The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-12-10
FOR FEMININE READERS
MODERN IMPROVEMENTS A CAUSE
FOR THANKFULNESS.
A New Profession Is that of "SOcial
STANDARDIZATION Hints from
Paris-Gay Gowns at Theatcrs.
A current writer. discussing causes for

A current writer, discussing causes for
gratitude in these modern days, says:
AN up-to-date modern house Is indeed
a place in which to cultivate a thankful
spirit! So noiseless, so certain, so trust
worthy are its appliances and instruments
that we fail to grasp their Importance and
value. The dear, half-froZen young Ameri-
can who out of her sore need of warmth
learned her first word of Spanish. and.
carrying her hot water bottle to her
hostess, begged that ii should be made las
caliente as possible" remembered we'll the
, warmth OF her home furnace the glow OF
her own fireside, and those shining nickel
plated twins in her own bathroom, which
bore the precious supply of hot and cold at
her desire.
'The absolute fitness of the tool to the
hand, the remedy to the need, the allevia-
ton to the distress. is so nearly at a point
of perfection that We are apt to lose recog-
milton of them all. just when we stretch
out our hands We never by any chance
give a thought to the complex muscles and
nerves which give US the power.
The control of distance and the nearness
Of aid give such confidence, too, that fear
and long hours of nervous dread are spared
to timid wives and worried mothers The
telephone calls the doctor, the policeman;
brings the hurried supply from the market
for an unexpected guest, assures the safe
ty OF a belated husband, and gives warn
ing that Bob will dine with friend and
not return until late. The telegraph, the
special delivery post, and the doubtful
blessing of the messenger boy. who is
either preternaturally stupid or prenatur-
ally shrewd. all act as oil upon the troubled
sea of our feminine nerves.
The long, long voyages or old days, dur
Ing which nor word nor token reached the
aching, waiting hearts of mother and wife,
are incredible things to US who grow impa-
tient II our postman Is half an hour late or
II some public event postpones one deliv-
cry OF our frequent mails. We should be
calmer. more robust minded. more peaceful
women for these aids to our hearts in their
struggles and because of these reliefs to
our bodies.
TO rest in our comfortable sheltered rooms
and lie down upon our ease-giving beds,
neither smothere6 In pillows of down nor
doomed to feel the board-like hardness
erything tends to alleviate care and stimu-
late pleasant activity. II is very easy to
say that our houses are convenient, but 1t
Is only just tribute 10 ouI surroundings
to weigh what that commonplace word
means In relation 10 our daily duties, and
TO show forth our gratitude not only with
our lips. but In our lives
I'VE have no right to grumble at small
things, we have no right TO be afraid Of
undertaking whatever tends TO the family
cheerfulness or jollity, with such tributary
slaves lying ready TO do our bidding. 1T
Is a good and pleasant thing TO be thank
full says a very high authority. and while
we share I'm the national chorus which
sings about abundant crops and prosper
Gus, OVERLOOKING treasures and coming
days of peace, let us set our own CHEEKY
paean Of gratitude for the advantages time
and the hour have brought 10 our small
sovereignties.
mo excuse for US. in these fast-hying
days OF dying 1899, II husband is not made
trfumphantly comfortable. If children do
not form habits OF sacred. healthful care
OF their bodies and attain at least true hy-
gienic conditions in which TO grow sound
of body and calm and reasonable I'm mind.
The friction OF domestic rule and labor has
been almost eliminated from its field CT
duty. and IL takes but little heaithful ac-
tivity and small percentage OF steadfast,
cheerful command and a reasonable degree
OF intelligent foresight to make the house.
hold machinery work as smoothly and as
much 10 the purpose as great engine OF a
steamship.
Il suppose We shall never be called by
voice OF president or governor or bishop
70 assemble ourselves together to give