640 ANNUAL, REPORT OF THE Off. Doc. 



come in, finally even if there arc a few hundred dollars more made, 

 if health is impaired and enjoymenl of life ever thereafter an impos- 

 sibility? Such is the unavoidable result of any foolish idea to put 

 woman out of her sphere, and place her where she is not intended. 

 I can see no lasting benefit in having women do outdoor work. 



THE TRUE HEROINE. 



By MISS MAE L. HARTER. Millerstown, Pa. 



There is probably no word in the English language which carries 

 with it a greater sense of pride than the word heroine, and especially 

 so to our own sex. The utterance of this word at once suggests 

 to us the idea of perseverance, bravery, greatness, nobleness and 

 fame. We do not recognize the influence. 1 that the word heroism 

 has over us, but iu truth it means a great deal. When Ave read the 

 paper we pass over much of the contents in a disinterested way, 

 but should our eyes fall upon the heading "A True Heroine,'' how 

 suddenly we stop and are soon interested in the contents of the 

 paper. In ages past all history, all nations, all classes of society 

 have had their heroines. Heroes! Yes, there are many heroes, and 

 I sometimes think we forget that these are not only men whose 

 names are worthy to be recorded, but there are women, heroines 

 of whom we are proud to-day. 



As we look back over the ages of the past, whose heart does not 

 thrill with pride when they read of Mollie Pitcher and her heroic 

 act, of Florence Nightingale and her life of sacrifice! And who does 

 not remember the brave Grace Darling? Not only these but the 

 more modern heroines as Clara Barton and the nurses who served 

 in the recent war with Spain. These brave women stand in history 

 as heroines, and their names shall not be forgotten. Although we 

 would be loyal to those whose brave deeds are recorded in history 

 we would be animated to greater work by the examples they have 

 given us. Yet we would not convey the impressions that these, who 

 have done some public act, or have come in touch with the masses 

 only are heroines. 



And now the question arises. What does heroism mean? What 

 is it to be a true heroine? And it is here we would have you think 

 for yourselves. Does it consist in fame, in praise, in the doing of 

 some great act alone? If so, I fear that many of us would not be 

 heroines. 



We see a mother weary of the many cares that she has, the little 

 ones crying for bread, the landlord demanding his rent, the chilling 

 blasts of winter telling that fuel must be required or starvation 

 and death are sure. The poet must have thought something of this 

 when he wrote: 



"With fingers weary and worn, and eyelids heavy and sad, 

 A woman sat in womanly rags plying her needle and thread; 

 Stitch, stitch, stitch, in poverty, hunger and dirt, 

 And that with a voice of dolorous pitch, 

 (Would that its tones could reach the rich,) 

 She sang the song of the shirt." 



Was she not a heroine? 



