The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-05-05

THE WOMAN WHO LASTS.
Kate Fields paper. which she called
Washington Is suspended-'until fall"
the announcement gently reads; but the
probability is that the fall has come and
the viyaclous weekly will never rise
again. Bad health is said 10 be the rea-
son, but the real cause Is probably a
sharp attack OF impecuniosity, a malady
from which the clever lady is chronic
sufferer.
Kate Field Is a style Of woman not con-
fined to America. but whose environ
ments have screwed 10 impress upon her
an individuality characteristic OF this con-
tinent. The species is the same every
where. but II has the chameleon-like fac
ulty of adapting itself to the colors by
which 1t finds itself surrounded. Like
that dsndrosaurian prototype. 1t finds
means OF subsistence and protection by
virtue OF its ready adaptability.
The human chameleon Is not neces-
sarily void of virtue: indeed. as in the
person OF her who furnishes the text. all
the Characteristics may be present with,
out one suggestion OF the tender passion
IN any OF it's phases. II there be any
such surrender of self, 1t Is a means to
the end and need not enter into consid-
GRAFTON. The main spring of action in
this type is love OF power.
Kate Field-'Miss" seems as out OF
place to her as Mr." to Ward McAliis-
ter. Tom Och!ltree or Marshall Wilder
has been at the head of several ventures
but they have not proved financial sue
cesses. Her most ambitious project was
a ladies' cooperative store in New York.
II was all the fashion for a time, but
large salaries absorbed the profits and it
closed. Kate Field presided over the des-
TIMES OF the store as she would over the
Inequalities OF a salon; she received her
guests" with the air of duchess. well
coming visitors TO palatial home. She
is ambitious. resourceful, grand: she has
a fine presence and dresses extensively,
but with taste. She loves luxury. and
her tact supplies the place OF inherited
wealth. OF her nothing can be said ex-
cept what is good, but in that respect
she differs from some others of the ex-
otics OF society.
The nervous love of power born in
some women has had as much to do with
the current Of history as the ambition
Of men; and Il has utilized the weapons
OF the age from Lady Macbeth down
through the centuries 10 the famous fe-
male diplomats Of the eighteenth century.
There is quite pititful and serious side
TO the story of such women's lives. In a
hx,s,, - ha sn1a -
CORTLAND. the witch of Wall street. IL
lustra ,es that phase. Since she attained
no great renown she IS generally classed
as an adventures. Some OF her transac-
lions were certainly shady. and had the
death OF President Garfield been delayed
a week longer she might have been the
means OF provoking great national scan
dal. The incident was pushed aside
throu n the president death. but there
is little doubt that. with an accomplish
a, the bedside OF the dying man, she
manipulated the stock market. The ebb
and flow Of vitality in a strong frame
yielding to death was indicated by the
rise and fall OF quotations on the stock
exchange.
In defense she asked: What Is a wo-
man like me to do? have no inclina-
ton TO evil ways. / am pennness. 1 am
not fitted TO teach school; my hands are
not capable Of scrubblng or washing. All
the avenues OF employment for women
seenn closed 20 me. must make my llv-
ing as men DO who trade upon the weak
ness and guliibility OF other men" She
was a handsome woman. her white hair
and rosy complexion gave her a charm
ing appearance: she had been reared n
luxury and loft with two Young daurh-
ters IN penury 70 face the world
Fortunately such women are rare. Few
ere unable 20 ani some suitable &C.
cupation. most women find their destiny
in TIE cares and comforts OF domestic
lfs. Yet there Is a proportion which
seems 20 feed on excitement. In -hls
country Il runs 70 the Organization OF
societies for the PRONUNCIATION OF odd
doctrines and attempts 70 invade the
province OF man. Il found vent for It's
nervous energy - woman's rights move
meats. stock exchanges Tor women. clubs
for wonsea-anyth!nS but ths placid
waters OF home.
Ta!s type of woman may command a
passing admiration as the grandeur @.
rugged mountain scenery inspires a mo-
meatary awe. But the eye soon wearfe.
% Il. ant the hear; turns in lasting A.
lection 20 the gentle. more home-Hke.
sweeter though less mayesttc woman o.
az ages Who represents the flial IN maid
enhood, TIRE cheerful. helpful companion
IN wltehooi and tie tender ulotAer OF her
Children.
TIE ogiece % plumbing inspector Is one