The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-05-10
THE WORKING woMArs HOME.

THE WORKING WOMAN'S HOME.
Modern humanitarian effort, in its most
practical and benifcent development, is
based upon the idea that prevention is
better than cure. Upon this idea the
Young Mems Christian Association was
founded. This organization which, after
the Christian churches, is the most
effective moral agency in the United
States, seeks not so much to reclaim the
lost as TO hold to paths Of virtue and
rectitude those who have not wandered
from them-or who. at least, have not
become degraded and depraved. In every
city Of the country this association main
tains . sort of social headquarters in
which entertainment Of an elevating sort
may be found by all young men who
choose to avail themselves of it. It il i'm
possible to estimate the good that has
been accomplished in this way; but there
can be no doubt that hundreds Of thou
sands of young men have been saved to
society through its restraining influences.
But, strangely enough, while 80 much
has been accomplished for young men,
scarcely anything has been done in
systematic way for class equally deserv-
ing-the young working women of the
country. While the young working
women are equally deserving they are
subjected to temptations far more trying
than those which appeal to young
men. The range of industrial pur-
suits open to them is compare
lively limited: !, the labors required
Of them are excessive, and the wages paid
them exceeding small. In the larger cities
ofthe country the earnings of working girls
average not more than FIVE or six dollars
per week; and while in Seattle il is con-
siderably more, it is still so small as to
barely support the absolutely necessary
cost of living. But there is darker side
than this to the picture, and 1t grows out
Of the humiliating fact that in every
community there are considerable
numbers of men who regard work.
ing girls as s'fair game" No
body who has not taken the trouble
to investigate carefully and fully social
conditions as they really are can un-
derstand how artful and how constant are
the temptations which the average work.
ing girl, if she be without relatives or
friends and unprotected. It is not sur
prising that there are those among the
humanitarian workers Of the time who
assume and openly assert that not only
the spirit of chivalry, but the spirit of
humanity and decency has departed from
very considerable proportion of the
masculine population of the cities of the
country.
At last an effort is being made through
out the United States to create system of
Homes for young working women that
will accomplish for this most worthy and
deserving class what the Young Mems
| Christian Association is doing for the
young men. The movement originated in
Boston, from there spread to New York
and Philadelphia, and about five years
ago reached the Pacific coast. In San
Francisco aud in our neighboring city of
Portland IL has already taken practical
hold, and an effort is being made to es-
tablish il in Seattle. Shortly before the
fire the Womans Home Society was
organized here. Those who were
most active in the organization were
Mrs. Angus Macintosh, Mrs. H. s. Park
hurst. Mrs. P. b. M. Miller. Mrs. w. II.
Reeves, Mrs. Eben Smith, Mrs. Rees p.
Daniels and Mrs. David T. Denny, with
large number of others. Mrs. Denny by
the donation of a lot suitable for Home.
put the project upon a substantial
basis at once Other contributions enabled
the managers to buy another lot adioin-
ing, and 10 this beginning was added
S. 900 by the general division of the
surplus fire relief fund. The society now
holds the two lots named, and has upon
them a building nearly completed. To
finish this building, to furnish ii properly
and to put the society In the way of active
usefulness, 5000 more is needed, and for
this sum the ladies now appeal to the
public.
While the project is thoroughly Chris
tian in its character and in its methods.
II is absolutely non -sectarian, being entirely
independent of any particular church con-
troll or influence. II is proposed 70 MAIN
tain "Home for Working Women" which
shall be what its name implies. At the
beginning il viii have domestic accommo-
dstion for about forty girls, who
win be provided with board and
lodging and the domestic comforts
at price which reckons only the cost and
which seeks TO make no profit This Home
il is proposed to maintain as q working
women's social and business headquarters
to whose privileges any worthy working
woman may Be admitted, where all may