to establish |
a time exchange-that the idler can not
furnish her spare hours to the over
worked and hurried housewife, or thai
there can not be at least division OF
such matters as paying and receiving
morning calls and writing letters!
The frequent invitations every woman
receives to run in and spend the
morning with me-" give forcible
suggestion of how little any one must
have to do who can afford to take the
golden hours of the day for social
recreation. The Hindoos have a custom,
when detained too long by a prosy or
untimel Y visitor, of rising and saying.
courteously: $50, and come again"
The guest never thinks of resenting the |
decidedly broad hint, but, receiving it |
in the spirit in which it is offered, |
makes his adieu. While the introduc |
ton of this habit into America may MOI |
be altogether practicable, it would be
well if the plea of pressing occupation |
could be accepted by one woman from |
another in the same manner that similar |
excuses are exchanged between busi- |
ness men.-PhiIadslphi Press.