The Washington times., 1895-01-01
SCHOOLS OF HousEWIFERY.
Reyiying Primitive Sciences for the True
Advancement of Women.

Advancement OF women
Neglectiug the lower for the higher educa-
tion is now apt 10 be the fault in training
girls. contend magazine contributors. And
the public ioins in fearing that the present
system will result in disaster. Why cant
a woman learn 10 make bread as well as
Greek Hays, and control a house as well as
she does q bicycle. A race OF physical and
mental athletes the softer s. x may be tie
outcome, but what of the hand that rocks the
cradle and thereby rules the word1
Still, if the mothers are allowing their
dai ghters TO 20 into life an matrimony un-
yersed in the laws of the household, they are
seeing to it that children OF other classes are
learning the most primitive and usefll OF
sciences.
The big schools tina! are in progress this
winter 70 the teaching OF good housewifery
are a credit to the country. Mrs. d. Willis
james, tho elder Mrs. Astor, Miss Stevens,
the Laring Braces, aGd number OF other
rich phiianthropists have established, with
their capital such schools in the most thickiy
populated wards OF the city.
To those unfamiliar with the work, it
would seem strange 10 enter Il large academy
where hundreds OF upis were engaged in
cooking. bed-making. room-sweepipg. and
window washing. The procession of white
capped, whte-aEroned girls who were march,
in their bands; would impress the onooker
from the standpoint OF novelty. However
these are the lessons which are combined with
the rule OF three and the learning of the three
RS"
Every need necessary TO the conducting OF
household is here taught these young girls.
They are not only instructed as to the cook
ing of a meal, but as to its why's and
"wherefoges." What ingredients are savory
and salutary and which detrimental. Is
drilled into them by severe examinations.
They are taught ty charts to Judge of meat
and learn by experience the reason of the
variation IN its pricfs according to its parts
All other food articles are carefully attended
TO in the same manner.
The reasons Tor keeping a room hea thily
ventilated and clean also part of the cnr
riculum. One daV is devoted to bed-Inaking
ana sweeping, another is given to dnstiHg
or polishing. Entil there is nothing le.t in tie
donna OF excellent housekeeping to master
The leueilc al effects OF this teaching will
be felt throughout every artery of the city.
On first tlush lis effort seems 10 in the di-
rection-a primitive and wise one--of o tain
ing good. hygienic house Keeping among the
classes who serve themselves. or those WHO
are desirous Of becoming Bire1 housekeep-
ers. But the result Will be more far rea hing
than this; for the a-t of living well Though"
simply. has an influence. direct or indirect
on The whole nations good mentally, NOR
ally. and physically.
1hese same healthiy-inclined capitalists
are placing iarm schools in the country for
the boys. At these will be taught all he skill
and secrets requisite for successful farmer.
They argue, these Ihilauihrophists. that the
UHited States has 100 much waste or lily
cultivated land. and is cities too many badly
nourished. scauttiy clothed children. So they
are goieg to work in manner that shall
force supply and demand to meet each other.
Young men won't 70 INTO the country. they
continue because they know nothing OF its
possibilities. and are ignorant rs to how to
master It's difficulties. Consequently. boys
shall be taken this month from the crowded
by-ways and al .eys and put INTO big comfort-
abe farm houses with strong God and clean
clothes. There. under competent instructors,
they will learn the scientific side OF sowing
ana reaping.
The idea has met with the appreciation of
all the sociologists who are busy working for
the good of the race. and if the plan pro onises
a mead OF sue ess capital will at once be adj
yanced for the erection of more .arm-houses.
Both schemes for the perfection of the
primary science of living are worthy OF adop-
tion in any of the large towns. The world
after all doesn't progress very far away from
its elementary needs. and as long as a ration
has good honsekrepers and fine farmers, it
promises great deal uf prosperity.
JoCRLYN DAVIES.