Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1886-07-09
WOMEN'S TIME.
Estimate Which the Weaker Sex Puts
Upon Its Leisure.

Upon Its Leisure.
From IA well-known popular woman's
rights paper comes the following: us
woman time worth anything? 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 sec
with garment on which she made her
self how much it cost. If she tells you
SO. or any other amount, ask her if
that includes the cost of making, and
see if she doesn't reply, Il made it my
If. l am not now finding fault with
women for max .ng their clothes, trim
ming their hats, or embroidcring their
cloaks, although | believe a great deal
of time is wasted thereby. Neither am
going to argue that men spend their
time more usefully than women, for
do not believe it,"
There is no use denying, says The PHI
tons to a great number may appre-
ciate this fact, the large majority seem
unable TO grasp the idea that a woman
may not always be at liberty TO enter
tain visitors, write letters or pay morn
ing calls. The only valid excuse for q
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 ailcctation.
In this truth lies partial cxplana-
ton why men, work is more frequen-
tly satisfactory than women's. The
man of business breaks off breakfast
or luncheon chat with guest to say:
"This is all very pleasant, but ought
to be AT the office. You will excuse me,
of course y He apologies for dilator-
mess 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 as his
right certain hours in his study. The
man or woman who took oflensc at such
n course would be justly voted defli-
cicnt in perception and judgment. But
look at the other side of the question
for n moment.
a woman has received liberal edu-
cation, one that fits her for something
higher than mere society and house.
hold occupations. She comes home
from college full OF plans for study and
scf-improvement, determined to give
ccgular hours to the pursuance of those
branches in which she has stood first ut
aer examinations. She is wiling to
give reasonable amount of time to so
scety for she has no prediction for
the life of hermit. She is DESTROYS to
earn 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 reserve
for intellectual work. If the choice
must be between yielding that and re-
nouncing balls and parties the latter
must suffer. Should she persist in this
/
friends ptyingly speak of her as being
completely spoiled, settled down into a
rccluSe. Young men shun her Is blue
sto king, and when she seeks relaxation
in society she is greeted by ironical
compliments upon her literary powers,
mock serious marvelings that she should
nave been coaXed from her books by
such frivolity, while even by well-mean-
ing acquaintances her pursuits are apt
TO be regarded with compassionate pat
ronage.
If, however, Il woman gives herself
M 20 her home duties she is esteemed q
model to her sex. Literary work is nc
excuse for Withdrawing from society or
church duties. but let it be known that
the time thus won is devoted to doing
her own cooking, sweeping, or sewing,
the matron is regarded with added re.
spect.
To this general state of public
opinion New England offers strong
contrast. While knowledge of house
keeping is thought essential for al
women, proficiency in language OF
science is admired and commended. II
the daughter of wealthy father
chooses TO teach school or take pupil:
no adverse criticism is passed upon hel
course. and u girls ability to carr
money by an accomplishment is looked
on as credit, rather than a disgrace.
81 really don't know what to do will
my time, . said well-to-do young mar.
ricd woman. Il have more leisure than
| can manage TO use.
Alas! that it is not possible to cstab
] lish time exchange-that the idlel
can not furnish her spare hours TO the
overworked and hurried housewife, OF
that there can not be at least divs
ion of such matters as paying and re
ceiving morning calls and writing let
| tiers!
The frequent invitations every wo