The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-03-01

Americans. They were all supposed 10 be
of one uniform type. The young lady who
refusing anything more to eat says, I'm
pretty crowded just now" or. in explaining
why she is travelling alone, remarks, Papa
don't voyage: he's too flsshy" was thought
to be representative of the national type
of manners.
The steady progress of American women
in the minds of Europeans since then can
be gagged by studying their present posi-
tion in Europe. 1t is not to be denied that
they are having many of the seats of the
mighty and the most carping, jealous crit
les cannot find fault with the ways in which
they fill them.
In the political. literary and diplomatic
worlds they more than hold their own.
They are great success in the old world.
There is no doubt that their success is
greatly due to the wonderful adaptability
which they display without at the same
time losing their individuality.
A girl born and bred in the backwoods
of some Western State will adopt the man
ners and customs of her husbands country
to such an extent that after a few years
she might pass as one of his nationality.
The chief characteristic of the American
by ambition. Her active mind seems to
open all paths to her.
England is her happiest hunting ground
for obvious reasons. Speaking the same
language she naturally feels more at home.
Besides there is no doubt that English So
ciety is much broader minded and more APP
preciative of individual merit than that of
any other country. Beauty and charm in
woman or good fellowship in man will take
them into fastidious. refined circles in Brit
ain, where dull duchesses and rich bores
seek entrance in vain.
can society is restricted, narrow and arti-
fetal. and it takes a long time to break
down the barriers.
Americans are often credited with loving
titles. In a sense the criticism is true, but
only inasmuch as striving to have the best
of everything, including society," they make
the mistake of thinking that the aristocra-
cy OF the country must represent the most
cultured and refined of its inhabitants.
Unfortunately this is not always so, but
ii is obviously unfair to reproach the Amer
lean women for seeking what in every 9TH
er country in the world both sexes struggle
for-social or material advancement: AS
snobbery is cosmopolitan, the genius snob
has no nationality, so well-bred people
speak the same language all over the
world. while in education the bringing-up
of the average American girl is in some
ways far superior to that of her English
cousin.
Certainly in the way of book learning she
is better read. and, having generally trav-
eled before she makes her appearance in
the world. by the time she is eighteen she
is able to assert her views on most things
and her independence in all. She has full
appreciation and knowledge of what she
wants and of what is best, and in all things
she strives to attain ii.
She seldom loses her heart. never her
head the coldness with which she is re-
preached being perhaps one of the sources
of her power.
On the other hand. her education has
many disadvantages not shared by the Eng
lish girl, most Americans not understands
ing the word home as it is understood
in England. Their life of change. travelling
and in hotels. engenders that restlessness
for which they are noted. They are often
at a disadvantage. therefore. through not
Being brought up with that practical knowl-
o6ge OF household matters, which is one of
the tiiumphs of English education. and
which, when she embarks on matrimony,
arms a woman TO some extent with the
sinewS Of war.
1t has often been attributed to American
women that they are queens IN their eWn
country. ca:esSed and honored from in
fancy. their social position the more they
are called upon 10 do so.
The many Anglo-American marriages
with the warm welcome attended to Ameri-
cans in England. is the connecting link be-
tween the two countries. which ought &c
cement them forever. Notwithstanding the
natural aversion of American men for hav-
ing some of their own folk taken from them
or the jealousies of English mothers who
having daughters of their own. look with a
cold eye at so many young men being snap
ped up by the ali-conquering American
girl.
But. on the whole. both countries benefit
mutually by the intercourse and contrast.
Surely the growing ties of love and fell
lowship. stretching and Strengthening
across the Atlantic. and fortified by com
mon interests. now bringing for many
pledges in the rising generation. ought not
TO escape altogether from the minds OF
statesmen and diplomatists concerned with
the highest matters of state.