Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-02-16

"ouio ouer an avenue Tor the disposition OF
edibies, extend the opportunities OF helping
others in that direction, and provide a cheap.
well-cooked breakfast lunch OF dinner al
nominal figures for those 70 whom economy
must be a constant companion. From this mar
row margin OF operations the work has Az
banded until il is beyond the patronage only Of
those who work 10 earn their daily bread IL
affords opportunities, without curtailing the
chances OF their less fortunate sisters 20 many
blessed with good, plsin food and warm Clothes
The sale OF tidy, scarf, q quilt. may mean
books, music, days outing for some fragile,
delicate body. or a week. perhaps. away from
the scenes and sorrows Of everyday life, which
comes as cool, clear water. to a thirsty soul.
On sale In the establishments here as else-
where, are articles representing almost every
variety OF the handi-work of Mashington's
busy workers, from a handmade lace handker-
chief, valued at nearly half hundred OF dollars
70 stif, semi-snow looking dolls Of cotton bat
ting made, doubtless by some tiny but willing
hand whose little owner anxiously and en-
pectantly awaits a report Of SALE Articles of
useful and valuable needle-work hang around
with prices affixed side by side with the
sheerest trlfes conceived only 90 please some
passing craze, or dovetailed in show-windoWs
with cakes, candies, jellies. pies cookies and
what-not each something the exponent OF an
industry by which some needy soul Is to be fed
and clothed.
THE BEGNSTNa OF THE MOVEMENT
Among the first of this peculiar class OF asso-
years ago in England, under the patronage OF
Queen Victoria and the personal superintend-
ence or that lovely, warm-hearted woman the
frlncess Beatrice. IL was known as the Work.
ing Ladies Guild" and its object as stated was
TO assist gentlewomen OF limited means 20
sef-support," and though somewhat changed
In Its character and methods, the working
woman's movement of to-day embraces the
same tenets, and many poor deserving woman
owes wholesome meal or comfortable dress 10
Its existence.
Scarcely less younger IL the New York ex-
change for women's work, and many there are
OF Washington's fair daughters, before the city
had one OF its own, either from reduced cir
cumstances or needful Of 'pin-monoy," who
have sent to that institution some delicate fab
ric skillfully embroidered or artfully fashioned
into some useful article, where il was sold and
the sender made happy by the receipts IL
goes without saying that oftentimes the result
was agreeably surprising, at others sadly dis
appointing, when the needs of more than one
hung in the magnitude of the returns.
THE WORK IN WASHINGTON.
The first establishment OF q woman's ex-
change in Washington was some years ago, aud
was located on + street between 18th and 18th.
II was started by an association composed Of
forty or more Of the cityls most charitable la
dies, and was presided over first by Mrs. Nes-
colt and subsequently by Mrs. Admiral Rogers.
aided by Miss Strong, daughter of Justice
Strong. For some reason or other IL was not
successful, probably more on account of the
novelty of the undertaking and consequent
lack of patronage than anything else. IL
was moved from one place 10 another until
finally II suspended, good deal Of money and
a large amount of persistent. earnest, faithful
work having been expended in the attempt 60
make II a success. What is q remnant Of il il
now conducted on a small scale by one of its
former employees, Miss 0liphant, at sl7 l4th
street. who confines her work in that line to
NIa IL Of
&C.. sent her by those who wish to make
penny in this way.
THE EDUCATIONAL AND INDUSTRIAL UNION.
The Oldest now and most notable here OF
any of the branches of the woman's work move
ment is The Woman's Educational and In
dustrial union. at BIC 18th street IL was
organized under the auspices of Mrs. Able
Morton DiaZ, of the Boston ASSOCIATION, of the
same name, and is conducted under the patron
age OF local association, the president of
which is Mrs. DIR. c. b. Winslow, No. 2 Grant
Place, with a number of vice-presidents and a
secretary, Mrs. L. A. Leggett, sl2 18th street
This Is not technically charitable
institution, but one whose object rather j. to
help women by teaching them 20 help them
selves, 70 educate them TO elevate industry 10
the plane of professional dignity, and at the
same time assist and encourage them prac-
tically in their work. II comprises a depart
ment for the sale of their work, from the finest
a needful woman can find il in hand 10 make and
IN addition conducts an industrial depart
ment which gives instruction in the beet
methods OF the manufacture Of such articles.
system of evening classes is part Of the
work in which the English branches
stenography, elocution and practical dress
making are taught by thoroughly competent
teachers at a mere nominal sum. IL established
early In Its history library upon the novel
plan of inviting a membership and charging a
he m faa In ne Il
hundred volumes have been secured in addi-
ton to contributions from appreciatye and
sympathizing friends of the association. In
the library magazines. papers, &c., are on file,
and women can go and sit there and read.
taking their own lunches with them il they
prefer. though a lunch room is q part of tho
work. for the double purpose Of dlsposing,
Tar as necessary, of the consignments of
cookery, and furnishing simple, health
ful, home-cooked food, tea. coffee,
chocolate, &C., at moderate prices The
union is supported largely by subscriptions
from membership, though the result of It's own
work is growing in effect Its contributing
members include many of the most notable
ladies in Washington society and as the char
acter of the work is becoming known it's patron
age is extending and its opportunities for help
ing truly deserving women increasing. We
propose to make this for women" said
STAR. what the Y. NJ. c. A. il TO men. a center
of good, place which holds out sisterly arms
to the stranger and says welcome II will be
TO women a bureau of information, protection.
and help, and no woman on coming to the city
can say i am alone"
OTHER BRANCHES OF THE WORK.
Another establishment, similar in its object.
but not so far reaching in Its designs, is the
'Woman's Exchange" on the corner of nth
and E streets. II is presided over by Mrs.
Brinton, better known as Mother Southwick"
of the New England log cabin at the Centen-
NAL in 1875 who is assisted by other matronly
ladies and younger, pretty, rosy-cheeked ones
all of whom catch business by the wing and hold
il while they pursue each her allotted duty.
On sale here are articles and edibles represent
ing every variety of the handiwork of Washing
tons women workers. There are others located
out from the business center of the city. In
number of cities each ward has an exchange or
branch, and in some wards several.
WHAT WOMEN CAN DO TO EARN MONEY.
But few years ago the condition of affairs
was such that a woman had few opportunities
in the business world, but il is not the case
now, for many avenues ore opened 10 her, and
there is no reason why any reputable,
energetic woman cannot make a COM
Portable living. OF course there some
who are thrown under distressingly un-
fortunate circumstances who must necessarily
depend upon charity or the assistance Of
others-one left a penniless widow, for in
sfo larx h,,t A. -