The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1890-08-22
TIMES HAVE CHANGED.
The Girl of To-day Is Bright and Indus
trious, and Often the Mainstay of the
Family.

1 s""s' anu Oteh the Matnstay OF thf
| Family.
The father of a family of daughters
used to be an object of general commiser
alton. Sons were desired to carry on
the business which had brought the
family wealth and distinction; to inner.
it and add to the acres that were the
proud possession of the land owner.
There was nothing of particular i'm.
portance that the daughter could do, and
the old-fashioned arithmetics of twenty
years ago were very correct indications
of the popular esteem in which the fe-
male child was held. These were full
of such problems as If farmer give to
his oldest son one-half his estate and to
his second son one-third. how much will
his five daughters receiver
Arithmetics are not made in this way
nowadays. They have changed and
the common estimate has changed with
them. Modern arithmetic-makers seem
actuated by some sense of fair dealing,
and the fathers have furnished them the
facts and figures to go by.
An eminent woman used to tell how,
when she learned that her new born
child was daughter, she turned her
face to the wall and wept- That was a
long time ago, and the outlook was GER
tainly not encouraging either to the
young applicant for share in the
worlds good fortune.
But the time shave changed and there is
no longer any need to weep over the ad-
vent of daughters into the family circle.
The father has learned that their
qualifications are not necessarily those
that find their limitations within the
home; that, il there be need of it, they
can render him efficient service in pur-
suits formerly set apart sacredly for
the sons
The social condition OF country towns,
in that they are more easily ascertained,
furnish an interesting study in domes-
tic economy. In how many will it be
found that the sons. refusing even the
education provided them. remain at
home, as dependent and as helpless as
the daughters used to be? They have
learned nothing at school, they have
no desire to succeed on their own &C
count, and, lacking steadfastness of pur-
pose and perseverance,, succeed in moth
ing. Added to this are failings and IA
tai indulgence which have no attraction
for, their sisters.
The girls, on the other hand, having
graduated, begin to look about for some
thing to do. What profession shall I
take up" ''What work can i fnd?" are
the two important questions, and they
apply themselves to whatever offers
with diligence and cheerfulness. Even
those with abundant means are not en-
tirely satisfied with life, aimless in it.
self, devoted exclusively to society At
ter the first season they find wearisome
sameness in dinners and teas and cotil-
lions. and they so turn their minds to
something in the world outside worth
striving for and worth attaining.
The signing, sentimental maiden of
the old-fashioned romance has given
way to the healthy, active young wom-
an, who finds her chief happiness in do
ing her task we'll, whatever that task
may be.
How many, many such are the comfort
and the maintenance of the mother
whose declining years are frightened
by her faithful ministration; how many
such are to-day the stay and support Of
father, sisters and brothers. They are
not bowed down with care, but accept
their sacred responsibilities with the
of being able to work and do
for others, which is the surest of all
for selfishness, and unhappi-
ness, and discontent.-Chicago Inter |
Ocean.