The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-05-27
THE PERFECT FEMINIST.
A Trained and Doting Husbands Tribute
10 n Notable Norman.

w ENotbDit VOubu.
To THE EDITOR OF THE suS-sr. am
surprised that no true disciple Of feml-
nlsm has offered word OF advice to
Feminist" whose appealing letter APP
peared In THE Sun OF last Thursday
so, although / am kept busy every minute
OF the day with my cherished household
duties. feel that l must lay them aside
long enough to point out TO her the
causes of her failure. The fact is not
generally understood by non-feminsts. but
true feminism necessarily involves mar
riage for 1t Is only In the affairs OF the
household that full reversal OF the his
toric relations between woman and man
may be clearly visualized In Its earlier
perfection and woman come TO a glorious
preliminary realization OF the supremacy
OF her sex. The family Is the critical
battle ground OF feminist conquest and
the true purpose OF wedlock Is to develop
woman's characters of dominance through
submission, voluntary or compulsory, OF
her husband to the dominant claims of
her womanly destiny.
feel almost ashamed to speak of my
own experiences instead OF dwelling on
the far more important accomplishments
OF my beloved wife; but the nature of
your correspondent needs with respect to
her husbands training must be my ex-
cuse.
or naturally discriminating tastes,
WIS NdItlul lnIOuEuOut tnliunoOu ana
youth to preserve and cultivate In myself
those qualities OF gentility and refinement
which so beautifully realize the highest
character of true manhood and to my
assiduous cultivation OF all that is
sweetest and best in manly promise
attribute my selection as the helpmeet OF a
truly noble and advanced woman. | mar
ried young. Being naturally of an unas-
Stunning nature, I doubted my ability to
support a family at that tender age but
upon the ladys confident assurance that
she would soon be able TO arrange those
subordinate details. | yielded to her per-
suasions and we were welded In the very
bloom Of my youthful manhood.
had no understanding OF feminsm
then, although well prepared for its re-
cepton. My adored wife proceeded with
my education Systematically yet dis
creetly, being careful not to shock my
sensibilties by demanding a too sudden
departure from the habits OF my life. We
kept no servant, and on my return from
business ! was required at first merely to
help out by wiplng the dishes and arrang-
Ing the table. Little by little I was taught
other arts OF housekeeping. sweeping and
busting. the making of beds, marketing
the economies of the household accounts
Then came instruction In the nicer duties
OF mendlng and sewing, and at last care
full training in cooking and the entire
routine OF the service OF the family, nm
ished by systematic reading and study OF
cookery books and higher treatises on the
domestic sciences and arts In all their
intricate and delightful branches.
Naturally gifted for these accomplish
ments made rapid progress and devoted
myself so Enthusiastically TO my new and
fascinating interests that ] overtaNed my
strength and was compelled at last TO give
up my position In business. My revered
wife then awaited herself OF the opportu-
Ia
pending my perfection in the arts OF
housekeeping. OF accepting lucrative EN-
ployment In the managing boards OF sew
eral progressive organizations for the adj
vancement of sex and social uplift. leaving
the conduct of our home entirely in my
care, subject always. OF course, to the
supreme guidance OF her discerning super
vision
The result has more than justified the
highest aspirations of feminlsm. Not only
have | proved by my own experience that
my sex has not lost those finer feelings
and natural aptltudes which TT It to NIL
the most worthy sphere of manly useful
ness, but by freeing nv noble wife from
the employments of domestlclty which
were so veXatious TO the loftier ambitions
OF her womanhood ! have been humhly
Instrumental in assisting the full develop
ment of her sublime personality, a depth
and strength Of character which has won
for her recognition the world over as Il
preeminent representative Of the most
progressive ideals OF feminism and a liv-
ing exponent OF the unqualified superiority
of her sex.
our children ! have permitted to be no
more than brief Incidents In the more
important career OF my beloved wife. I
assumed the entire care OF them from
birth.
sincerely hope that this brief history
may open the eyes of your correspondent
who signed herself Feminist" +. l.. II.
PLAINFiELp. y. j., May 90.