The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1895-01-05
A Wonan's viows.


that am glad to Geo that an article
from woman's pen on the tramp ques-
ton has appeared in The HERALD. My
opinion is that il We knew the true state
OF affairs, we would not marvel much at
not seeing women's opinion on this
ugly question put on public record. The
majority Of them. especially the moth
era and wives of the wage esrners,
would express their sentiments in terms
so strongly felt that perhaps they think
the papers would prefer to ignore them.
Lst anyone take the trouble to eng uire
of the women belonging to the produc-
ing classes--I say classes, because in
this land of equality class lines, the
sure signs of q nations retrogression,
are becoming very visible-and find out
what they think Of the tramp question,
and greater marves than that Of not
seeing their views on paper would come
to light. Tales Of anxiety, worry and
bitterness, enough to affect the stoutest
heart.
l will give only a few of the mildest
that came under my observation. From
mechanics wife: "Tnrn away a
tramp from my door; no. never! Ii
present conditions last mnch longer,
God only knows when my husband and
boys may be forced to join that suffer-
ing throng; unsteady work and low
wages. what will the future be?"
Competition" said contractor 3
wife, ''has assumed such a phase, that
if it continues much longer, the future
looks very gloomy. L ait up sometimes
till midnight assisting my husband to
figure on some jobs; he puts the figures
at the very lowest. but when he feels
almost sure OF the work, "a still lower
bidder snatches it from him. Talk
about tram ps not being willing to work.
it is Islander on humanity. Men come
to my husband aud beg for work ss they
would for the greatest boon; they no
longer dare ask for wages, but say, Give
me what you can, only give me work.
Is it not dreadful? Shame on America
for allowing such unworthy and demon.
slizing conditions to exist! In ma or-
ity of cases." she continued, latter her
husband, rushing through his business
like mad dog. he comes out with
about rs cents a day."
A mother OF large family said: "My
existence is like that of slave besides
doing all my homework, l must take in
sewing; my husband gets something to
do at irregular intervals, and only for
my hard work, which ia wearing me
out (ahe was lying sick on her back
when shs esid ~. the wolf could not be
kept from the door. Yes," she said.
bitterly, "whst is our governmen do
ing to give relief to so much distress l
only wish that some OF our high aslaried
servants could be made to work hard
Tor small wageB, and taste the pleasure
of the contact OF the chain gang"
''Can one wonder" said another one,
sat the desperate deeds OF thu PARIS
ians' pstroleuse? Do l not feel like g
rabid anarchist when | zee my husband
dragging himself home alter days
work, more dead than alive, being Glow
ly killed by this brutal system OF compe-
tition, no longer treated az living beings
but as lifeleas machines, driven by
'steam or electricity, and il not willing
or able to rush through, their services
ara not wanted Z"
Can any one wonder il such inhuman
processes, coupled with other causes,
are turning we'll intentioned men into
tramps and vagabonda? In my help
lsesnesa, my fervent prayer is that those
individuals who 80 hastily auggest hard
work and low wages and the mark of
infamy as o remedy for their wrecked
brothers may be brought down to the
came condition and let them bswsre,
there is just God, and prayers wrung
from bleeding hearts by injustice often
find hearing.
The contributor who thinks, says
woman could do much to aid to reform
the tramp. think 80. too, only differ
as to the methods. Instead OF suffering
in silenoe, which brings no relief, let
them rise in mass and find out what the
men are doing and thinking to allow SO
much distress and suffering.
Aa the blame cannot be laid on failure
OF crops, on deadly psstilence. on de-
structive war, on standing army of
idle soldiers consuming the resources OF
the nation, it mu5s be the easiest thing
in the world TO trace the cause and ap.
ply the remedy. The right remedy can,
must and will be found, if both men
and women 90 to work in the right di.
rection. Bonds, usury and the contrae-
ton of the volume of money are the
evils that have destroyed former civili-
cations and will destroy ours, unless the
people rise in their might and demand q
complete change. aud once more rescue
this fair land from thraldom and op-
preston. MArILDE BERRA.
Los Angeles, Dec. 20, 1894
Charity aE Homo.