WASHINGTON WOMEN CLEAN THE STREETS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9463, 4 June 1909, Page 2

WASHINGTON WOMEN CLEAN THE STREETS.

The women of Washington (says a New York paper) cleaned the streets as tli had promised, or threatened. But they cleaned them by proxy. No troops of white angel wings rustled, or hustled, on (the broad avenues or in the parks. He was vastly diasppointed, who had expected to see fair matrons and lovely maids led- by Mrs F. V. Ooville, with dust caps on their heads and brooms in their kid gloved hands, making the streets as “sweet and clean” as their own parlours. “If you do not clean the streets we will,” said the Women’s Committee, of whiob Mrs Colville is Chairman, to Commissioner West. “Don’t shoot, I beg you, ladies. I. am doing the best I can with my appropriation,” answered the commissionerlmildly. “If my best does not please you, go ahead.” To use a technicality, the commissioner did not call the bluff. But, remarkable to say, the bluff failed. When the time came, the women shrank from their self-imposed task ; from the early morning crowds their appearance as street cleaners must attract.

Those with children sent them and their servants out with dust pans and brushes. Very delicately they made little dust heaps and picking up scraps of paper deposited them gently in small bags. Other women hired bands of pickaninnies who were not iWhite Wings by various shades, and they tidied up considerable areas. The children quickly saw the chance to earn I money for candy. After they finished their appointed task they went ringing doorbells and saying : “We’ll clean up your sidewalk and pavement for a nickel apiece, missus.” Women, like district superintendents, walked up and down giving orders and criticising. Mrs Oolvilia bossed the whole job. In an anto she whizzed here and there, and later, said joyously: “The city looks like a different place. Why, you can’t write your name in tbe dust on any street we have cleaned. ” Tbs women’s attempt to keep the streets clean will endure.