Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-03-01
FEMINIZATION OF BOYS

Continued from page 10

acter, knowledge of the world, in practical
wisdom, and a kind of ready commonsense if
her father would make more of companion
of her
As to the boy, the time is sure to come when
he grows FESTIVE under maternal CONTROL and
few, even of the wisest mothers, can steer boy
as safely through the period of approaching
manhood as an intelligent and attectlonate
father can do if he will but assume the task.
commend the example of friend of mine.
The household consists OF three the father,
mother. and now about fourteen. The
atmosphere of this home is pure and health
full the tie between husband and wife, between
parents and child, unusually close and strong.
There is common devotion to unselfsh and
noble aims. There is wealth, at least liberal
income: but it is not spent for the ends OF
social extravaganza or personal indulgence.
There is culture and refinement; but these are
not made the excuse as IN many cases tor
withdrawal from wide human interests.
On the twelfth birthday of the boy the
mother said to the father, " now make You
present of this boy. l have had a beautiful
time with him for the last twelve years; l
hope you will have beautiful time with him
for the next twelve years
The charge thus offered was willingly as
sumed While the boy is as near and dear to
the mother as before, there IS new and closer
relation between the father and the SON 1t
is the father now who is consulted on all those
intimate personal matters which were once
wholly in the mothers charge. The old friend
and companion is not lost; but new one has
been gained,-o who can better understand
the bows growing needs, enter into his thoughts,
guide his conduct shape his ideals. The father
has gained as much in this closer relationship
as the SON. The two have become compan-
ions ard the relation is one of mutual helpful
ness, happiness, and pride.
Companionship is the term which defines
the true relationships of the home, conjugal
parental or filial. The spirit of exaction
must be replaced by that of friendly super
vision Obedience is easy where love and
trust exist. The marriage bond is not merely
personal tie it is social and ethical The true
marriage is moral partnership Where the
attraction is but physical. the relation IS
poor, often a wicked one.
The spirit of democracy must rule in the
home as we'll as in the State where each bears
his share of duty and responsibility; each
must respect the rights of every other MEM
Der of the little domestic community. The
mothers office is by means fulfilled III the
mere material well being of her family Much
more is required of her than to keep the house
neat and see that her children are well fed
and we'll clothed. The fathers function IS
far wider than that OF the mere Provlder. 1t
is not enough that he pay the bills. either with
or without grumbling. There is an element
of spiritual provision and responsibility here
often overlooked.
As meas to a better state of things, by
all means let DR.. Halls counsel be accepted,
and the father drop some of his business cares
in favor of closer personal acquaintance and
relationship with those for whom he works, and
let the mother help him by learning how to
spend more wisely by abating her love of
dress and fashion. Our home life is too grossly
material and sordid. Let both the and
the woman unite to lift it to higher plane,
where noble sentiments and high ideals reign.
In this way only can save the children,
save ourselves, save society, and save the State.
The foregoing argument applies in general
wav to our schools; but the question here
becomes economic. Our teachers salaries in
the lower grades do not afford an adequate
income for men with families to support.
By Ella w. Peattie: Chicago
WHILE DR.. Halls apprehensions appear