The daily sentinel., 1901-03-08
MRS. DEcKER's LECTURE.

the woman, has not soon tho one who
can all his life and make it complete
Best Of all, the single woman is permit
ted to have her home, her own home, her
household goods; she has learned through
tho club that there is helpful companion
ship and recognition, and that life may
be full and rich. This woman will marry
for the sole and only reason why woman
should marry. not to escape = degrading
and unfortunate position, which was
forced upon her because of Tho old time
traditions. and hers will be the true mar
riage and the ideal home.
"Finally, let us balance our gains and
losses in considering the influence of tho
woman's club.
I'VE have gained the out Of door habit;
we have lost the crazy quilt aud impos-
sible fancy work habit. We have gained
an Independence and freedom Of dress;
We are fast losing the long skirt and the
heavy, unhealthful garments
1--WE have gained fair sense of tho 80
cial truth that AN injury to one is the
concern Of ALI; we have Lost tho old, mar
row, selfish love for our own and our own
only.
I'VE have gained the ability to discuss
subjects in an impersonal manner and
without bitterness. We have lost the
old sewing society fashion OF weeping
over q difference Of opinion with neigh
bor. We have gained in some measure
the knowledge that should belong to
every citizen Of nation, state or city. We
have lost the helpless ignorance which
has kept unjust laws regarding women
on our statute books for all past time.
eve have gained to the people hun
dreds Of libraries, many city ordinances
to better promote the cleanliness and
virtue Of our homes, the preservation of
many historical spots. the genuine help
and uplifting OF multitudes OF the temp.
tod and poor, tho sick, the unhappy. tho
overlooked ones in life's road; we have
lost the exclusivsness, the pride Of birth,
position and werlth which has been over
thrown by the democracy OF the club,
We have gained to some extent know
ledge OF business Affairs; we have lost
the old helplessness which made every
woman with property the prey Of specu-
lative relative lying IN wait to devour her
patrimony. We are gaining the idea that
mere belongings are not the whole Of the
home, and that cheerfulness, intelligence
and fresh air are more to be disered than
mvch furniture and brio a-brac; we have
lost the old fsshion Of personally scrub
bing al, the paint in the house twice a
ye ar, and wonder of wonders. we have
even gone 80 far as TO put otf washing
from the sacred Monday t. another day
under stress o. circumstances
We have gained . blessed fellowship
and cameraderie with our husbonds, sobs
and brothers, as we'll as with one another.
Rig ht minded men do not fear this new
liberty. In six years Of travel in the ip-
terests OF club and federation work, from
the beautiful city homo to the log cabin
OF mining camp, have found that
every where the most enthusiastic club
women are, as tho Irishman would gay.
the men OF the familyr
"Some one has said, The cure for the
evils OF liberty is more liberty The fu-
ture will bring US the man and woman,
face to fase, not leaning one upon the
other, but upright-partners, friends.
comIades, lovers"