Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-05-09
A WOMAN'S POINT OF VIEW

ONT OF VIEW
/ from realizing that women are half of
the human race, and that their welfare
and happiness are as important as
those of the other half. Still less does
he realize that 81 woman can do more
for her husband and children when she
is not wholly absorbed In her domestic
affairs, but can see beyond them.
"A narrow and somewhat coarse
view of womnn's mission is apt to
characterize men who have led pro-
figate life. IT remains like a scar on
the soul even after q man has reform
ed. Let Mr.. Cleveland preach to men
against political corruption; on that
subject he is entitled to be heard with
respect But when he undertakes to
lecture women on purity, morality, the
sanctity OF the home, and the duty OF
abstaining from all amusements That
may set a bad example or have an IN
furious influence on domestic life. then
women will be apt to tell him that, In
view of his record, these are subjects
OH which 1T is not appropriate for him
to preach to them.
ALICE STONE BLACKWELL
Replying to some clubs which decline
to take up the civil service question on
the ground of its being political. Mrs.
Sarah Plat Decker, president Of the
General Federation of Women's Clubs,
calls it religion, not politics. The
Ia ~ i,, f1o fn11 MrG
Decker to the clubs, urged them to
study the merit system with reference
to their own state institutions. The
Minneapolis Journal, in recent issue.
prints an interesting article on the
subject. in which it gives very diff
ferent reply from the ones above mem
toned, namely from the bes Moines
Woman's Club. which should prove of
interest to Iowa readers in particular.
This reply, which Is most gratifying in
Its report, states:
your letter in regard to civil SER
vice. or the merit system in our state
institutions, has been re-referred to a
committee Of three members Of the
board of directors of the Woman's
Club. We, that committee, are very
glad to report that in Iowa, for the
last eight or nine years, we have had
model board of control. This board at
present Is composed of two ex-judges
Of the supreme court of Iowa and
successful manufacturer. thus joining
to legal knowledge a practical business
management. This board has control
of the fourteen institutions OF Iowa,
by which over 5000 unfortunates are
cared for by the state
"A section OF the law forbids any
superintendent to employ any relative
OF himself or of his wife, to fill any po-
sition in his institution. This has been
carried so far as to prevent men and
women unfortunate enough to have the
same name as the superintendent from
being employed in the higher situa-
tons, thus literally avoiding the APP
pearance Of evil We are also glad to
report that in these Iowa institutions
all women employees receive the same
wages as the men for the same work
These wages begin at about $1f
month, increasing each year for faith
full service. until q maximum, wage Of
$40. a month is reached.
AT Glenwood, our institution for
the feeble minded, school for nurses
is held, in which free training is Civ
en- the women employees. At one OF
the smaller hospitals. 1877 patients are
cared for by six women nurses. none
other, 1t having been found that even
the male patients are less nervous and
more easily managed by these wom-
en-"
One of the most encouraging feat
ures noted, to women, should be the
fact that "all women employees re-
.ceive the same wages as the men for
the same work" Indeed. why should
they not, and yet the deplorable fact
remains that such truth calls fortl,
special rejoicing. More and more Is
woman becoming qualified to fill posi-
tions hitherto unopened to her. In
view of this and the real necessity
of doing so in many cases, the old
argument can only be repeated: That
compensation should work both ways,
for equality in ability, OF women with
men, should be given an equality Of
wage, which Is nothing more nor less
than simple justice.
What change there Is, not every
where apparent to be sure, but no.
ticeable nevertheless in feminine sem
timent regarding the cost of things.
Time was when the fair sex took
pride In telling how expensive a gar
ment, hat, trinket or piece Of furni-
ture was, and anything cheap was
treated to scornful ridicule. And often
the most there was to these purchases
was the price paid. Now wave Of 1
healthful economy SENS to be sweep
ing over u.s. Instead of Boosting In the
old way, we do not feel ashamed at
not hiring everything possible done,
but take delight in constructing pref
ty creations for our own wear and the
adornment of our homes, with our own
hands. Moreover we are happy to
display with pardonable pride, the re-
suits Of our own handiwork and in
genuity.
Women do many unkind things
without thinking and one of the most
unkind is to tell friend the uncom-
things others say about her.
While every woman should know that
some one probably dislikes and abuses
her, 1t is thoughtless and unkind to tell
her about 1t simply for the sake of
gossip. People will abuse you, and
If you don't hear about 1t, 1t is be-
cause your friends are too generous
knIJ nf u L