Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-05-29

many avenues of employment that are con-
stantly being opened to women, and in
which of these their work will be of the
most distinct value By reason of their
natural adaptability, sensitive and artistic
temperaments and individual tastes.
All Sentiment Strictly Barred.
With this end in view the women of all
countries have been invited to participate
in this great exhibit of woman's work. Ex-
hibits to this building will be admitted only
upon invitation, which will be considered
equivalent of a prize. Sentimental SYM
pathy for women is not to cause the admis-
sion of second-rate objects, I am told, but
that the highest standard of excellence is to
be here strictly maintained. It is the work
of auxiliary committees to find these women
workers and to recommend objects of
special excellence. 1t is proposed by the
Board of Lady Managers. who fully ap-
preciate the golden opportunity now in
their hands, to make such an exhibit in the
Woman's building as shall clear away all
existing misconceptions as to the value of
women's industries and their inventions,
both past and present. The fact will be es-
tablished that while women have been since
the beginning of time largely occupied as
home makers, and have not been trained
for either industrial or artistic occupations,
yet their successes in those directions have
been important, but thoroughly unappre-
ciated.
But this Exposition Is to be woman's
inning, and she is to set herself right before
the world. 1t will be shown that women
among all primitive peoples were the orig
inators of most of the industrial arts, and
that after they had sweated their brains in
originating these helps for the world then
men stepped in and stole their ideas and
pocketed the profits, and the women were
pushed in the background.
What Primitive Women Found Out.
While man. the protector, was engaged in
fighting or the chase, woman constructed the
rude semblance of a home. She dressed
and cooked the game and later ground the
grain between stones and prepared it for
bread. She cured and dressed the skins of
animals and fashioned them, awkwardly,
of course, into garments. Growing out of
the necessity for its use she invented the
needle and twisted fbers of plants into
thread. Next she invented the shuttle
used in weaving textile fabrics in which
were often mingled feathers, wool and down,
contributing both to the beauty and warmth
of the material.
woman was the first potter; that with her
delicate hands she nodded clav into jars and
other utensils for domestic purposes, drying
them in the sun. She also originated basket
making, and these things will be shown in
such an infinite variety of beautiful forms,
colors and decorations that modern produc-
tions will be put to shame
The work of women through classic and
medieval times will be illustrated by illu-
minated manuscripts, books of poetry, ro-
nance and history, textile fabrics, elaborate
embroideries and drawn work, the various
laces and tapestries which have been pro-
duced in every country and epoch The old
Bayeux tapestries, made by Matilda, of
Flanders, will be either exhibited in the
original or reproduced. am sure it will
be a revelation to many women to learn
that these tapestries are the best history
e1tant of the conquest of England by Will
lam the Conqueror and that they are con-
stantly referred to by every authority treat
ing of military science, army accOutre-
ments, customs and manners of the day.
Even the Bur ding Is womanly
But about the beautiful building that is
to be the showhouse of woman's capabilities,
in regard to which no picture can give YOU
a correct conception. 1t is structure not
only good to have been done by girl of %
years, but one that would do credit to any
man in the profession. But to me even the
building seems womanIy. Miss Hayden
seems to have put her sex in the work. Its
distinction of line and ornament, its grace
of symmetry, its pretty proportions and
neat courts cause it to differ from the other
buildings, which are of more robust cast,
lust as the delicate apparel and nigh-bred
grace of a woman differ from the more mus
cular and sterner proportions of a man.
Italian Renaissance, as seen in Southern
Europe, is the style represented in this
building. It is said by those who know
that it is done with force and vigor, and 1t
certainly calls for learned, sympathetic and
congruous decoration. Its strength is in the
round arches, which are Roman; its grace,
in the pillars, which are italian; while its
outer decorations incline to the Moorish.
Mrs. Palmer is abroad at present to se-
cure, If possible, woman artist to decorate
the interior of this Woman's building AL
though our women have been painting
plaques, carving wood, scratching metals,
striving in sculpture, ETC., and, although
America has furnished some excellent
woman painters, who have not only ap-
peared to advantage in this country, but have
been recognized in the Paris Salon, vet it
seems We have no one who can be called a
mural or architectural decorator Madam
Alma Tadema and Louise Jopllng will have
the honor of declining or of accepting Mrs
Palmer's proposition to come over and put
the finishing touches to the structure
That Much-Talked-of Bronze Door.
Also, while on this mission, Mrs. Palmer
will secure the consent Of the German Gov