The morning call., 1891-04-03
AN IDEAL WIFE OUTLINED.
She Must BE Constant, Industrious and
Economical as Wen as Literary.

She Must BE Constant, Industrious and
Economical as Wen as Literary.
The Philadelphia Item has recently pub
lished number OF contributions on the sub
ject "An Ideal Wife" One of the writers
gives his views on the subject in the follow
ing words:
would define an Ideal Helpmate" to be
one possessing in large degree, the follow
ing virtues: An atfectionate disposition, so
that she may the more easily acquire and
retain the affection of her husband and chill
dren; purity, so that, being above reproach.
she may of necessity be sincerely respected
Constancy, in order that she may be proof
against the Adjustments and allurements OF
more wealthy though perhaps less worthy,
suitors than her spouse; not tickle nor an
object of dread to her husband when absent,
or IL likely subject for the divorce court.
Industry, so that her braiu be not a
devils workshop" but rather source
from which spring in6uite happiness, COM
fort and profit to herself and family
Cheerfune5s, so that the everyday petty
cares and worries shall not clog the wheel
OF domestic happiness nor mar the wlIe's
serenity of demeanOr; but whose DISPOSE
ton should be to look toward the bright
side OF everything. So5rietg, so that she
may not impaIt TO her offspring the curse of
incompetence; nor to her husband heart
achings and ruinations necessarily attend
ant upon inebrletY. Economy, that she
may not waste what may be needed OH
rainy day, nor eXpend with thOughtlessneSs
and extravaganza moneys intrusted to her,
thereby bringing shame, rulnatl0n, dis
grace ami want upon her family, but be
prudent housekeeper Christianity, that
she may have safe anchorage in times Of
temptation and trouble. and that she may
the more likely be self-denying, charlta-
}. and
airy inclinations which would tend to keep
the husband at home, instead of his seek
ing similar entertainments at clubs, etc, to
chase away gloom or loneliness, when need
be, to make home an abode OF cheerfuln esS
and a desirable place TO live and love in.
Chickering's and family disputes cannot
thrive in an atmosphere of affection, cheer
fulness and music. She must haveliterary
likings, so that she may be able to converse
with her husband intelligently upon matters
useful anu which may be interesting TO him,
and the better to understand his affairs and
human nature generally, that she may in
struct her children wisely and draw correct
and logical differences herself from what she
hears and sees, and not, as is too Often the
case, draw an affected and false view OF the
world, and man in particular.
do not lay much stress upon complexion
or facial delineatiou, but consider sound
mind in Il sound body and comely tout en-
semble as important factors in my cOncep-
tion OF an ideal helpmate"
With such wife as | have described, man
would and should be happy and content,
nor need he then wrangle as to whether
marriage is failure" or about woman S
rights"
Her character being nearly perfect her
goodness of heart so angelic, her attain
mentS so pleasurable, nothing would then
be more desirable than marriage, which
would truly be a haven Of eternal bliss, as
il was intended 10 be.