The Washington herald., 1909-07-10
FROM WOMAN'S
POINT OF VIEW

There are no happier children IN the
whole world than those OF Japan. yet
they do not grow up with an exaggerated
opinion OF their own Importance. Sacri-
fees OF many kinds are made for them'
and two holidays a year are made spe-
ciaTfv for them, one for each sex. But
with all this they have five important
things to learn and practice for life-loy-
atty 10 the Emperor, devotion 10 coun-
try, obedience to parents. love for broth
ers and sisters, and sincerity IN friend
ship. To this is added courtesy TO every
body and q special line OF conduct for
girls.
It Is little wonder that the nation is so
far ahead in many ways. Such an edu-
cation annihilates Quarrels and avoids a
deal OF trouble. I have seen a few Japa-
nese women. all young, high-class wou-
en-, staying here 10 study the ways OF the
country and be trained in the art OF
teaching. for IN Japan teaching IS a no
bic profession. I must confess that these
young women put Us TO shame In the
matter Of disposition and behavior, for
they were gentle. quiet and sweet, and
perfectly self-possessed. There were many
things they admired in our customs, not
ably the independence which allowed
girl 70 choose her husband instead OF ac-
cepting the one chosen by the parents. I
do not remember that any OF the number
preferred our manner Of dressing TO their
own either from the standpoint OF COM
fort or beauty.
Just think OF a trousseau containing
enough gowns to last a lifetime. and i'm
% haf
allowed 20 wear them out without a
thought OF fashion! We could all save
money under those circumstances and
spend a peaceful old age on our savings.
In Japan the elders have nothing 70 fear
IN that quarter, for custom makes them
rulers over youth. A bride has to wait
upon her mother-in-law and a son Is
ruled by both parents as long as they
live. With all our civilization we have
nct matched that plan for providing for
the future, and II we ever solve the prob
lem II will be IN the nature Of a pension
a government affair probably.
I know OF Just two women who have
been wise and safeguarded their position.
One passed the reins Of government 70
her daughter some years ago and occu-
hcnored guest whose tastes are consulted
before plans are made. The other has
two daughters old enough 10 be house
keepers, and 10 them she delegated the
task OF home-making. while she devotes
her time 10 the rearing Of the younger
children. Naturally she IS consulted on
important matters and IS always willing
20 advise, but she escapes the cares and
enjoys a well-earned leisure some part OF
each day. There is no danger Of either OF
these women being forced 10 make way
for new wives. for habit is strong and
tEeir children grew up IN the belief that
mother was the first consideration Sons
and daughters may marry, but the moth
er viii reign supreme. either In her home
or in theirs. because in each case she is
very lOvable
cannot help the belief that men and
women are much what parents have made
them. There is the occasional exception
OF a bad son and wayward daughter with
gOo1 parents, and a fine man or woman
from bad stock. but In the main training
tells the story. Too much coddliug does
not produce self-reliant beings and over
indulgence VIII spoil the sweetest temper.
Obedience Is not a rule IN the household
and without 1t good government is i'm
possible. 1 never could understand why
any mother submitted to a repetition OF
the disgracefUl spectacle OF a kicking,
screaming child sQUlrming in the dirt
There must be means Of curing such hab-
it's and 7 would try them all 70 find the
one that fitted my case were I similarly
place. 1 have seen too many high-strung
natures tanned down 70 reason 10 believe
in giving up. BETTY BRADEEN.