PERSONAL PROBLEMS
Question.—A radical woman and conservative man are married, have been married for years. The woman now wants to do a share of work for votes for women. The man takes it as a personal reflection. He thinks outsiders will conclude that a woman suffragist must have a family grievance at home. How much suffrage work do you advise her to do?
Answer.—I advise her to do all the suffrage work she thinks right; and any other work she thinks right. What her husband thinks somebody else will think, is a pretty poor obstacle.
If a woman so lives as to hold the love and respect of her husband, she can differ from him quite widely—for conscience sake—and not break their bond.
If he does not love and respect her—why should she mind what he thinks?
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Here are some earnest questions from an artist:
1. “How shall I be most efficient?
2. “Which of my work is best—what I think best, or what other people think best?
3. “If my best work is done by accident, what’s the use of trying?”
Answer.—1. Live to your fullest development in all lines—and keep your health. Do not so concentrate on art as to neglect life—and your art will be greater.
2. Do the work you think best, with all your might, accepting others’ judgement only when it convinces yours.
3. Trying, always—that is, doing your best work, life long—is what allows those happy accidents. Keep on trying.
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In this department in August, “E. M. K.” asked:
“Would you please outline a plan of organization among married women who wish to continue practicing their profession, through which they may arouse other women; and also reach the authorities who have control over their work?”
I then recommended political organization as the best possible; but have
been called upon since to mention The Married Women Teachers’
Association, of New York, as an instance of what may be done. The
Secretary is Mrs. Anna G. Walsh, 22 Harvard Avenue, Jamaica, N. Y.