The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-03-23
OPTICIANS.
THE LADY AND THE MOUSE.
Woman Fears the Rodent Because
She Has Not Been Taught to Fight.

Baltimore gun.
AS times advance old-time theories ex-
relative to the fact that boy recently let
a mouse loose at woman's meeting and
theory that women are born afraid OF
mouse is the one that was on this occasion
exploded. The president OF the meeting
arose and with calm elaboration killed the
mouse. and with calmer elaboration extn-
guished the boy. That is all there is TO
the story, but the principle that women
not as afraid OF mouse as they are popu-
larly supposed 10 be is born. Thus is the
modern woman emancipatng herself from
the thraldom OF old-time Misrepresentation.
1t is, however, worth while TO explain that
the assemblage was one of dress reform
enthusiasts. There is reason for women
entertaining a haunting fear of a mouse,
and seeking refuge mounted on tables and
chalrS ana giving vent TO squealS of terror.
Even braye-hearted warrior, who is not
afraid of the lannon's mouth has no relish
Tor bodily contact with the dlminutiVe
rodent Take your hero and dress hin, nm
IN lawn lingerie, with laces and lounces
ana straps, and springs, and bones and
wires and the numerous and sundy things
oIIat Deloh6 70 the attire OF the usual wom-
an, hamper his activity in the way women
are hamDered, and then let a mouse loose
IN the room with him, and the chances are
Ten 70 nothing that his first impulse on be-
holding that mouse is to hop up TO a pedes-
tai or safety, 10 a vantage poina from
which he can keep his eye on the where
aDOuts or that mouse. Instinct suggests to
him how that mouse would feel If il sought
hiding in among the folds OF his super
dDuHudnl lingerie. lie KNOWS the mouse
wouldn't hurt him, but quite the same
though IL would. he would feel impelled TO
escape from IL. The fear OF d mouse inn
bedded In the feminine mind Is built wholly
on the utter lack OF the weapon with which
TO meet the enemy IL IS the human pre-
rogauVe TO scream, and the chances are
man himself would soon learn under the
feminine environments 70 avail himself OF IL.
From the time man is introducel TO at
mospheric existence the idea OF self-defense
is promulgated In him. This is an Item that
that Is neglected In the early education OF
the gentler sex. Women are discovering
themselves. each other and the drawback
to their progress nowadays Dress reform
is feature of emancipation.
The other night a resident OF this city
was avail ened shortly after midnight ~
his daughter who Informed him that A
bright light was burning I'm the dining
room. and the rattle of silver suggested
burglars. He arose hastily and crept noise
lessly down stairs. club In hand Arriv-
prised his wife preparing a dose OF meii-
cine at the sidebOard, and thus the burgl n
and the rattle OF silver was explained. He
was n picture in his white night robe and
a pair OF boots. IL was like an illogical
woman 10 appreciate the novelty OF his ap-
pearance and Inquire why he had his boots
on
WELL" said he. If you think I'd core
down stairs TO kick n burglar out In my
bare feet, madam, you're mistaken
Il is masuciine characteristics horn 81
early training. TO prepare for selfdefenSe.
high place and scream. Environment and
education are responsible. The modern
woman has a banner-bearer I'm the person
OF the sister who killed the mouse an eX-
tinguished the small boy. Women must
learn to meet danger with their boots on