The intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1887-1891, 1888-05-19
MAKE YOUR DAUGHTERS INDGPEN
DENT.

From an "Open Letter." in The
Century for May, we quote as follows {:
"Would it not be wiser far to induce
young girls in thousands of happy
prosperous homes TO make ample pro-
vision tor any and all emergencies that
the future may have in store for them
Could u better use be found for some
OF the years that intervene between the
time a girl leaves school and the time
she may reasonably hope to marry
The field Tor womans work has been
opened up of late years in so many
different directions that u vocation can
easily he found, outside the profession
of teaching, that will be quite as con-
genial to refined tastes, and considera-
bly, more lucrative. Book keeping
type writing, telegraphy, stenography
engraving, dentistry, medicine, nurs-
ing, and a dozen other occupations
might be mentioned. Then, too, in
dustrial schools might be established,
where the daughters of wealthy parents
could be trained in the practical details
OF any particular industry for which
they displayed special aptitude. II
it is not beneath the sons and daugh-
tcrs of monarch To learn trade, it
ought not TO be beneath the SONS and
daughters of republican America to
emulate their good example, provided
they possess the requisite ability TO
do so.
1.-TWO years will suffice TO make any
bright, quick girl conversant with all
The mysteries of the art of house keep
ing, especially if she be wise enough TO
study the art practically as well as
Theoretically. The management of
servants and the care OF the sick and
children will be incidentally learned in
most homes, and can be supplemented
by more extended study of physiolo.
gy, hygiene, etc than WAS possible at
school. Sewing need not be neglected
either, while leisure will readily be
found for reading or any other recrea-
ton that may suit Individual tastes
Another year, or longer, may be added
TO the tiEe devoted to these pursuits,
if desired But, above all, let two or
three years he conscientiOusly set apart
for the express purpose of acquiring a
thorough experimental knowledge OF
some art or vocation which would
render It's possessor sell supporting
and, consequently, independent.
"lf the tide of public opinion favoring
such course would but set in, many a
one would be spared untold suffering
and misery in after lie. Let the rich
SET the example IN this matter. They
can afford to do whatever pleases
them, and, therefore, have it in their
power to mold public opinion. He not
afraid, girls, that you will find your
self imposed task Irksome. Remember
that occupation is necessary TO happi-
ness, and that there is no reason why
you should not dream while you work.
"The cry will he raised that there is
danger that such Il plan as the one
advocated here will tend to give girls
dlstastc for the quiet retirement Of
home, but there is little cause for fear.
Not one girl i'll twenty will voluntarily
choose \ business life in preference To
domestic happiness. Indeed, II is
absolutely certain that happy marriages
would be promoted by this very indie
pCndcnCe among women. Not being
AT leisure to nurse every passing fancy,
girls would elect to wait patiently until
the light OF true love came into their
lives ,