The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-05-06
RELATIONS OF MENANDwoMEN
Do Men Care Less for Women Than
They Used TOP

Hutchinson May 6-Mrs. Laura NJ.
Scammon of Kansas City read the most
startling paper of the session of the
women's clubs here. It was entitled
The Declire of Friendship" Mrs.
Scammon said:
1t is being asserted that American
men do not like American women as
well as they once did. Do they not?
And if not, why not? And third
question PUSHES to meet US, If this be
true, what are we going to do about it?
DO men like women? The small boy
adores his mother. The boy of larger
growth. the irrepressible hobble-de
hoy, quite opens his heart-what there
is of ito his sister and her chum.
Now that they ride and row and bat
ball with the best of his crOnies, some
what of respect and admiration is add
ed to his rough, unSpOken friendship.
The young man is, as he always was,
devoted to the ladies' He is more
devoted, not less, since they shoot and
cycle and go to college in his company
instead of counting it the sole mission
life to
Sit upon a cushion and sew fine
And live upon strawberries, sugar and
cream
IF there is to be new woman, there
is UP to this point a promise of a new
man, her fitting and happy mate, and
there is a cOmpanionship broader and
freer than of old because of the grow
ing community of interest, an affection
more honest and wholesome because of
the better understanding. 1t is just
here, where the several ways should
converge into one way, that the paths
separate.
girl is established. Marriage itself is
no longer a tie that binds. This es-
arrangement is no fault of nature, but
due to MISUNDERSTANDING Men and
RI other
hensiOn, each fears repulse, each
fails to see in the other signs of anxiety
and distress.
Causes of complaint are found in
many of the active interests of men and
women and the third question follows
breathlessly: What are we going to do
about it? First men are neither mas
tiers nor martyrs, but the natural
friends and allies of women. Let them
refuse to be regarded in any other
light. Let them look upon women as
comrades. Let them give less of ex-
penSiVe Indulgence and more OF them
selves The boy needs a father more
than a cycle, the wife companion
more than a plethor1c purse, ana so
ciety needs the influence of thoughtful
appreciative gentlemen more than any
thing.
Women might accept a larger share
of personal responsibility. Society, that
absurd feminine thing which has usurp-
ed the place of social pleasure, might
be reconstructed somewhat to meet the
tastes of men. Club life among women
might widen its borders. The heart of
life is in its home. If simplicity might
there become the rule, and gentle,
homely hearthstone comfort abound,
all else might follow Women might
decline all forms of luxury which men
cannot enjoy in their company.
The world cares little what we do
or how we live but estimates each &C
cording to the true entity which lies
behind all semblance. As for externals,
why not unclutch and let them go?
women might give more affection.
Humanity calls to her for more of
friendship ard love
THE truth is. men and women be-
long wholly to each other, and neither
can be really good OF wise or happy
without the other"