New-York tribune., 1899-06-19
HOMES FOR SINGLE WOMEN
MISS HARRIET FAYES TREATS OF
SERIOUS PROBLEM OF TO-DAY.
ONE THING Is CERTAIN. THE IDEA OF CHARITY
MUST BE DROPPED AND RESTRICTIONS

ONE THING Is CERTAIN THE IDEA OF CHARITY
MUST BE DROPPED. AND RESTRICTIONS
MUST BE REASONABLE.
Miss Harriet Fsyes. in article on THE Hous-
ing Of Single Women" published in a recent num-
Der OF Municipal Affairs" figures that there are
in this city between 1000 and 10000 sefsupporting
women. almost all OF whom have others to care
for. She says
Many Of the working girls live at home and
their wages go into the general family fund, the
mother poTtioning out to each member the amount
necessary for clothing; but even among this class
there are many girls who have no family tics. and
to whom the question OF how to live and dress
respectfully upon IS or ss week becomes knotty
problem For every woman who works. be she
lady be she a factory hand. must necessarily
dress neatly and even stylishy. The employer
demands IT, perhaps unconscously. but still II If
reouiste which the women all readily perceive.
The shops and factories In which these girls
work all day long. thanks to factory Inspection
are comparatively sanitary in their appointments
This cannot be said Of the overcrowded homes 10
which they return after their long days work.
where there is possibility Of privacy. and where
they are generally compelled to sleep with at least
one and oftener two companions in an inside room
without light or ventilation. Such conditions must
sap the vitality OF the worker. and prevent her
from accomplishing what she could II she lived
under healthier conditions"
who said:
Apartment houses or small tenement houses.
should be built for working girls This Is a crying
need and one which has been repeatedly urged
We need some generous Mr. Mills to build. not
lodging houses but living houses for WORKING
women. 1t is cruel that young girls who receive
but a small amount for their services should be
compelled TO spend so large a proportion OF 1t in
rent The average furnished room Is a poor
article. yet because OF its nearness TO her WORK
the girl hires II. . The need is so urgent that
| greatly hope woman with the generosity
OF a Helen Gould and the wisdom Of an Octavia
Hill will come forward 70 do for her ,,v WORKING bd
sister what building companies and capitalists nave
long been doing for other tenants with no Ioss'
Continuing Miss Fayes argues for comfortable
and cheap hoteis for women denying tnat trn sncn
wise marriage. She says: .,,.
suitable homes for all classes Of self-supportns
women is that every OF Gna of there
is more or less of an air OF patronage, which is
Objectionable to an American. and which L is
worthy projects The lower the class that is TO
be reached the quicker its members are to scent ,,
this taint. The generality Of working girls Will
have nothing to do with any place which savors OF
charity How much more rksome must this feel.
the shelter OF such roof? 1t is sef-interest
eGh & at he aSd sSGn the aps
are ever ready to perceive the hidden motive. are
sGcE Eniif To and U will have hone Of them
Another factor which has operated unfavorably
against more than one venture Is the enactment
OF numberless and useless rules. the 'thou-shalt-
nots so far outnumbernG the permisslons that
those who would have endured many lnconVen-
fences have found II impossible TO remain; Women
who live In boarding houses have latchkeys: ana
go and come as they see ft. controlled. no doubt.
by their knowledge OF the propreties and conVen-
tionalites OF life. Why. then because they choose
10 live In a womans hotel. should they be NAM
pered by rules and restrictions?
"A plan recently started in New-York City ap-
pears be estined to have most successful ter
mination. It is proposed. as soon as sufficient
amount of the shall be subscribed, TO erect
freproof frst-class building which Will accommo-
date fve hundred guests. This first structure VIII
be for the OF women who are supporting them
selves as artists writer's teachers. clerks etc. or
for those who studying to enter these profes-
sions. Besides single rooms and small suites. the
hotel will have reception. reading. music and sew
ing rooms and restaurants for the general use OF
It's guests The lowest terms for a room per week
will be So. the price increasing with size and the
desrabity OF the location. The price OF food Will
amount 10 what each person chooses to make II:
The restaurant will also be open to men. and
good wholesome food Will be served. such as all
workers and especially brain workers. need. Only
such rules found In any irst-class hotel VIII
be enforced which means that II n guest Is found
10 be Objectionable she Will be requested 70 leave.