The herald., 1896-12-03
THE GOOD OF FLIRTING

Jean Wright has an article In Lippin-
colts for December on "Flirtation a.
Fine Art" in which she justifies flirting
on the ground that it affords an oppor-
tunity to study mans nature. There is
no doubt at all that her conclusions are
right The proper study of mankind
being man himself. and recognizing the
fitness OF woman for "the higher educa-
tion," whatever that may mean, it GER
tainly follows that whatever is calcu-
lated to widen the field of her knowledge
must be right, not only to acquire more
thorough understanding of the charac-
teristics of man from the point of view
of social and political economy but from
the metaphysical as WELL AS a means
to higher education, therefore, q wo-
man should avail herself of every reas-
enable opportunity to .f1irt-not in the
spirit of fickleness and giddiness, but
with that spirit of enthusiasm which is
the propelling force behind desire to
make discoveries.
If woman in her study of the latent
or revealed forces in man wishes to DEM
onstrate a conclusion arrived at upon
theoretical lines she must have a sub
1ect. To illustrate: Suppose she has
been student of thought circulation
along the lines of the gray matter in an
egotistical, self-conceited and self -satis
ned dude, who also not only admires
himself, but does not see how any girl
could help falling in love with him at
sight. To demonstrate her problem she
is forced to "hirt" with him. She must
oblige him to follow her and pass and re-
pass her upon the street. She must
smile, but not quite enough for him to
take 1t as an invitation to speak to her.
She must lead him wild-goose chase
until she has reached her home when she
will slam the door in his face. She has
demonstrated her problem and is all the
wiser for it.
Suppose, again, she wants to have a
practical demonstration of the operation
of the mind along line that is composed
of low cunning, gross thoughts and
highly genteel outward appearance.
Why, she must respond to the "f1irt" of
the distinguished and portly society
man. She must allow herself to not only
be spoken to, but persuaded to join him
in dish of ice cream at the nearest fash
onable restaurant She must permit
him to make love to her. but when they
| reach the door going out she must in
form him that she has solved her prob
lem and that If he ever dares to speak
to her again she will have her brother
] horsewhip him.
So, as will be seen, the higher educa-
ton OF woman necessitates opportunity
| to study metaphysical and other prob
| lens from practical, living, moving OBJ
| ject lessons, and as the shortest cut to
full and satisfying demonstration of
! them often lies in the dropping of a
! handkerchief, the looking out of the cor
ner of the eye. or of employing any other
of the words of the silent language of
| the art of flirting" why, it will have to
be allowed or the "higher education of
woman" given up as a bad job.
| 1T is said Major Mckinley will not
| permit wine to be served in the White
House. California brandy and Ken
, lucky whisky will make splendid sub
| stitute, and no doubt they will give
better satisfaction than such stuff as
comes through the custom house.
| Prohibitionist Martin making love to
| saloon keepers is a queer sight. But
votes must be had, and a "drunkard
makers" vote counts for as much as
| the vote OF the ex editor of the .Mava .,