The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1906-10-13

borhood come to him by score for ad-
vice and help. He even listens to and
advises them while eating his break
fast. Mrs. Crooks, whom he affection
ately calls mother" Is always at his
side,
Aiding In His Helpful Work.
gentle, motherly woman, Mrs.
Crooks feels deeply the condition of the
poor about ner, and is constantly en-
deavoring to aid them. She doesn't
forget the fact lnat her husband spent
part Of his early life in the workhouse
Or almshouse. Besides keeping house
and attending to all her domestic
duties Mrs. Crooks conducts an en-
ployment bureau in Poplar, devoting
her efforts especially to securing work
for the wives and families of men
who are out OF employment.
She is regarded as the good angel Of
the community. and the people there
would gladly elect her to parliament.
II they could. to assist her husband in
his plans for the betterment of labor
conditions.
In her plain little parlor Mrs. Crooks
has some ornaments Of which she is
very proud. There Is a silver teas set
presented to her In recognition of the
public-spirited efforts of herself and
her husband while he was mayor of
Poplar some years ago. Upon the walls
are two pictures which were painted
and presented to her by man whom
the Crooks had aided while he was in
financial straits; on table are glasses,
china, ornaments, and even a comical
little china pig-all given in gratitude
for help extended at some time of des-
perate need.
Mrs. ]. Ramsey Macdonald, wife of
the member for Leicester, finds time
from the care of her modest fiat in Lin
coins Inn and her four children to take
part in the labor propaganda in which
her husband is engaged She is a lee
turer and worker for the independent
labor party.
Not long since Mr.. Macdonald was
looked for lecture at Ilkeston, but
found that his parliamentary duties
would not permit keeping the engage
ment Accordingly Mrs. Macdonald
went to nkeston and
Lectured In His Stead.
1T was a description Of walking
| tour, illustrated by lantern Slides" she
| explained later, and as I had been on
| the trip with my husband, I was able to
give the lecture" It is said she gave
1t most satisfactorilY
When they find time-which Is not
often-Mr. and Mrs Macdonald may be
seen taking long walks together. They
also have little cottage in Bucking-
hamshire to which they retire when
parliament is not In session. Mrs. Mac
hamshire, to which they retile when
parliament is not in session. Mrs. Mac
donald Is noted as being one Of the
best housekeepers in that section.
While Kier% Hardie, one of. the best
known of the labor leaders is attend
ing sessions of parliament Mrs. Hardie
usually remains in AYRSHIRE, where
she says sAe is perfectly happy look
ing after their little home
The wife Of J. Ward member of the
Stoke on-Trent. while taking rest
from cooking dinner recently, expressed
her dissatisfaction with the demands
made upon mis- time
He has to leave early in the morn
ing for the work of his union," she
explained then goes to parliament,
and usually gets home about 2 o'clock
IN the morning. At week ends he
goes about making speeches.
Mr.. Ward laughed. The wife stands
that sort of thing about five weeks on
stretch he remarked. "and then she
| goes on str1ke-tells me I need not
| expect any home comforts II I don't
spend one day in SO at home"
One noticeable characteristic Of the
wives of the labor members of parlia-
! ment Is a fact, as rule, that their
husbands election to such high and
! responsible national duties makes little
apparent difference in the home life.
They do not seem to think that such
distinguished honors in the family
should cause them to cease doing their
| own cooking, washing, or housework,
or that they should hire girls to do
their scrubDing for them