The Washington herald., 1908-04-10
FROM WOMAN'S
POINT OF VIE w


There never was time when furnish
ing home from cellar to garret could
be done more quickly. economically. and
artistieally than at the present time.
The arts and crafts products are lovely
ana restful TO body and sight, and the in
stallment system Of payments obtains
nearly everywhere. do not usually sd-
vocate burden of debt. but ! have
been learning a few things from families
which have bought homes and put forth
their best efforts 10 pay for them, from
men who have begun business careers
on borrowed capital and from home lovers
who have rented furnishings with the
privilege Of paying for them by the
month.
Instances Of foreclosures on mort
cages Of all kinds are continually crop
plug up, but they are only a small per-
centage Of the men and women who ac-
eumulate property on the installmene plan.
They are generally the kind who do not
save for the weekly or monthly payments
before satisfying their other tastes
Sometimes sickness or misfortune upsets
the most carefully laid plans, and about
everything Is swept away, but these acci-
dents are incidental to any business
There are hosts OF people who would not
save money. but will economize in every
way to pay an obligation like an insur-
ance premium or a debt. It is an un-
disputed fact that If we waited till we
had the money with which to meet our
desires we would never know them save
in day dreams.
Purchasing perishable property on In
staIlmeEts is not wise. Il seems Ike
throwing away money to pay it out for
things which have ceased TO exist l
know Of working girls why buy clothing
in that manner and are never out OF
debt. Before the winter garments really
belong TO them they are planning for
fresh ones 10 match the new season. II
sickness overtakes them, or II they get
out OF work, they have debts 10 worry
over. They can save no money for a
vacation and must meet the demands OF
Christmas with fresh debts,
I happen to know something OF the
methods employed by a house maid who
has to divide her wages with her widow
ed mother. On her meager share she
manages TO look very nice at all tines
for her mother does her sewing and not
only repairs her garments. but makes
them in the first place. The girl is care
ful, and that means a great deal. and
when by chance she has no situation
there is q home to shelter her, for the
mother makes one for two young chill
dren. There are three others to help sup
port 1t, a brother and sister. both mar
ried, and another sister who has lived in
one family for ten years.
Naturally there is no money 10 squan-
der, so the workers are careful about ex-
penses. But the home has been pur-
chased on weekly payments and is now
secured to the mother. had an oppor-
tunity to view another acquisition Of de-
voices Of the installment plan. The fur
nishlngs Of an extremely artistic fat
were bought from department store
which was glad 20 make satisfactory
terms Of settlement There were no sur
plus pieces, but quite enough for COM
fort and beauty. and every article pos
sessed good wearing qualities. A home
would not have been possible under cash
payments, for the pair came from humble
surroundings and had nothing to start
with but health, youth, courage, and
steady employment for the man. That
was a creditable capital I must admit,
but not the equivalent Of hard cash, and
the couple wanted a home In which 10
begin the new life. Credit has its virtues.
BETTY BRADEEN