New-York tribune., 1908-02-10
YOUNG H0UsEKEEPER's FRIEND"

out OF old books, IN gooo zaIth. cometh all this
new science wrote Geoffrey ChauceT six centuries
ago SO. in Ike wise. out of an old book Of six
decades ago-''The Young Housekeeper's Friend
come counses and suggestions pertinent TO
wornankind of to-day, albeit the counsel and sug-
gestion are oftines quantity worded and piously
phrased emphasize woman's whole duty.
Prelude 10 the volume OF directions for making
everything from bread and butter 10 sarsaparfIla
mead and rennet wine, a half dozen pages urge
upon young housekeepers the perfecting themselves
in domestic education. Excellence in housekeep-
ing has come 20 be considered Incompatible with
superior mental culture" says the author, warn
ingIv But it is not So The most elevated minds
fulfil best the everyday duties of life. II young
women would resolve let tile effort cost what II
will TO perfect themselves in their appropriate
duties. defective domestic education would soon
be remedied. Observation and persevering atten-
ton would give the requisite knowledge, and their
efforts would bring a speedy and ample reward
1t were far better. when they enter upon the sta
ton of mistress OF a family. to be already pos
sessed of such experience would enable them
easily to regulate the expenditures and so
systenatlze the work of every day as TO secure
economy comfort, neatness and order But If this
knowledge has not been previously acquired let
not the learner be discouraged or for moment
weld 10 the idea Of letting things take their
course No woman innocenty or safely settle
down upon this conclusion The good to be lost
and the evils incurred too great TO admit OF
SUCH decision. The result will certainly be un-
domestic affections were thus chilled and the most
valuable family interests sacrificed.
How often do we see the happiness Of hus-
hand abridged by the absence of skill ueatness
and economy in the wife, continues this oldtlme
writer Perhaps the husband is able TO fix
upon the cause. for he does not understand mi
nutely enough the processes upon which domestic
order depends analyze the difficulty; but he is
conscious Of discomfort However improbable 1t
may seen the health OF many a professional man
&c, fueda and
he habitualy eats bad bread
The Bible sanctions the view of female obliga-
ton and influence in the description II gives OF the
virtuous woman, whose price is far above ruhies
We all know the description. Like the paintings OF
the old artists the beauty OF this exquisite picture
is enhanced by the softened hue OF years and, Ike
them il must be studied long ere It's finest touches
will be revealed Female virtue is the same now
that IL was in the days of the wise man, and this
portraiture in its outlines, still true to the fe
Energy industry. economy order, skill, vigilance
cheerfuIness, kindness. charity, discretion and the
fear OF God are essential to the character or
good wife now they were then; and the effects
OF these are still the in the embellishments or
lar house the abundance OF her stores the happi-
ness OF her household. her husbands confidence IN
her his honorable rank among the elders Of the
land the virtues of her children and her own fe-
lcty To estimate the truth OF the picture We need
oDv observe society around US that the happiest
families are those in which the wife and mother
most resembles this picture
In connection with this subject, the inquiry sug-
sests itself TO the author of The Young House
keepers Friend whether in the excessive exter-
uasm OF the times, due prominence Is given to the
pract!ce OF home duties as part or religion
whether spirit OF the New Testament Is carried
into the everyday concerns OF life. Is not The
giving largely TO public objects OF benevolenee
sometimes suffered 70 sIpersede the duty of con
siss-inp the poor7 she questions We may
go TO church when should offer puTer incense
20 Him who sees tic heart by performing the
nuulblesi domestic duties at home she contends,
l7va,-eIv for those DAYS. We are prone To love
nubJfctty 6nd II easier 70 give money 10 en-
81 or energies IN behalf of benevolent societies
nm 20 -ra.tlze n the retirement Of home that
charity ~hich -uraFeth Ions sOd - kind. I'm
nor learn while az the ene not 10 leave lle
ether undone?" Is the nnai PREDATORY urging Ok the
suflor.