The Forerunner Part 155

"To-day's Problems" is a good ten cents' worth--or five, if you live in Chicago.

It is a pocket-size pamphlet, full of short bits from some hundred and fifty leading writers, workers, and speakers, along lines of Social Progress.

Ministers, college professors, economists, sociologists, editors, authors, organizers, poets, orators; a millionaire, a member of parliament, a prince,--it's a great booklet. And not a thing in it that fills one page, even.

_To-day's Problems._ Trade Union Book Concern. Chicago, Ill.

We mean to carry lists of books useful to our readers. We wish to prove that it will pay publishers to advertise with us. If you order any book reviewed here, please send your order to The FORERUNNER.

"Pure Sociology," by Lester F. Ward, Macmillan, Pub., $4.00.

"Hygiene and Morality," by Lavina L. Dock, R. N., G. P. Putnam's Sons, Pub., $1.25.

"Marriage as a Trade," by Cicely Hamilton, Moffat, Yard & Co., Pub., $1.25.

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?

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.

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'

a.s.sociation, of New York, as an instance of what may be done. The Secretary is Mrs. Anna G. Walsh, 22 Harvard Avenue, Jamaica, N. Y.

FROM LETTERS OF SUBSCRIBERS

"Charlotte Perkins Gilman: Since the first of January, 1904, I've been writing you this letter! 'The Women's Journal,' of Boston, presented you to me--and I've been acknowledging the introduction ever since!!

'-----' I bought--and read--and re-read your 'Women and Economics' and 'The Home, It's Work and Influence.' I then as now, _knew_--that I had known these things always--you had only beat me to its expression."

"The magazine is interesting of course, and clever and inspiring. I enclose check for $3.00 for my own subscription and for two others, whose addresses I write on the same card."

"The Forerunner has such a cheery, hopeful, even confident tone that it is fine to read it. I feel, dear Mrs. Gilman, that as much as I liked your earlier work, I find even more in this latest. It touches the quick more--in me."

"Enclosed please find post office order for $1.00, to cover a year's subscription to The Forerunner, and I sincerely trust that that magazine will have the influence that it deserves. The November number alone is worth the price."

"Its going to be well worth a dollar, this Forerunner of yours, if the forerunner I have received of The Forerunner is to be taken as typical, I am immensely interested in your philosophy of life. Your tale of Diantha I turned over to my eldest daughter and its effect is p.r.o.nounced. She is looking for the next number."

"We enjoy the magazine very much, particularly the series of articles t.i.tled 'Our Androcentric Culture.' It explains very satisfactorily the present _andriness_ of conditions. May you live a thousand years--and longer; to continue good work of enlightenment."

"Mrs. H---- has sent me a sample copy of The Forerunner. It is _fine._ I always run to hear you when you speak,--now I may sit at home and talk with you!"

"_The Barrel_ is delicious. If Mrs. D---- hasn't already subscribed, do send her this number. I enclose stamps therefor."

"May I congratulate you on your magazine, The Forerunner. Of course the things you say in it are good as everything you ever say is, and added to that the magazine is attractive in form and in make-up. I think that you ought to be happy, indeed, that you are putting forth such a good looking as well as clever publication. I was delighted to see some of your verse again, for no matter what brilliant things you have done along economic lines, nothing has ever gone to the very bottom with me more than your verse, 'In this our world.'"