The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1903-04-01
PLEA FOR FATHER.
A Chicago Club Woman Causes
Shock to Other Members.
From the Savannah News.

| From the savannah NEWS
womans club in New York was
the other day astonished and more or
less shocked by one of the members
arising and making plea in behalf OF
father. Heretofore the old gentleman
has had a rather insignificant place IN
the domestic picture. Every Amerl'
can citizen il familiar with the motto
on the wall, "What is home without a
mother?" But who in this broad land
ever saw motto commemorating faith
er in colored worsted on perforated
card board? 1t is tacitly agreed OF
course. that father is mighty nancy
sort Of person to have about the house,
upon occasions; for instance, When
there are bills to be met, or when 1t Is
deemed advisable for some one to as
certain if there is burglar down
stairs, 1t is father to whom attention
is called when there is summer trip
in contemplation, when a new hat Is
wanted or the wardrobe needs replen-
ishing. 1t is father who hustles for
the "needful," and writes the checks
more or less cheerfully when requlsl'
tions are made upon him. But he has
never cut much figure on the sentl-
mental side of home life. He may be
the king-pin of the establishment,
but he doesn't get credit for it. la
deed, he doesn't want the credit. he
is willing that it shall be bestowed
elsewhere. Generally speaking, pref
ty much all thvt father wants is to be
left alone.
And there is where the Chicago
woman's club member made her mis-
take. 1t was considerable in her to
give thought to father, but she MADE
woeful miscue when she suggested
that the women members OF the house
hold should read to him OF evenings
from the rich treasures OF English III.
erature. Father likes reading OF
course, but hardly OF the kind that
would be considered treasures or gems
of English literature. He likes to Sc
lect his own subjects and authors. The
market reports and the condition OF
crops interest him. Then, when he
has absorbed these, he wants to kno"
about the ''form" OF the
"ponies" and whether it is likely that
Corbett will knock Jetfries head on
when they come together again as ne
has promised to do. While informing
himself with respect to these matters
he does not want to be shrouded In
lounging jacket and ensconced In an
easy chair in the parlor surrounded by |
the women of the family in sympathet- |
ic attitudes. He wants to be in his |
shirt sleeves with his feet cooked up
higher than his head and black pipe |
or cigar between his teeth rather, !
indeed, does not want anybody to wor-
nv about his methods Of enjoyment.
He has lived long enough to know
what he wants. and how To take his
comfort in his own fashion. He likes |
to see his wife and daughters well
dressed and having a good time in
their way, and he wants the privilege |
of having good time In his way
Father never makes great deal OF
fuss about the house; no poems or hu
man interest stories are written ABOUT
him. He hustles and provides; and to
those who are dependent upon him, as
far as he can, he makes life worth llV-
ing, Then, after the lapse OF period
of time, he shutfies off and is no more;
and when the sod has been laid upon
mis- breast probably for the first time
there comes full realization OF how
important factor in the home was
nIor, dear father.