The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1886-07-03
WOMAN'S TIME.
Estiihate which the Weaker Sex Put.
Upon Its Leisure Hours.

rights paper comes the following: "Is
woman's time worth any thing? No,
absolutely Nottingham 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 a garment on which she made
herself how much it cost. Ii 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,
4 made it myself am not now find.
ing fault with women for making their
clothes, trimming their hats, or EN-.
Broadening their cloaks, although 1 be.
lieve great deal of time is wasted
thereby. Neither am l 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 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
iaffeetation.
In this truth lies partial explana-
ton why mems work is more frequent
ly satisfactory than women's. The
man of business breaks off a break
fast or luncheon chat with guest
to say: "This is all very pleas
ant, but fought to be at the of
flee. 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 as his right GER
tain hours in his study. The man or
woman who took offense at such a
course would be justly voted deficient
i'm perception and judgment. But look
at the other side of the question for a
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 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 reasonable
amount of time to society, for she has
no prediction for the life of hermit.
She is DESTROYS 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 70! intellectual work. If the
choice must be between yielding that
and renouncing balls and parties, the
latter mist 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 well
meaning acquaintance her pursuits are
apt to be regarded with compassionate
patronage.
If, however, a woman gives herself
up to her home duties she is esteemed
model to her sex. Literary work is
no excuse 1or WithoraWing from society
duties but let 1t be known that the time
thus won Is devoted to dong her own
COOKING sweeping or sewing the mat
ron Is regarded with ADDED respect.
10 TINS general state OF publlc opln-
ION New England offers strong con-
irast: Whlle knowledge OF house
Keeping Is thought essential Tor all
women. proficiency IN language or
science is admired ana commended. II
the daughter OF wealthy 1ather chooses
TO teach school or take pupils no adj
verse criticism IS passed upon her
course, ana u girl ability to earn
money by an accomplishment IS looked
on as credit rather than disgrace
Il really don I Know what TO 90 with
my tlme' SAID Well-to-do young
married woman nave more leisure
than can manage to use,
time eXchange-th that the ldler can mot
furnish her spare hours to the over
worked and hurried housewife, or that