davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-09-13
Whv Do Parents Do H9

Have you noticed, by the way, that
these persons who talk so much about
permitting the chilG's individuality to de-
velop untrammeled don't apply that prin-
ciple to other things about him? They
don't allow him to have his own way when
it inclines him to go out unclothed in the
public street" naked and unashamed -
as I have known more than one small child
to attempt to do. If he shows disposition
to risk his life in daring feats they check
him; if he displays a tendency to lie and
steal and swear, they restrain him; II he
endeavors to fill his small stomach with
unripe fruit and unwholesome growing
things they don't allow him free course
With heartless cruelty they even obliGe
him to Learn to read and write and inquire
and send him to school. 1t is only when
it comes to training him to direct his will,
to control his temper. and his wish to have
his own way at the expense of others that
this talk about the untrammeled individu-
ality comes in.
1t is to be taken for granted that as are
our children. so also will be our young
people Why should they start up and
develop courtesy and consideration for
others when they are halfgrown If they
have never been taught these graces at
home in childhood True, as they get older
they become conversant with the manners
of others and are led or Shamed into i'm
provement. We would be in an unfortunate
state of they didn't. Matters are bad
enough it is.
James and Tom and Mary fought like
cats and dogs and didn't know the first let
ter of the word obedience when they were
children" some one said to me the other
day, when we were discussing relatives
and family connections. ." Yet they seem
to have turned out pretty we'll Both the
boys good, respectable fellows, and
kind to their father and mother. and Mary
has married very we'll and she and her
mother seem on good terms. although the
children led her pretty dance when they
were young. I'm gla d she has a little COM
fort in them now"
But she might have had that comfort
in them all along" broke in. {" She has
missed some of the sweetest joys in life
when she has let slip from her the happy
times she ought to have. had with her. chill
dren at home while they were young. Why
did she do IL?
Why did she do it? Why do so many
parents do it? What is the reason they
won't take a little trouble for the sake OF
saving themselves big trouble, and teach
their boys and girls obedience, courtesy,
consideration, and self-control while they
are young? Can any one tell me?
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-09-13


IA pie of today have such poor man
WV -ners?- Before L go step farther
l wish to state clearly that 1 do
not mean to comprise all children
and young people in one sweeping con-
domination. Still among us may be found
those with fine breeding and courtesy, but
they are SO rare that. when We meet them
we are abnormally appreciative.
Such an example of good manners came
my way last week. AT a little entertain
ment 1 met an old friend who pressed me
to go home with her for a cup of afternoon
tea When she rang the bell the door was
opened by the maid and avalanche of
small children-or so they seemed to me.
Like an avalanche, too, they melted away
ax their mothers admonition to Run
along, dears.'
We went into the drawing room and set
tied ourselves. The mother excused her
self for a moment to give an order, and as
the tea tray made it's appearance in the
hands of the maid the eldest child, a little
maiden of 0 or TO- entered the room BY
this time two or three other guests had
arrived, and at her mothers word of intro
duction she went from one to the other of
US dropping her pretty courtesy and shak-
ing hands with each. There was. entire
self-possession and absence of self-con-
seriousness. but no pertness, After her
the tray with a cup sugar, cream, and
lemon upon it. to every guest, then passed
the plate of cake, and without word,
slipped into a chair in the corner,
Her mother beckoned to her and offered
her a cake. The child gave a quick glance
of thanks. took the cake, and retreated
again to her corner, where she ate 1t with
evident enjoyment, but quietly. She an
swered when she was spoken to. but in no
way put herself forward In little while
the younger sister came in and after that
the boy. a sturdy year. old. Both went
the rounds of Introduction with the same
easy good manners ana then effaced them
selves as their sister had done. I had
chance for a few words with each of them
and found readiness to answer questions
and absence of shyness, but a very clear
illustration that they had been taught the
good. old fashioned principle that in the
presence of grown people and strangers
children should be seen and not heard.
Does this mean that they were repressed
and held in bondage? Not in the least,
They were happy, healthy. normal children,
but they had been taught to behave proper-
ly before they knew better-or worsei
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-09-13
MARION HARLANDS HELPING HAND

fIT HERE may be some bad stepfa-
80 theirs and stepmothers, but how
about the stepchildren? Are they
all angels? Do they try to show
proper respect to the man or
woman who has undertaken to care for
them and provide for them and keep a home
over their heads? No. in the majority of
cases they make life miserable for the
parents. I have had eight years expert
ence and 1 know I had three children
when married my husband. One of them
was sweet and loving5 the other two are
simply contemplate. An angel could not
live with them. but through all these years
my husband has been the best of fathers,
loving, kind. patient, and forgiving. If
ever a stepfather deserved a special crown
of glory he certainly does. 1 do not be-
lieve another man on earth would put up
with all that he has, and are my children
grateful? No. they are not, although they
know that he has made sacrifices for them
that their own father would never have
made. They are all married now and we
free to live our lives. We accuse men
OF fckleness. we say their love does not
last, but 1 want to tell you that the man
who has endured martyrdom for me fer
eight years loved me with his whole heart
or never could have done as he has. All
this talk about cruel stepmothers and step
fathers is rubbish. F. A c.
This is the first letter we have had which
has taken this tone and for that reason
I print it I would like to know how our
constituency feel on the subject 1 grant
the faults of some stepchildren, and yet I
am loath to condemn them as a class In
the first place 1 don't believe that children
are naturally bad. except in a few rare
cases. and think that if they are trained
right from the beginning they will prove
Ill
cially is this the case if the second mar
rage occurs while the children are young
Naturally if they are half grown and have
been permitted to have their own way too
much they will feel they have a right to
Judge their parents and to condemn them
1 have known second marriages which
have taken place after the children have
grown when they have felt, with certain
degree of reason. that a lack of respect
has been shown to the memory of the dead
parent and yet even with these have seen
of the stepparent win love and respect. I
am inclined to think that the two g con-
temptibie " children of whom the corre-
spondent speaks were not taught obedience
and consideration and Difference in their
earlier years. Have any of our Cornerites
observations to offer on the subject? I
would be glad to get their opinions.
= X
Menu for a Fish Dinner.
please give a menu for a fish dinner.
MRS. NEwLYwED."
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-09-13
Recipe for English Omelet.

May L ask you to print your recipe for
an English omelet? The one 1 refer to is
your own, made without milk or flour. such
as the majority of people use. I have al
ways made your kind and in New Eng
land, where I lived, every one thought it
a perfect omelet. A lady in that part of the
country gave it to me, and 1 do not know
of any one else who makes it except your
self. Although I know that the original is
yours. mean to give the recipe in my own
words and tell just how l make it and serve
it, for fear you might misunderstood me
and give another set of directions. Beat
the whites of the eggs until they will re-
main in the dish when inverted then add
the beaten yolks, and salt and pepper to
taste: turn the mixture into a spider in
which one or two tablespoons of butter
have melted slowly. Place the spider
the stove. where 1t will heat gradually, or
else on asbestos plate with the gas
turned low, so that the omelet will not
scorch- Allow plenty of room in the pan
for the omelet to rise. When nearly heated
through. except perhaps. an inch or SO of
foam, fold together with a knife and turn
a platter. If turned carefully an edge
of heated but soft foam will outline the
solid but light omelet 1t can be served
with a border OF crisply fried bacon and
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-09-13

form to childish whiIns; to be the slave OF
an i'll directed infants caprice-decidedly
never have had enough patience to have
disobedent children! Simply from the
standpoint of comfort and self-indulgence
it seems much easier to teach a child to
obey from the very first. to have perhaps
one or two brief struggles in early days,
and then to reap the peaceable fruits OF
righteousness in a well regulated, well
trained family. Can it possibly be that any
mother or father thinks it is more trouble to
establish obedience than to bear disobe-
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-09-13

the drawing room she continues her pur-
suits, talking and singing and pounding the
piano with total disregard of the presence
of visitors. Connected conversation is i'm
possible while she is awake, for then she
insists upon being with her mother. no
matter what guests she is entertaining.
AS a consequence 1 have to fight myself
to check an absolute dislike. of a child
whose chief fault is that her parents did
not know enough to teach her to show con-
sideration toward others.
For. after ell. that is what constitutes
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-09-13
Canned String Beans.

at am a Young married woman, keeping
house, and yet I don't know how to do
many things which L wish to have for
winter Will you kindly tell me how to can
beans, corn, pumpkins, and okra? 1 am
especially anxious to have some of each
and can find no recipe for any of them.
If you could know what help it would
be to me, 1 am sure you would be glad to
assist me- MRS. NJ. c. M"
OF course I am delighted to give you all
the help in my power. When you have
mastered the principles of canning the way
is comparatively simple. The recipes for
canning beans, corn, and okra L can give
from my own experience, and I will be
grateful to one of our constituency who
will send me a tested and proved recipe
for canning pumpkin.
CANNED STRING BEANS.-Remove all
strings from both sides of the beans. cut
into inch lengths, put over the fire in
enough water to cover, and boil until ten
der but not soft. Season with salt and
pepper, take from the saucepan with a
skinner and put into scalded jars. Boil up
the water in which the beans were cooked,
skim 1t, and fill the jars with it to over
flowing. Seal Immediately.
CANNED CORN.-Select fresh sweet
corn. take off husks and silk, cut the corn
from the cob with sharp knife, End pack
into glass jars, filling them to the top. Put
on the covers and screw them loosely. ar
range the jars in a wash boiler on a rack
or on hay, pour around the jars enough cold
water 10 come to the tops, and boil the
water continuously for three hours, renew
ing it it cooks away, and keeping the
boiler covered. When the time is up, take
out the jars, see that they are screwed
tightly, and keep in dark, cool place. L
always hesitate to give recipe for can
ming corn, for 1t is most difficult business
and almost impossible to accomplish with
a security that the corn will keep.
CANNED OKRA.-Boi young, tender
pods of okra in sailed water for twenty-five
minutes. checking the cookery before the
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-09-13

dren and direct them, but there is some
thing back of that, for which we must turn
to the parents themselves. Why do they
permit their children the liberty nd license
that brings them into condition where
they are constantly and unconsciously ill
bred?
This is a query to which would like re-
plies from any of you who have theories
on the subject.
OF course have already heard some ex-
plantations given.
The parents are too darn lazy!" ex-
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-09-13

idea of how to bring up children. Now
such Sinking of duty toward a child and
toward the society he victimzes is termed
permitting him to develop along his own
lines. By your leave, I prefer to have
him develop along mine until he is old
enough to know for himself right from
wrong, and to distinguish between follow
ing his natural impulses and considering
the natural impulses of others But
am in sad neutrality-suspicious.. 1 am
tempted to think, in a class by myself.
When 1 reach this depth of pessinism L
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-09-13
Jelly Making Hints.

Jelly Making Hunts.
Il am one of the women who keep their
own houses while rearing family of chill
dren, and there is only one pair of hands,
and those mothers, to do all the work.
Therefore L must practice strict economy
at all times. do every little thing can
to hep the home along, my husbands
salary is not sufficient to meet all necessi-
ties and allow little luxury and pleasure
besides. I make most of my pin money by
selling home made jellies. marmalades,
jams, pickles, and other delicacies, and it
is this line that come to you. offering
some suggestions to your Corner, If / may
AS a result OF home experience 1 find that
in place of lemon juice in peach jelly or any
other kind of jelly, jam, marmalade. OF pre-
serve. two or three green tomatoes cooked
with the fruit answer the same purpose as
the lemons and are better when these are
SO costly. Or where the green tomatoes
are not to be had few apples combined
with the peaches will answer the purpose
that is, make the jelly firm. This is my
method when have little to buy fruit with:
For peach jelly first ca the peaches, then
to about two gallons of the Feelings add
about half a gallon of apples or the green
tomatoes and handful of peach leaves to
strengthen the peach flavor. and proceed as
with any other jelly. If the fruit is pale
in color, then one two very red tomatoes
may be added, which gives the jelly brill
liant yellowish red hue Let me add that no
tomato flavor can be detected in the I'm
ished product; neither do the peach leaves
give any bitterness. 1 make and sell sue
cessfully all sorts of jellies and have al
ways the largest demand for peach. In
making apple jelly simply quarter the
fruit, because when the seeds and stems
are cooked in they make the jelly a beau
tifuI deep red. After my fruit for jelly is
cooked I always mash it through colan-
der with q wooden spoon, then let it drip.
More juice is obtained by this method and
it drips more quickly. strain first through
a flannel sack, then just before putting il
on the fire strain it through bag of heavy
domestic or flannel. All my friends compli-
ment me on my knack for cooking. as
they call it. and sincerely hope these ideas
may be of some benefit to those of your con-
stltuents who must practice economy
do C"
I have no doubt your ideas will prove val
liable to many of our readers, and am
grateful to you for sending them. Some
times when hear the talk of introducing
efficiency into the home 1 think that num-
bers of hard working housewives might
supply suggestions efficiency to some Of
the business men who pride themselves on
their methods.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-09-13

have also found that the easiest way
to clean the bath tub and lavatory is with
gasoline. Also, to prevent starch from
sticking, use little butter.
MRS. E. c. L."
Thank you very much for your appre
citation of the Corner as well for your
useful suggestions. All are well worth
having. Let me speak my usual word of
warning as to using gasoline in a room
where there is a light fire. Familiarity
with the explosive sometimes breeds care
lessness and the terrible catastrophes of
which we read are almost always due to
forgetfulness or lack of observance of this
simple precaution.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-09-13

dience? I'd like to have an answer to this !!
OF course I am familiar with all the talk
had almost written twaddle-about break
ing chfld's spirit and REFRESHING his indi-
viduality. Those who preach this doctrine
apparently lack the belief, which we who
have had children are not inclined to doubt.
in original SIM We may talk about inno
cent pure little spirit, fresh from the hands
of God, and in a way this is true and beauti-
full. On the other hand there is the CORE
spending truth, put into terse words by
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-09-13

rough shod over them than take the trouble
to exercise discipline is inexpiicable. Again
and again 1 have quoted that saying of
wise mother: " never have had patience
enough to have disobedient children! " and
it voices my own feeling precisely. To
have to endure a child's racket and willful-
ness when I was tired and wanted to rest:
to be obliged to argue and coerce and bride
in order to achieve a result which single
simple command ought to have won to
have to shape my well laid plans to con-
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-09-13

good manners. To avoid actions which
will cause others discomfort, to practice
the habits which will make those about
you more at ease-is there a better def
milton of true courtesy than this? If so. 1
have never found it.
The talk of respecting the child's indi-
viduality is no new thing-only. in my
young days. we gave it another name.
We said then that the parents of these
children, possessing what in mild terms
may be called insistent personalities, had no
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-09-13

ploded a young man who had accompanied
me on a call to the house of the small girl
who furnished me with my second illustra-
ton. sid be tempted to use a stronger
word if you were man. That child's
mother and father think it's easier to let
the kid do she pleases than check her
or jerk her up. I'll bet my mother would
have thrashed me if I'd ever behaved like
that-and' I'd have jolly well deserved it.
tool 1 tell you, when 1 have children Of
my own"
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-09-13

let me tell you an easy way to make peach
preserves. Prepare your fruit, adding
sugar; then instead of putting it on top of
the stove place the fruit in the oven and
bake for about three hours. OF course the
length Of time will depend upon the guam
tity of preserves you are making. Keep a
slow, steady fire. This plan will save you
the hot work of constant stirring.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-09-13
"insistent Personalities. ="

1 compared them mentally with another
small child of my acquaintance, who is
clever enough to promise a woma nhood
of remarkable performance. She has a
vigorous individuality of her own. and this
her parents have neither thwarted no
matter in what direction it asserts itself
guided. AS consequence she is a s
unpleasant a housemate as I have ever
known. She does as pleases her. whether
this pleases any one else or not. At the
table she is i'll hammered and noisy; in
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-09-13
OUR CHILDREN AND THEIR MANNERS.

up of shreds and patches and a misfit from
the start. The child's soul may come
straight from God; his body, and myself
am inclined to think part of his spirit as
we'll, are inherited from his ancestry, and
he has their faults and temptations to fight
from the outset.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-09-13

garnished with parsley If liked. Some per-
sons prefer a sprinkling of sugar over the
omelet before folding, but 1 like to have
each add his own sweetening. In serving
cut straight across the omelet and place
some of the soft foam on top of each por-
ton. H. J. c.
am much honored that you should have
not only thought so highly of the omelet
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-09-13

You may begin with clam chowder, ac-
companied by crackers. go on to broiled
or planked fish served with stewed potatoes
and cucumber salad or sauce; follow this
with lobster in some form with salad of
lettuce, or with softshell crabs and lettuce
salad. After this may come crackers,
cheese, and coffee. Or you may begin with
crab meat cocktails or lobster bisque and
crackers or rolls, have a fish after this with
Partisan potatoes or French fried potatoes,
and then have chicken in some form with
a salad and sweet with your coffee. Or
you may start with Little Neck CLAIMS, have
a second course of broiled lobster with
Julienne potatoes, and then a planked fish
with the customary vegetable surround
ing and a salad. An elaborate sweet is out
of place at the close of fish dinner. Some
light fruit is better, cheese and crackers
with the coffee.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-09-13
German Fish Kartofel.

Will you please send recipe for
German fish kartoffel-translatedf fish po-
tatoes? MISS r.
Again 1 must appeaI-and with sure
pectation of prompt and satisfactory re
sponse-to German housfrauen. I
know a number of excellent and savory
dishes compounded of fish and potatoes.
but am not at all certain that any one of
them is the special preparation this CORE
spondent desires. Our German contingent
will be better informed and will make no
mistake.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-09-13

1 interrupted him.
When you have children of your own
they'll be brought up as your wife thinks
best! "
Great Scott, l suppose they WILL he
exclaimed. :. L never thought of that.
And relapsed into silence.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-09-13
Sdps Parents Are Too Lazy.

Perhaps you may think have answered
the question with which began this talk
why have the children and young people of
today such poor manners? 1 have said it
is true, that it arises in large part from the
failure of the parents to control the chill
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-09-13

have to stay my soul on the recollection
of such children the little girl of whom
I have just written and of few others
like her.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-09-13

you call mine but should have Transcribed
it for the benefit of others. 1 hope they
may like is much as you do
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-09-13

pods become too soft. Put into Jars and
proceed as directed in canning beans.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-09-13

breaking CMld's Spirit"
Undoubtedly his theory was correct in
some ways. Yet to me the course of any
parents who would rather have a child ride
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-09-13

Quick biscuit
Toast.
Coffee.
LUNCHEON.
Minced veal.
need veal with chopped baked potatoes
1.-TWO leftoversl.
otatoes hashed and Drowned Ia leftover.
Warmed up biscuit from breakfast
jam
Tea.
DINNER
Julienne soup
Broled Hamburg steak.
French fried potatoes.
String beans
Peach pie.
Coffee.
x
WEDNESDAY.
BREAKFAST.
Baked apples.
Cereal.
Wheat biscuit and cream.
Bacon.
Fried eggs.
Toast.
Coffee.
LUNCHEON.
Mince o. beef la leftoverl.
Baked potatoes
String bean salad.
Cookies
Iced tea.
DINNER.
Cream of tomato soup.
Fricasseed chicken.
Boiled rice.
Baked bananas.
Pineapple.
Ice cream.
Coffee.
y x
THURSDAY.
BREAKFAST.
Blueberries.
Cereal and cream.
Parsley omelet.
Mullins
Tea.
Coffee.
LUNCHEON
Soused mackerel.
Baked potatoes.