The Washington herald., 1908-08-26
FROM WOMANS
POINT OF VIEW

The independence Of won1anhood Is
splendid thing, but Ike other splendid
things II can be carried TOO far and prove
a serious drawback The independent
woman is all right when she is fighting
her way through life. competing with
other strenuous women and men who
have the advantage Of superior strength
and training But when illness or mis-
fortune comes the world sees no need OF
assisting those who have loudly proclaim
ed their ability 10 look out for themselves
You will find very few women who are
willing 70 accept employment In the home
OF q relative There is a crying need for
mothers helpers. for seamstresses. for
companions with useful hands and a good
home and a small compensation would be
The reward I know a young woman who
could tell you the many advantages Of
such a life. and she has had her turn at
independence. She began in a small posi-
ton with a publishing house and worked
her way TO a place OF responsibility with
corresponding compensation
After a time the home instinct began 10
stir and when her married sister was
stranded by the departure Of a capable
maid she found herself Offering TO spend
ner vacation in the family. taking an
active part fl the work. The arrange
ment worked admirably because both
women were sweet-tempered and consci-
entous- The work was easy. when so
divided. and it was with real regret that
both parties looked forward to the sepa-
ration I do not know how the idea OF a
permanent union suggested itself. but the
girl never returned 20 her desk IN stuIy
Office. she remained with her sister. en-
joying her home. earning enough TO sup
ply her personal wants and save a little
and growing pretty and strong in the do
ing Of Il
know that the washing was done by
strong woman. who assisted in the iron
ing and did the necessary scrubbing and
cleaning each week AL the other work
was divided between the two women and
there were two or three children 10 be
cared for. The house was handsome and
Wen furnished and beautifully kept and
both women had time for pleasure. all
they wanted The younger was very en-
thusiastic On the matter. and wondered
why more homeless girls could not see
the many advantages Of such an arrange
r.elr I know the reasoa-a 6istaste 10
domestic work. with an exaggerated
sense Of Independence
That Il why so many feminine rela-
Jives Of weI-to-do families have 70 ap-
peal 10 the charity OF strangers They
are not aniable and willing 20 pay for
what they might receive IL the way OF
comfort and affection They have such
strong opinions. such weu-deveIoped
bumps OF self-assertior. as 70 make them
a dangerous element 70 introduce into a
home A companIonable. anaiable woman
Is blessing 10 any household. and Il
women would cultivate amlabil.ty Instead
OF combativeness they would ind It much
10 their advantage
n a family where the problem OF help
was very perplexing a japanese girl
went 20 live. agreeing 70 60 light service
IN payment OF board while she was get
ting her education az university near
at hand She was a veritabie treasure.
quiet. gOOd-natUred. neat and refined.
. AID the family accepted her at her true
Z value before tls members discovered her
10 be the daughter OF a high Official in
the AEkad0's palace she was d.sgraced
al home. Ct course By her determination
TO secure the best education and helm the
women Of ner country 10 equality with
women Of other nations. but she was q
gentlewoIan u every sense OF the vvord
and ner departure was a matter Of real
sorrow in the family. She has never
been replaced. Il IS needless 20 say.
BETTY BRADEEN