A Domestic Problem

Domestic Problem, A

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Title: A Domestic Problem
Author: Abby Morton Diaz
Release Date: October, 2004 [EBook #6704] [Yes, we are more than
one year ahead of schedule] [This file was first posted on January 17,
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DOMESTIC PROBLEM ***

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A DOMESTIC PROBLEM

Work and Culture in the Household
by
MRS. A. M. DIAZ
AUTHOR OF "THE SCHOOLMASTER'S TRUNK," ETC.
1895

CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
TAKING A VIEW OF THE SITUATION.
CHAPTER II.

ONE CAUSE OF THE SITUATION.--A PART OF "WOMAN'S
MISSION" CONSIDERED.
CHAPTER III.
CULTURE PROVED TO BE A NEED OF THE CHILD-TRAINER.
CHAPTER IV.
THE OTHER PART OF "WOMAN'S MISSION."
CHAPTER V.
OTHER CAUSES CONSIDERED.
CHAPTER VI.
REASONS FOR A CHANGE.
CHAPTER VII.
A WAY OUT.
CHAPTER VIII.
SUGGESTIONS FOR LECTURE TOPICS
CHAPTER IX.
WAYS OF IMMEDIATE ESCAPE
CHAPTER X.
MEANS OF ESCAPE ALREADY IN OPERATION
CHAPTER XI.

SUPPLEMENTARY

A DOMESTIC PROBLEM
WORK AND CULTURE IN THE HOUSEHOLD.
CHAPTER I.
TAKING A VIEW OF THE SITUATION.
Our problem is this: How may woman enjoy the delights of culture,
and at the same time fulfil her duties to family and household? Perhaps
it is not assuming too much to say, that, in making known the existence
of such a problem, we have already taken the first step toward its
solution, just as a ship's crew in distress take the first step toward relief
by making a signal which calls attention to their needs.
The next step--after having, as we may say, set our flag at half-mast--is
one which, if all we hear be true, should come easily to women in
council, namely, talking. And talking we must have, even if, as in the
social game called "Throwing Light," much of it is done at a venture. In
that interesting little game, after a few hints have been given
concerning "the word," different members of the company begin at
once to talk about it, and think about it, and suggest and hazard
descriptive remarks, according to the idea each has formed of it; that is,
they try, though in the dark, to "throw light." As the interest increases,
the excitement becomes intense. Many of the ideas expressed are
absurdly wide of the mark, yet even these help to show what the answer
is not; and often, by their coming in contact, a light is struck which
helps amazingly. And so, in regard to our problem, we have the hints;
then why not begin at once to think about it, and talk about it, and
suggest, and guess, and throw light with all our might? No matter if we
even get excited, say absurd things, say utterly preposterous things,
make blunders. Blunders are to be expected. Let them fly right and left;
by hitting together right smartly they may strike out sparks which shall
help us find our way.

We all have heard of the frank country girl who said to her bashful
lover, "Do say something, if it isn't quite so bright!" This, doubtless, is
what every thoughtful woman, if she expressed the sincere desire of her
heart regarding our perplexing question, would say to all other women;
and it is to comply with that wish, partly expressed to me, that I have
gathered up from chance observation, chance reading, and hearsay,
some ideas bearing on the subject. Suppose we begin by looking about
us, and making clear to our minds just what this state of things is,
which, because it hinders culture, many deem so unsatisfactory. After
that, we will consider its causes, reasons for changing it, and the way or
ways out of it.
A few, a very few,