212 GENERAL SCIENCE 



Generally speaking nothing in life costs too much if there is 

 ample return in well-being for the individual himself or for 

 others. To attain the best things in the lives of individuals 

 requires as a rule long-sustained efforts and sacrifices. There 

 is doubtful value in any lesson that has required no effort, 

 and in any education or in any fortune for which labor and 

 sacrifice have not been given. 



There is no other one item in the nation's bill of expendi- 

 tures so appalling in its economic waste as that for alcoholic 

 drink. Increased taxation is necessary to care for those 

 whose lives have been wrecked by it directly and indirectly. 

 The consumer gets nothing in exchange for his outlays that 

 ministers to his well-being, and it lessens his efficiency as a 

 worker and undermines his thrift. 



SUMMARY 



Unwise expenditures in living expenses are a common accompaniment 

 of poverty, and often a direct cause for it. Lack of intelligence in 

 buying largely increases the cost of living for those who have abundant 

 means; for those of limited resources, it usually results in getting far 

 less for their outlays than they should. 



Any proper valuation of articles purchased takes into account not 

 only the original outlay for them as cost price, but their probable 

 length of service, and whether or not they are well suited for their 

 intended uses. This is especially true in the purchase of clothing, and 

 when buying a house and household furnishings. 



Business ability, and an executive skill of high order, is required for 

 an efficient household administration. In spending wisely the part 

 of a family income set aside for family expenses, the wife and mother 

 becomes as truly a supporter of the family as the husband and father. 



Instruction at school in household management, based upon home 

 experiences and applied to the betterment! of the home life, constitutes 

 an important service rendered by the public schools. Public school 

 instruction in the elements of home economics is a means for bettering 

 individual welfare and improving social conditions. 



Health and self-respect alike demand that families be well housed. 

 In congested centres of population the high cost of dwelling places, 



