The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-02-13
THURSDAY. FEBRUARY 10, 1880.


EMPLOYMENT FOR WOMEN.
A recent letter in the Manufacturers
Record. Of Baltimore. presents
graphic picture Of the present and pro-
spsctivs development Of the mineral
resources of Virginia, and the property
Of the towns which promise to become
mining and manufacturing centres. is
advancing in value with unprecedented
rapidity. This forsshsdowing Of what
seems 10 be the inevitable destiny Of
our State had already made its impress
sion on political parties in the last
Presidential contest, and in more recent
struggles invoking more limited issues,
the diabolism OF Mshonism also has
kept Virginia from drifting from her
old political moorings.
L. is clear that Virginia must become
mining and manufacturing State as
the principal means OF her rescue from
poverty, for, agriculturally, she is poor
in comparison with the West, and steel
rails have brought that great section to
our very doors. The statement that
Western corn is selling in the Atlantic
cities at A. cents per bushel, and wheat
at from IS cents to so cents, and that
our average production of both per
acre is small in comparison, settles with
us the question of the profitable Guilt
walton Of these staples with hired
labor, while it may be admitted
that the average Virginia farm will
support with comfort the family Of the
farmer who works his land with HE
own hands. Yet the larger portion Of
the population Of Virginia is still en-
gagged in agriculture; but, except in the
section adapted to the finer grades Of
tobacco, with profoundly discouragins
results. The usual stimulant of profit
has been removed. and ekins out bare
livelihood is the end Of every effort.
Never was human energy so wasted
and consequent apathy and despair so
great.
There is one feature Of tho condition
OF the agricultural classes with us which
makes the situation still worse, and it is
the absence of employment for thoss
women who have 20 cares and duties ss
the heads Of families. They are without
opportunities Of self-support ss in the
North-exp0sure to wind and storm
and toiling in the field under sum
mer' s sun. are in no way suited to their
ply capacity, and under the force
of. necessity they are non-producers.
In the country districts Of Virginia
there are thousands Of women who
have TO submit to enforced idlsness for
the want of suitable work to do, and
who woald gladly earn their own liv'
ing. and this may explain in some
measure the difference between the
thrift Of Virginia and Massachusetts.
1t is no discredit TO England and most
civilized countries that the women pro-
duce untold millions Of wealth, and it
is our misfortune that the conditions
which surround us will make this i'm
possible until manufactures suitable to
their industrial capacity can be estas-
Iished throughout our State.
While towns like Roanoke are spring
ing up as if by magic, aud capital is
pouring by millions into the State TO
create mining aud manufacturing cen
tres, We see no reason why, with or
gained efforts in every county. capita
NAV not be attracted to build up small
or industries adapted to women. and
near their own homes. Such men as
Mr.. Ginter and Mr.. Randolph have ac-
complished an amount of coed hardly
10 be estimated il giving remunorative
work 10 the women of Richmond, and
such benefcent results may with proper
efforts be extended to every village in
the country.
The suggestion even may be shock |
to the prejudices of past era, but we
must remember that old things have
passed away and all things have become
new, and that there can be no nobler
aim or higher duty than to find self
support fer those who are most helpless
and most entitled to tenderness.