The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-08

inc Omy pain when she deliberately turned her back. without an apology, the next time we met If had not ventured timid Good morning. the slight might have been explained away.
 " I have firm, abiding faith in Christ, and have had a Presbyterian training for church attendance, or the church would be relieved of my presence after those expe- riences Similar incidents occur occasion ally but try to forget them and get all the good I can from the services, although wonder if servants are really wanted in Gods house. I have a feeling that l am just tolerated My experience in church organizations has been that most of those who are friendly are patronizing and some are nice at church who will not speak to me elsewhere.
 "of course, as long as nousework Is held in the low esteem 1t now has. we cannot hope for anything better. realize that it would be folly to expect to associate upon equal terms with a woman whose own cook eats in the kitchen, uses as a way of com ing and going the back door, and entertains her visitors in the kitchen, with its straight backed chairs and lack of privacy.
 I have become used to all the above things and can see the other side of the question. but to young subsequently, to those from the country-they are abs solute- ly galling. I often think it is no wonder they are willing to work for meager wages and board anywhere, in order to escape the ostracism that IS, unquestionably, part of the housemaid's portion. So far l have not been able to find any girl doing housework who goes to any of the churches 1 have attended. It does not seem possible that l am the only American woman at service in this city. If they are not in the churches. they Ire somewhere. It may be that some clubwoman and devout CD churchwoman will be responsible for each if she should go wrong. Responsible for not using her influence to raise the occupation of house work in any of its forms to one of respon- sibility and honor.
 If ever that delightful day should dawn 1t will not be difficult to get decent girl to labor in the home. for the work is plea sant and interesting, the pay is good, and the surroundings are generally all that could be desired
 Two Of my sisters tried housework. but could not stand the social side of it and are now working in colleges past their strength in order to fiji themselves for work outside the home. They object so much to my staying in my present position tha this winter l shall review and follow the teach CTS course of study with the intention of securing a teachers certificate next sum mer l do not like to think as my sisters do-and as is forced upon me daily-that my days may be spent in following work of which have to speak with an apology if is hard to retain self-respect in the circum- stances.
 The 'O-o-o-or we hear when people learn our work is one of my hobbies now listen and look for It that 1 may see what will follow-a remark about the Panama canal or the rubber atrocities? One thing Is certain-it will be as ia removed as pos sible from housework as the woman can put herself in thought at moments notice.
 But 1t Is not to enlist your sympathies and aid for the uplift of the occupa tion that l am writing. Too many girls are working in questionable places who would gladly be housemaide if they could still feel that they are Independent beings and not social out casts
 70 Would 1t be asking too much to request a sitting room or the use of a dim ing room for an occasional visitor?
 "(2) Has a woman any moral right to sa that we must stay at home every evening but one in each week?
 (S) Do you think it safe for young girl