The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-02-16
HOME PROBLEMS.
They May Include Railroad Subsidies
and WOman's Rights.
THE GOSSIP

They May Include Railroad Subsidies
and WOman's Rights.
To the Editor Of the indianapolis Journal:
The home has some problems concerning
it which even the apparently profound
may overlook. The head of the house"
deeply solicitous though he may be as to
its welfare, sometimes allows matters of
Importance to escape his view. And though
it is farthest from his intentions to
thoughtlessly do such a thing. he may just
as surely infringe upon the rights of others.
Without even consulting his wife, he votes
away what is his own, and equally his
wife's, especially If they through some
years, have borne the burdens of life to-
gether. and both have labored to advance
their mutual interests.
When Mr. Golderbilt bought the X, Y. &
Y. Railroad that runs through Blank coun-
ty, Hilda Highview said as she laid down
the evening paper, I'VE strange creatures
who are citizens when taxes are levied,
and not citizens when votes are to be cast,
occasionally experience queer sensations.
Daddy" she said, addressing the paternal
highview "does no, a joy too deep for
words thrill your very being?"
why, 1 reckon 1 am happy enough" he
replied.
But really. is not your cup trimming
over with happiness? Think what pleasure
you have helped to bestow on that multi
millionaire, Mr.. Golderbilt" Daddy's eyes
twinkled. for he greatly enjoys his daugh-
ter Hilda's sallies. yet he looked a little
perplexed.
'I do not know, daughter, that 1 have
IL hi,
Nevertheless you have, Daddy, and so
have 1; but it was not altogether a free
will offering on my part. Here the evening
paper states that Mr.. Golderbilt has bought
the *, Y. & Il. Railroad. And he has OBJ
tanned it at very great bargain. The tax
on your little eighty-acre farm. and on the
Widow Smiths mortgaged forty acres, and
on the ridiculously small sum have at in
terest, which Sister Hypatia seemed i'm
PEELED TO mention in the newspaper, have
all been of benefit TO Mr.. Golderbilt. The
", Y. & z. road was an assured thing
without the subsidy. We have helped to
make a rich man richer, and ourselves a
little poorer" And Hilda read the figures
of the price paid for the road.
well, he did get bargain" Daddy ex-
claimed. "And 1 venture to say that have
voted for a subsidy to a railroad for the
first and last time. But felt that it would
be a great thing for Blank county to have
the road. Mr. Akute was so enthusiastic in
regard to it; and somehow 1 entered into
his enthusiasm. He gave very literally"
did he?" said Hilda. 'It might appear
so to some, when he gave twelve acres for
a station at his farm, and sum Of money
besides. But he will get his money back
many times over Think how far he had to
take his surplus to market before the road
was built Now ne sells practically at his
own door,"
why" said Daddy. cit will save him on
an average 800 a year, for he owns some
eight hundred acres of land. nearly in one
body"
Eyes. the road makes money for him,
while many, from limited resources have
made it a present. That is the fact, Daddy,
but 1 love you still Would you not love
me still awhile now?"
But Daddy thinks his daughter Hilda so
superior. that if she could bring herself to
scold him he would doubtless admire her
all the more.
So he said, "Well, daughter, you may be
still little while, if you like; for 1 think
YOUR eloquence is a little wearing on you;
but it does not tire me a bit. 1t is so TO the
point. 1 ought TO be roundly scolded 1
have never advocated womens rights, So
called, before; but wish your mother and
your sister and you could have voted on
that subsidy If you and several widows
and poor spinsters we know had been al
lowed a voice in the matter, the subsidy
would not have been granted, and We who
are in limited or moderate circumstances
would be some better off, and not helping
TO swell Golderbilt's millions"
''But Think said Hilda, BLANK county
has a railroad
HYPATIA HICHVIEW.