The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-06-05

sure those who are doubtful that the
two really At, and we trust, make ex-
cellent sense"
For the benefit OF those busy people
who will not think 1t worth while to
compare tho two editorials. have
quoted the editors own words and
some from the letter.
| L have read this helpless woman's"
letter. or rather Il letter written by a
friend, and II appears to me that this
editorial is about as illogical as the
letter.
1t is very evident that the editor be-
woman. Note: "a young woman of
| sound health has no excuse for not
working when the need arises, and she
ought to be at work even when there
| is no crisis of poverty" (even when her
father objects TO 1t, l supposo), or
! when the men oil her acquaintance are
! complaining that working women cut
down mems wages, and working wo-
men are protesting against women
working for cake and cutting tho
wages of those who must work for
bread. | never before knew The Times
Dispatch to advocate equal rights for
women, equal suffrage, etc, but IL this
| is not challenge, what is it?
! The editor says, The moral for this
woman is for her to take hold of any
honorable employment without waiting
for sinecure exactly adapted to her
temperament Then she can fit her
self for better things"
I How perfectly absurd and Illogical
this seems to practical person. The
editor seems to forget entirely that he
is not talking TO a very young girl; a
middle aged woman while busy learn
ing one kind of work will not have
much time to "ft herself for better
things" Would it not be better to put
TO use what talents and accomplish
ments she already has than to try to
nj herself for something she knows
nothing about She does not seem to
have any time to loose
truly believe all the failures Of the
world are brought about by people
trying to till positions they are not
rtted for There are plenty of people
to do the ordinary work OF the world
but we need brain workers as we'll as
manual workers. II would be con-
trary TO nature TO put mule on tho
race-track, or the thoroughbred to the
dray.
This is a practical age. and no one
is willing TO employ any persons un-
qualified for the work they are willing
TO accept. What newspaper, business
men, boarding house keeper or seams
tress would think OF giving employ
mcnt to any woman of middle age who
had no training for the work asked for.
One would think from this specimen
OF masculine logic" that the desire to
work brings immediate employment.
There is no more pitiable position
than these two women find themselves
in because their ideas are all wrong
The writer OF the letter says. "Wo-
men who know absolutely nothing
about earning a dollar for Themselves
will be the first TO speak, TO criticize.
and TO offer all sorts of foolish. i'm
practicable ugGestions."
II amuses me 10 think how much she
will appreciate this kindly little criti-
csm from the first man she asks
And as the editor does not write in
very sympathetic mood. | would like
10 say TO her that ! believe there is
something for her to do. some place
10 be useful. some place that she can
III into
II is useless to try TO tit a round peg
into Il square hole. II she is SO well
educated, so travelled" why not make
every practical effort to get a posi-
tion she could fill with credit
should suggest secretary for some
wealthy society woman. companion for
cultured elderly lady. or chaperon for
"a young lady. have known educated
ladies to I'LL all Of these positions with
satisfaction TO all parties. But, be too
honorable TO accept any work for pay
that you cannot give full value receiv-
ed In the meantime. live as economi-
cally as possible on what YOU have
left. Put "A stop TO "sleepless nights
and wretched forebodings." Advertise
in the New York and Washington pa
pers. or any other large city papers. and
possibly YOU viii find 4 position where
you can give honest and we'll done
service r. p H.
Richmond, Va. May IS.