The Washington herald., 1915-04-11
Women Say Schools Fail
To Educate Youth for Life
Farm Wives Also Complain that No Lbor-saving Devices
Are Bought for Them, While Men Invest in ALL
New Methods Urged

Educational Needs of Farm Women
and Domestic Needs Of Farm Women"
are the titles of two pamphlets issued
by the Department of Agriculture. A
week ago the department issued a
pamphlet. Social and Labor Needs Of
Farm Women" The three pamphlets
contain replies of women to a circular
in which the department asked sugges-
tons as to ways In which it could render
more direct service to the farm women.
The inquiry was prompted by letter. in
which the statement was made that the
farm woman has been the most neglected
factor In the rural problem, and that she
had been especially neglected by the De-
partment of Agriculture.
In connection with the inquiries as to
education needs it is stated that letters
from all over the country dwell upon the
Importance Of education In the common
schools in agriculture and home econom-
les. Under the present system. many
writers say. the schools educate the
young not for their life work but away
from it. There is. it is said, in many
sections no vocational training. nothing
to make the pupil interested and con-
tent in his or her life on the farm.
Women Eager to Learn.
Letters from thirty-two States urge
ulate interest in better agriculture be
adapted to a campaign for better living
conditions" the department states. THE
women are only too eager to learn. but
they must see with their own eyes. Bull
letins and other printed information may
interest them. but they point out that
they are afraid to experiment on their
own initiative. II they could be reached
in person by women demonstrators. trav-
alt oi tha1r
believe the results would be desirable.
This idea prevails in the South. In
every case the demand Is for better edu-
cation. The children may be taught do
mestic science in the schools. but what
education the grown housewives receive
must be brought to them. is the trend Of
many letters. They cannot leave their
homes in search of II.
Many writer's urge the appointment Of
women advisers to visit from house to
house. discuss her problems with the
tons of improved methods and labor
saving devices"
Forty-seven Of the writers recommend
ed that the department establish q special
bureau devoted to the interests of the
woman on the farm. Many thought that
this should be in charge of a woman and
a few specified q farm woman" as the
proper leader.
A New York woman wrote:
How would 1t do to have what might
be called a Women's Public Service Com
mission with head office in Washington,
and branch offices in every town con-
tanning a sufficient population? l believe
that such q commission, filled by broad
minded women whose advice could be
sought without cost, might be q great
blessing. Farmers wives have no one to
whom to 60 for advice on their prob
lens"
Wee Children Pick Cotton.
A Tennessee woman wrote: How
few of the worlds philosophers know
that 1t il common for children and
years Of age to have little sacks fas-
tened about their necks and go into
cotton fields and pick cotton Is long
as their little strength lasts! Talk
about child labor in factories! The
factory children have Sunday clothes.
eat candy. chew gum, and know Santa
Claus, while these poor little cotton
pickers often are barefooted and bare
headed. Our mails are burdened In
behalf Of our little brown brother.
red, yellow, and black brother. but
never a word for the pale-faced. blue
eyed babies brought up in the cotton
fields. though something Of the idea
was born when one Of our great phi