The herald., 1897-01-16
AT HOME
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES.

John" said his wife, this morning at
breakfast, "our club is7 at work on the
new city charter, and l want some sug-
gestions from you.'
In what way?" asked the patient
husband, who has had more politics since
equal suffrage came in two years ago
than during the previous ten years.
You ought to know what the city
needs" continued his wife. You see,
we want to do away with the saloons,
the gambling rooms and other evils that
make this the ideal city. How can We
do that?"
We'll, Jane. men have been trying it
for years, and as far as we have been
able to get is to place them under certain
rules and restrictions thatare not always
enforced. If you make these rules more
severe than the majority desire, they are
worse than useless"
But If we have better laws we can do
away with these evils"
mo, that does not follow. No laws,
no municipal system or ordinance, can
be devised to raise at once the moral
standard of 4 city. Those who think so
are putting effect for cause. Moral i'm
provement comes through education
But the lack of means to drink or
gamble, no places to go to, prevents in
dulgence," rather positively asserted his
wife
Theoretically, yes; practically, no,
if the community desires to indulge in
these habits or vices Any way, have
never thought gambling was such ter
rible thing after all. I am sure there
are many cases where men cause more
trouble and unhappiness in their fami-
lies by small meannesses and petty vices
than co those whose fault is fondness
for betting 1 am sure gambling is not
so great vice, nor so common, as plain,
everyday lying and stealing. You do not
know whom to trust in these days, either
in business or public office. Dishonesty
is the crime. sin ard vice of these times,
more so than gambling"
well. John, you ought to have heard
the paper at our club last Saturday
morning. 1t showed how much evil
there is in our city and how much Work
there is for women to do"
Jane, I am getting tired of this re-
peated reform cry. Everything is re-
| form and change. I will ask you to note
| that these reformers never take any ac-
tion to reform themselves. They also
want the bills paid by some one else
| 1t is all very tiresome. You women are
ready to tackle great moral questions
| intricate society problems, and seem to
| think that the placing of law on the
statute book offers an unfailing solu-
| tion and remedy. You say men have
failed, but you, without experience, but
| sublime faith, are ready to bring about
J the millennium. 1t is we'll for you womer
! to remember that there is one problem
to which you can devote your attention
| the solution of which will make many
| homes happier. l mean that of domes
! tic service. Why don't you womer
| solve this? And why don't few Of
| you learn to cook?'
Now, John, you do not suppose wo-
men are going to live in the kitchen al
| their lives?"
"No, of course not. any more than mer
do in their shops or Offices
| "And women want literary culture
and knowledge of public affairs"
| Jane, that is not worth much. Cul-
ture is much misunderstood. The writ.
| ing of few rhymes or the copying OF
matter from an encyclopedia does moi
make culture. Women. like many men
do not want to do the thing that is near
est to hand. And home life all owe,
this country is disappearing. Sometimes
think those persons who are so enthu
siastic over their membership in revo.
| lutionary or colonial societies would DE-
well to adopt the habits of living of theii
ancestors, doing home and farm work
/ believe there is too much false culture
in all conditions. The ability to appre-
| ciate is not cultivated"
How do you mean?"