The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-01-27
THE VICE AMONG WOMEN
APPLIES TO BUT VERY FEW

Mrs. Dore Lyon in the New York World
1t seems pity that womanhood in
general should have to bear the odum oc-
casioned by the acts of a small but noisy
set of misguided womenl
Every little while some noted preacher
breaks forth into denunciation regarding
the startling deterioration of womenl
Likewise, Mr.. Henry Watterson Of Louis
Vile, as a clever woman recently remark
ed, Comes to New York for his OCCASION
al relaxation from his editorial cares. and
them returning soothes his conscience by
attacking the New York women
AS far as the criticism of these gentle
men applies to a very small set in New
ork City It may be deserved. Gambling
under the attractive guise of bridge whist
is certainly carried on and INDUCED in not
only by those who can afford this sort
of amusement but also by women who
are not always financially able to meet
their losses and who therefore add to the
vice of gambling the faint of dishonesty.
The terrible arraignment of women by
these same gentlemen regarding the
drinking habit Is. alasl true, to certain
quent our restaurants accompanied by
male escorts-sometimes their own hus-
bands but more often some other wom-
an s-to give the casual and superficial
observer the impression that intemper-
ance is gaining ground among the high
caste women of society.
1t seems strange that women Of appar-
emily good birth and breeding. of wealth
and so-caled position will so far forget
the requirements of good taste as to make
spectacles of inebriety of themselves in
public places.
Generations of self-respecting ancestors
will not help woman much IL she gives
the little demon Wine the upper hand!
Dignity, morals, principles and even re-
ligion go down in humiliating defeat
when once the spirit of the grapes has
taken possession.
1t is not necessary to be prohibition
list or member of the W. G. T. u. to be
an advocate of dignifed behavior and of
taking ones pleasures In moderation. 1T
is quite possible to dine and to even in
clude wine in the menu; to partake of
a late supper after the theatre In con-
genial company: to behave like a lady
and still to enjoy ones self Women who
permit their craving for stimulants to
carry them beyond the bounds of our ac-
cepted standards of decorum should be
considered outside the pale of social recog-
milton.
The iIl-tlmed and undignided behavior
of the few, however. should not be used
as a whip to scourge the many.
In spite of the reverend critlcs-and Mr..
Watterson-the vices Of gambling and In
temperance are confined to the few-the
very fewl Because there may be a few
lurid examples of offenses against good
taste In this regard it does not follow
nj
smoking are prevalent or threatening in
their increase.
The divorce court holds up to view
startling evidences Of misplaced conf
dence. but nobody keeps record Of the
thousands upon thousands of happy mar
riages
A few misguided women may think it
"smart' to drink or smoke. but the pro-
portion who do these things is so small
that one wonders why the harsh critics
feel such concern when there is such
vast army of weil-behaves women walk
ing silently and modestiy along the path
way Of life.
The glare of a fire may Illumne the
entire horizon. but It does not necessarily
follow that the whole world is burning
and the discriminating observer will know
that the lurid glow q les from n small
centre and that as long as the majority
Of women maintain their high ideals OF
womanly behavior. which include dignity
sobriety and refinement the fire Of de-
graded habits will not spread to any
alarming extent.
7 am thankful to say that among the
thousands Of women whom have the
honor TO know there Is none who can
be Included In the category mentioned by
the learned gentlemen who have recently
seen ut to attack American women.
The class they describe is evidently in
need Of some wholesome missionary work
and as to this the clergy needs no advice
from a1ayman, 1T IL generally understood
that 1t is the province Of a pastor to