The Women of America (Paperback)

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1904. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... XI THE MOTHER IN THE TENEMENT HOME WHATEVER else we may relinquish as the world grows older, whatever else we may acquire, it is certain that we shall never lose that reverence which a mother inspires in our hearts; it is not conceivable that we shall ever find any person, however gifted and good, whose title to our deep regard can exceed that of the true mother. Notwithstanding occasional attacks, the underlying principle of human society remains unshaken; and the members of that society whose vision is clearest continue to see that if a home is to be made, a woman must make it; that the woman who best makes it is a mother. The making has never been easy for the mother even when she has had every aid; but it has always been possible for her if she has had but one aid-- her own tender and brooding love for her children. The mother who is compelled by conditions over which the most brilliant sociologists have not yet discovered a means of control to make a home in a tenement-house in a large city, too frequently has but little else to help her; and to hinder her she almost unfailingly has obstacles scarcely less great than her love itself. The patience, the courage, and the sweetness of soul with which so often, even under the most difficult circumstances, she accepts the duty apportioned to her, and endeavors to fulfill its requirements faithfully and fully, are as significant as they are inexpressibly beautiful. In the course of my work in tenement districts I have found many such mothers; each one making a home which, however poor it might be in respect to material things, was very rich indeed in the more abiding things of the spirit. One of these women comes swiftly to my mind whenever I think of the power and the mystery of that marvelous love which it would ...