Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-19

which animates the Norseman extends to
every detail of his life. Before the right
OF the ballot was given women had al
ready become prominent in the profess
sions. and they were powerful factors In
the educational national scheme. Under
the terms they now have the right to sit
In parliament and to hold any ofilce But
the Norwegian woman is eminently prac-
teal. and there is small chance that she
Will seek new paths or establish 1nnova-
lions which would offend the national
conservatism of her people.
women are found everywhere In COM
merclal and industrial pursuits. In the
stores one is impressed with the fact that
the work of selling and such rather light
and frivolous details connected with the
purchase of dress goods and furbelows is
all given over to women. The heads OF
divisions. buyers, floor walkers, as we
would call 1t. are women in Christiania.
Men seem to find more arduOuS avoca-
tons. Every man is a soldier. and this
martial spirit and the love of the sea
tend to make men seek more strenuous
occupations than standing in stores.
Many women hold the highest posts in
the educational scheme OF the country.
There are scores of famous scientists.
economists and writer's of every degree
among the women of Norway. They are
all educated side by side with the men,
and there is absolutely no distinction in
the law between the rights of each sex. A
woman may Apply for post under the
civil government, and IL she passes the
examination satisfactorily and shows
physical ability to perform her duties
she gets the place. Her sex is never
question. The same is true in the univer-
sites kept up by the state, and she can
hold any professorship according to the
| marking of the competitive examination
women seems a great success in Nor
way"
Mrs. PIERCE is a woman of cosmopo-
itan training, and she is well equipped
to act as chatelaine in foreign
capital. She received her education most
ly in private schools in Portland, but
Travelled and studied extensively in
Germany and Paris. Her father. DR..
Benjamin Jose. was well known in edu-
cational circles, and was for years head
Of the Portland College. Mrs. PIERCE was
married in her home city, but lived abroad
great portion of her married life. Mr..
Peirce was first secretary of the en-
bassy in st. Petersburg for many years.
Later he came to Washington, where he
was, at first, third secretary of state and
then first secretary under Secretaries Hay
and Root. He went from Washington to
Norway about four years ago. During
Mr.. Peirce's regime as third secretary OF
state he made. accompanied by Mrs.
PIERCE. a complete circuit OF the oriental
consular posts This trip was delightful
| to Mrs. PIERCE. and she relates her ex-
periences very entertainingly.
Mr.. and Mrs. Peirce have three sons.
with the eldest of whom they will spend
Christmas in Spokane. Wash. This youns
man is Herbert H. D. PIERCE, jr., and
graduated a few years ago from Harvard.
The second son is to be sailor. and Is
now in his second year at Annapolis. He
S the namesake Of his paternai grand
father, Benjamin Jose PIERCE. and the
third is Horatio Jose PIERCE. Dur
ing her residence in Washington Mrs.
Peirce presented to society her niece. Miss
has since frequently been her guest IN
Christiania Mr.. and Mrs. 4,eirce have
been in Washington for ale past six
weeks, and will return to Norway the
to see their children, none OF whom has
been in Norway. except for brief visits.
This separation is the only thing about
life abroad which does not appeal to Mrs.
is the trouble to her that 1t Is to all
mothers, In whatever rank Of life.
Il regret being away from Norway In
the winter said Mrs. PIERCE. for the
sports are SO interesting, and life as
sumes such a brilliant coloring. The
ski parties are exhilarating, and the
coasting and the jumping and vaulting
on the snow shoes give ! touch to the
winter which we miss in the milder
climate. But summer also is full of
enjoyment Being a real daughter of
Maine, love to fish, and / am proud
lof my reputation among my Norwe
gian friends. Last summer l caught a
salmon which weighed thirty-six and
three-quarter pounds. This is really
true story. l caught and landed this
monster myself in the Nandalen river.
near the village of Ramsen, and for
proof / sprained my arm. and have been
under treatment at an osteopath's ever
since came to Washington"
Mrs. Peirce is attractive in manner
and in person, and she has the cordially
of the southerner added to the dignity and
| reserve of the New Highlander She has
become one Of the popular hostesses in
the Norwegian capital. and enjoys the
close friendship of the brilliant young
queen, as well as Of the court set.