Omaha daily bee., 1919-01-05

III America, out III all parts O
CUtoonists have different ideas
about the attitude OF women in this
new era as is proven by their pen
and ink creations. Thomas, on the
Detroit News, pictures maid in
feminalls. cap and hammer, saying
to the returning sok ier: This is
my job and l am gohg to hang
on to it." The title of his cartoon
is "The Girl l Left Behind Me-"
Fontaine Fox takes a lighter and
more humorous view of the situa-
ton" His picture depicts a desc,
late home but a hilariously happy
woman out in the world of politics
and big, business.
"A Blasted Prediction.
Let us back up bit in our recol-
lections to the time when one OF
our famous orthopedc surgeons
predicted a legless race, few hun
dred years hence, because of the laz-
mess which impregnated all classes
since the entrance of automobiles,
street cars and dozen other means
of transportation which renders
"pedal-locomotion" unnecessary. Our
lack of physical exercise he said,
marked the beginning of sad end
when men would die untimely
deaths from indigestion, high blood
pressure and paralysis; our women,
according to this surgeon, were
scheduled to pass on, through lack
or interest in life, otherwise known
to us as ennul.
But now we are convinced that
this war is good for one more
thing. 1t has driven the men to
exercise and Off women to work 1t.
has given the men something to
think about other than the grabbing
of the almighty dollar-our women
are relieved of the monotony of
merely consuming.
And one needs but to talk with
the women who have been produc
ing during these war times to learn
that pretty clothes, nor ease. nor
luxury, nor leisure sufhces. There
is something Unborn, in most women,
which spurs them on to become
producers, once they have had a
taste of it.
How often. before the. war, we
heard, ooh, she is only woman"
and many similar remarks which be-
spoke plainly the sentiment of the
masses toward women. Now there
are new words to the same sweet
tune and they tell different story.
Such men as c. w. Baron Gin the
Wall Street JournaD. says that the
war was won by women; that vic
tory would have been impossible
but for their efforts; that 100000
women took the places of 100000
5 men in England alone, which proves
their efficiency.
For Women Workers.
Miss Agnes Nestor, prominent
among the women's trades unions.
believes that the taking care of
women workers is as essential as
caring for the returning fighters,
but Miss Elizabeth Maloney, vice
president of the international Ho-
tel Trades alliances, says that she
is convinced that it is the duty of
every woman who does not need
the job she holds to relinquish it in
favor of some woman. or returning
soldier, who does need it.
But, since we know that "the sur
viyai OF the fittest" is the strongest
law of nature, some of us sit back
aud smile, awaiting the outcome.
Why?
Because we know that Ike
wealthy business man does not re-
tire and leave his business to some
Younger man who may be Just as
efficient as he, and who needs the
position. No, indeed! he goes 70
his office as long as he can walk
and then, perhaps, he is taken to
his revolving chair and roll-top desk
by his attendants. He does not re-
tire and give the place to another
so long as he can hold on 20 it.
Here is our first point quite clearly
demonstrated.
Another point to be considered:
Many women remember with what
reluctance the wage earners dole
out the dimes and complained be-
cause some business woman was
more progressing, wore better
clothes and looked less careworn.
Ii is one thing to be the queen OF
the home" and aonther to be tie
drudge, with no recompense and no
praise. Too many women have
found that the queen" is merely an
illusion.
Beautiful Sentiment, but (0.
Mrs. Mary V. Halas. state super
intendent of the women's section OF
the United States employment serv-
ice, one of those closest in touch
with the labor situation in Chicago
offices, stores, mercantile establish
ments, industries and like, sug-
gested a national movement among
women workers in behalf OF those
who need employment.
II would have every women
whose fortunes are such that she
may not need the lob she holds
ask herself this question: Do
really need this job" said Mrs.
Halas.
''In Chicago alone there are many
women and girls who are holding
excellent positions and, although
they do not need to work for their
living, they do not intend to relin-