New-York tribune., 1916-07-09

~HERE are more reasons than one
for blue Monday" The advent
l. of the weekly washday hitherto
has borne all the responsibility for
this nickname, but most housewives
, know only too we'll that the strenuous
| Sunday which precedes it is generally
the real cause.
In the vast majority Of homes, where
the members attend church and Sunday
school with systematic regularity, Sun
dav after meeting" is considered more
or less of a gala occasion. The good
man of the house, as well as other
members of the family, expect an espe-
cially good dinner, with at least hne
roast. hot vegetables, salad and an
elaborate dessert in recognition Of the
day. Also, it is not an uncommon oc-
currence for extra guests 70 drop IN
for Sunday dinner.
This. of course, means a very busy
mornings work in the kitchen for
somebody. Even the housewife who
employs help is obliged unless the
maid is very competent-to be con-
stantly on the alert to see that things
run smoothly. Moreover, the mistress
to allow for the maids shorter hours
of service on Sunday and her after
noon off," must frequently take the
greater part of her own day OF rest
~ 10 do the things that she thinks
must be done.
Late rising on Sunday, followed By a
still later and more elaborate break
fast than is served on weekdays, is the
first mistake she makes. The long fast
and the tempting meal naturally lead
10 overeating and certain degree OF
lasstude. while only the careful house
keeper knows the trouble and care it is
10 try and keep toast, hot breads and
other edibles hot and palatable for the
late risers, who seem 10 think that
"mother's" time is their time.
Then come a rush and scramble.
Those who 60 20 church must hurry 10
dress, and too often the mistress Of the
house finds herself in a state OF ner-
vous haste and confusion from the time
she rises in the morning until church
time This makes church attendance,
if accomplished at all. grand race in
order 10 reach the family pew in time.
And too often, while the minister dis
courses of heavenly things, mothers
poor, overburdened mind will wander
in a vain attempt TO remember whether
she told Mary" how often TO baste the
roast or whether she has forgotten 10
empty the pan under the icebox.
Surely 1t is necessary that gospel
Of self-denial shall be preached for
Sunday. The day on which the entire
system is supposed TO rest is not the
day on which the family needs TO eat
the most. And il eats at the wrong
time. II midday dinner is served
probably an interval of only three or
three and a half hours intervenes be-
tween breakfast and the heavy and
elaborate Sunday dinner. This natu-
rally overtaxes the digestive tract by
making it try to assimilste and dispose
Of more food and waste matter than il
demands or wants.
Ordinarily, active exercise Of some
kind is taken in the open air; there is
a longer interval between meals and
they are OF a lighter character Then
once in every seven days comes Sunday
the "upsetter" with its departure from
the customary routine. and digestive
chaos ensues, for IL must be remem-
bered that only when the demands upon
the engine are the heaviest, does il
consume a greater amount of coal than
usual. The careful and wise fireman
does not force the engine or waste
his fuel, but the conscientious house
wife too often speeds up just at the
time she should slacken the pace
To rectify this Sunday bugbear''
set a reasonable hour for breakfast
and make the meal OF the simplest de.
scription. And let the service be some-