Page:Theresa Serber Malkiel - Woman of Yesterday and To-day.djvu/9

 workers of New England were not alone in their protest; their example was soon followed by the sewing women of New York, Baltimore and Philadelphia. The umbrella workers, book-binders and shoe makers took up the trail. The people were convinced that hereafter the female of the Yankee tribe would have to be viewed in a different light. The endless chain of strikes demanded concerted action. The congregation of large numbers of ignorant, half starved, suffering women had its effect. Organizations for the purpose of bettering the conditions of working women came to life. The matter was discussed in the daily press, town halls and from the pulpit. Everywhere people expressed the opinion that the women were entitled to a fair chance. Attempts were made to train them in a few semi-skilled trades, the free schools were opened to them. The nation took cognizance of them, the era of protective legislation appeared on the horizon.

The invention of the sewing machine in the year 1836 proved a great ally of women. The avenues of their activity widened at once. The newly established factories for the making of ready-to-wear clothing, boots and shoes, umbrellas and rubber goods became their mecca. The subdivided labor did not require any skill and the employers gladly utilized the assistance of the women who were the cheaper paid workers at all times.

In the wake of the sewing machine came the invention of the telegraph and telephone. Two instruments seemingly created for woman's nimble fingers and quick perception. Here, like in the clothing trade, its promoters were aided by wom-