The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1915-10-16
Give Girls Only What They Are
Worth, But Make Them Worth More.

The public school curriculum should be made
up OF various practical subjects. For instance
stenographers are always in demand, and the
efficient ones are able to command good sub
stantial salaries at all times. To the objection
that this would soon result in the business
world being overcrowded with stenographers 1
answer no. The average working period Of
the girl stenographer is between the age OF
sixteen and twenty-five years. At the expi
ration OF that time she is ready to establish
a home and assume the duties OF wife and
mother. This constant process Of elimination
leaves a gap that must be filed. and it would
be normally filled. All girls are not fitted
again, to be stenographers. These should be
brought in the schools 10 the highest point OF
efficiency in whatever they are best fitted for
II is against all the laws OF progress for a
girl to expect salary Of ten dollars week
when she is really worth only FIVE. She should
never get more than she is worth.
The fundamental principle underlying all
deficiency Is health \ healthy body and mind
lends an attractiveness that has no peer. Its
possession has always been the means Of gain
ling employment and advancement for the girl
who lives at home. and the lack OF It has been
a big factor in the present ineniciency of those
who have either neglected themselves or have
been neglected.
The class OF NaEeearnern IN winch i am
most interested Is not that earning ten dollars
/or less. but the one which earns between
|ffteen and twenty-five dollars a week. In this
class lies the salvation OF all working girls
<Conseryation OF this class ~ imperative. Their
homes offer satisfactory environment stlmu
ate ambition, create health and efficiency, and
. IN the final analysis establish standards that
! re- paramount On the elimination OF the present
+|iay social and industrial evils. Observe a girl
reared IN a home Of this kind. In nine cases
physically; she has broader ideas and ideals;
il. he II more practical and Is unquestonably the
nation's greatest asset now and for all time
o come.
Prom this class must come the germ which
TO be inoculated into the less fortunate ones
hose IN the ten.dOllaraweek class. II will
reed discomfort. desire 90 work for the bet
pr things o. life, and a clearer conce ptlOn o.
hat h meant by efficiency. with this revo-
ution win come an adjustment Of salaries and
BE- many other things that are now occupy.
BIZ the attention OF legislators throughout these
United states.
Humanity has never been q subject for
rFislailon. and DO never viii be-.
j hold that a g.rl should have whatever win
rake her efficient %. for Instance. she is
arninr hve or Elk hundred dollars n year and
eeis that spending two hundred % that amount
pr clothes and other thnEs will make her
appier. contonted aud efficient. then she Is
erfectly justified In doing this
One often hears about great sacrifice max.
ng character. and 40 on. but the percentage OF
lses vhoro % has worked harm. has thwarted
nd crippled people mentally and physlcaily
eNceodingly great I have often been mis-.
Understood on this subject : speak only from
b economic standpoint. and Do not c6naider
ointment when discussing the topic. ssif
hcrihce and selfdenisl are like liberty in the
amber Of crimes daily committed ln their
II q the ambition N every rfri 20 be u,u
efsed and % appear respectable When sba
.nnot get the things she cravea-nice clothes
ID other neesasites-by legitimate employ.