New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-04-24
PROTECTING WORKING GELS.

The proposed labor union OF young women
employed as stcnographers and typewrlters may
or NAV not be good thing. 1t VIII proDapiy
share the common lot OF such organizations In
other callings and result in mingled good ana
evil Whether the one the other Will pre-
dominate will depend upon the management
and affiliations Of the union 1t is to be hoped
That good will prevail and especially that II
will do so, and that the object of the organiza-
ton will be attained, in one respect that has
been set forth with almost startling frankness
by the leaders of the movement
That is the redemption of this now indispen-
sable occupation from the reproach or lightness
of morals which has too largely fallen upon II;
for the most part, we are glad TO believe, I'M
lustIv but to n certain extent because or the
unworthness of some of its nominal members
The average young woman in this and like oc-
cupations is honest diligent and sef-respectlng;
hut unfortunately, there are some who enter the
business merely for the facile opportunity which
it affords for making mems acquaintance for I'M
worthy D,Irposes We shall not venture to de-
termne whether these thus enter the business
or fall into such evil ways from their own initi-
alive or through the devices Of INSCRIPTIONS
EMPLOYERS The fact is that they are there, and
that their presence is a reprOach TO the calling
and an offence to the ma jority of those engaged
in It. II this proposed organization can correct
that evil and bring TO pass that typewriter girls
shall be employed TO do typewriting, and not,
as one of them bluntly expresses ii, "for COM
partnership" il will do good work in which
we shall wish II all success.
There is need. indeed, Of more protection for
the moral welfare of young women wage earn
ers generally One of the most marked indus
trial and social movements of recent years has
been the incursiOn of the female sex into of
fees and business establishments Of all kinds
The inevitable result has been breaking down
of the barriers of reserve between the sexes.
Such increase of familiarity is in many cases
entirely compatible with self-respect and mutual
respect and a high standard of propriety and
morals In some cases, however IL too GER
tainly leads to loss OF modesty and respect, and
offers temptation to weakness and opportunity
to the basest passions of INSCRIPTIONS men.
II will not answer to say that young women
should keep out of business and stay at home;
or that il they go into offices they should take
care of themselves and their morals. Those
are fine theories, but ''lt is a condition, not
theory. that confronts u.s." In our present So
cal and Industrial organization young women
remain. Most of them trying TO take care
of themselves and their morals, and we assume
that that is one Of the prime objects OF this pro-
posed organization. What is the obvious duty
of all men, whether animated by chivalry or
by q desire TO conserve the moral welfare of
the nation is to encourage and aid them in the
not always easy task of self-protection, so that
these working girls may become one day worthy
wives and mothers and not fall among The
wrecks of the underworld.