THE WORLD’S GREATEST POWER—WOMAN

Ladies' Mirror, Volume 4, Issue 7, 1 January 1926, Page 38

THE WORLD’S GREATEST POWER—WOMAN

<sy WALTER DARBY, Auckland.

('Specially 'Written for “ c (she CMirror.") THE AUTHOR OF THIS ARTICLE, MR. DARBY, HAS WRITTEN SOME DELIGHTFUL TRAVELOGUES ON EXPERIENCES GAINED ON AN EXTENDED TOUR OF THE WORLD, WHICH ARE TO BE PUBLISHED IN BOOK FORM, WITH THE COMMFNDABLE OBJECT OF DEVOTING THE PROCEEDS TO THE BLIND OF NEW ZEALAND. 5 MR. DARBY HAS, IN THE COURSE OF HIS TRAVELS IN MANY LANDS, TAKEN A VERY HUMAN INTEREST IN THOSE AFFLICTED WITH THE LOSS OF THEIR SIGHT, AND HAS VISITED MANY BLIND INSTITUTIONS. THIS HAS PROMPTED HIM IN THE PHILANTHROPIC WORK HE HAS NOW UNDERTAKEN, WHICH DESERVES THE SUPPORT OF ALL SYMPATHISERS. 5 THE ARTICLE PUBLISHED HERE GIVES A SKETCH OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE WOMEN OF DIFFERENT NATIONS, RACES AND CREEDS.

TT is not the good fortune of everyone to have the time, money and even the desire to visit the world for a time extending close on four years. Such was the good fortune of Raymond. He had most gifts that were required for a successful tourist. His manner was engaging and his perception was quick so that he was able to say and do just what was likely to draw the best out of people. In other words, he was a born character reader. Though placed in a room full of charming ladies, he knew what to say to each. He still had something left in his bag to produce to interest the lady whose charms had attracted a host of men admirers; likewise he knew how to entertain the plain woman. He saw beneath the surface and revealed a host of things that made her feel pleased that she was alive and that no other woman was her superior. Raymond had the gift and he practised the art and arrived at such a high mark in his profession that he was always well sought after without over-doing it. He was an experienced Palmister, and could delineate character so that he always brought to the surface a hidden virtue. In other words, he was a man who could fill you up with hope and make the future full of good things. He knew at once a lady’s likes and dislikes, and what a lot a small courtesy bestowed on a lady at the right moment meant. It would appeal to something in their romantic nature even more so than the romantic novel, because it was something the lady in question possessed herself. He was musical and a first-rate speech maker, with a true and lovely respect for women in general. Such a man was well suited for travel. After he had toured the world, many sought him to enquire of him what he considered the greatest factor in the world. To some it might have been a perplexing question to answer. To Raymond it was not. His reply was: “Countries with different climates have not the same customs. Their customs are created to suit the climates and a hundred other things that would take too long to relate. Yet,” said Raymond, “with all the differences and changes and climates there is one thing that makes or mars a nation, or its people. It rises them up to the highest pitch of happiness, or hurls them down to such, an abyss of misfortune that it seems impossible to find a remedy. The same thing or power that makes for peace or war upon the earth; the same power which advances the highest qualities of mankind and raises them to a pedestal where the best shines forth; the same power can likewise have a contrary effect. Then,” said Raymond, “you ask me what is this mighty power? My answer is plain and simple’. It is the womenfolk of every nation. She is the power which produces all the effects that I have already mentioned. She, alone, is the mistress of the world and the arbitrator of its destinies. She is the mighty power behind the throne. It is she who can

convert the timid soldier into a warrior, the mere citizen into a citizen worth while. She can bring out the best in the dullest individual so that he can reach a niche of fame and bring his name down to posterity. It is she who can regulate the vices

of man and bring them into line of solid virtue. In fine, it is she who can make life worth while, a haven of rest —a fortitude to bear the difficulties that each and every man encounters in the battle of life. The lighthouse, the sign, the power for the guidance of poor man to greater things. Thus,” sayeth Raymond, “the world’s greatest power for good or evil, is woman. The old saying—‘The hand that rocks the cradle

rules the world’ — is as true to-day as ever it was. She is like unto music that soothes the mind. She exercises a refining influence upon man, calms the passions and elevates the soul.” Raymond was then asked to give

a short description of this great power which each of the nations held, this mighty magnetic influence. He consented, not willingly but more from a sense of duty, to make manifest to them the power they possessed, and, if used rightly, its great effect. It was no mere simple task. He had seen them all in their various countries. He felt that what little effect he made to stimulate them to carry out their great work

would amply repay him for his trouble, if only a few took it to. heart. Where to start and where to finish was the burning question. At last he decided that to start on the Continent of Australia and finish up with New Zealand, after traversing the world, would just about “fill the bill.” ' I 'HE Australian women resemble "*• those of the Latin race somewhat, being vivacious, and with a love for variety in dress and customsa keen judge of character. A gentleman is always well received by all classes. The imitation is quickly found out and is soon shown his mark. She is sincere and quick at forgiving. The greatest calamity is soon forgotten, and the sting of revenge does not exist in her mentality. Therefore, the past and its errors are soon buriedthe present and future is looked forward to in a sane sensible manner. Whoever dwells on the past and is forever calling to mind the injuries done them, destroys all that is best in their characters. The milk of human kindness ceases to flow. If the native-born take an intelligent, active part in their future destinies, they will be ’bright, prosperous and happy. '~pHEN Raymond made known the A Engl sh woman, who possesses a character which is not quite understood on the first interview. Her charms reveal themselves gradually. She is not a sentimentalist, is slow to change and a great home-lover. In fact, her home is her castle. Silent to a degree, slow to express an opinion, she is a good listener and has great powers of endurance and patience, bearing misfortune in a very heroic manner, accepting the inevitable with great fortitude. In love affairs, not enthusiastic if she has not won the desired man of her fancy. Nevertheless she will make the one she has chosen happy and contented on account of her great reasoning powers and sense of duty. The kudos of England’s greatness must be attributed to her womenfolk. r I 'HE Scotch women, says RayA mond, are quite different characters. In their love affairs they are more profuse and if they love you they cannot help showing it. They are very candid, have plenty of com-mon-sense, and are truthful to a degree. When one pays them a compliment they accept it as coming from the heart. They hate deception and love not varnished tales, preferring the unadulterated truth. Brave, persevering, they make huge sacrifices for a noble cause. They are extremely sociable and fond of conversation. The old idea of meanness being a characteristic of their’s is entirely false; also the old-fash-ioned idea that wit is not prevalent in their temperament. No one appre-

dates true humour better than the Scotch. Religious and conscientious, once they form a friendship, it takes more than a shower of rain to break it. Not fond of display or show, they have had applied to them the word “Thrift.” Thrifty in the right sense they may be, but when it is attributed to them in conjunction with “nearness” it is entirely misapplied. RAYMOND passed on to the “ women of Wales. The nature and construction of their country tends to make their characters different to the women of other countries. For the most part they have fine heads of dark brown or black hair, fine sparkling eyes, and one who studies such optics will at once discern they have the faculty to learn the foreign languages quickly. They are great lovers of music, and their folk songs are musically and beautifully rendered. They are to a great extent conservative, and are intensely patriotic and religious. Very slow to embrace new methods, but when they do, they enter into them thoroughly. They are, on the whole, very interesting, living in a beautiful country, amidst scenery difficult to surpass. They have a vivid imagination, and if they take to the platform, magnetic speakers. Lloyd George, by his many deeds, made their little country known to the far distant ends of the world, during the war. The men they send abroad to engage in commerce take some beating.

A SEA journey then, says Raymond, of about eight hours, will bring you to a land where the pagan Romans seem not to have entered. If so, they forgot to leave their traces behind them. This land is Ireland. The women are characters never to be forgotten, with their lovely stone-blue liquid eyes and crowning glory of black hair coupled with expressions that attract one at once. Smiling faces and a lovely wit that makes one lose oneself for the time being, with hearts bursting with hospitality. A nature that all nationalities can assimilate. Hence it is quite easy for them to marry into any nationality. Intense devotion in their marriage state, it is, with them, a life-time job and a tie which death alone breaks. They have pluck and courage in abundance. Great artists in words, and for the small compliment you pay them you receive in return a profusion of kind things, expressed in language which is entirely their own. Quick to speak and quick to act, the milk of human kindness has no limitations with them. When you feel the world is up against you and nothing is worth while a conversation with one of these lovely creatures will dispel the clouds. Their humour and natural philosophy is such that you depart a new man, carrying your burdens as though they were a bag of feathers. Indeed, no wonder the British Empire has attracted the world, and perhaps made it the object of envy of other nations. It is easily under-

stood when such characteristics are to be found at the foundation of our mighty Empire. The basis is none other than our charming women of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. ID AYMOND has said so much for the women of the British Isles, Now let him introduce you to the women of that ancient, historic country, whose name and fame figured once so familiarly in history land not so well known to the average Britisher, but well known to all students of history. This is none other than Spain. Just the mere mention of the name influences the mind of the ordinary person as the land of beautiful women. Indeed, they are

all that in their tender years, but age does not increase their charm in all cases. A look from a pair of sparkling, flashing eyes sends a thrill through you. A land where the modern courtships are quite undeveloped. The better class of Spanish woman does not walk out with her intended lover before marriage. In most cases marriages are arranged by the parents, although when joined in matrimony the young couples invariably seem to be very happy. No doubt the experience of their parents has been brought to bear in their love affairs. With Spanish marriages the husband is lord of creation as well as of his wife. They are not self-assertive women. Their love of offspring seems unbounded. Hence large families are the order of the day. Both men and women seem to have a most tender spot for the children. The women are not

ambitious. They leave their destinies, to a great extent, in the hands of their husbands. Whatever people might say of their customs, they seem to be extremely happy. To see a Spanish marriage is a beautiful sight. The head-dress, that is, the mantilla of silk lace, with their dark velvety eyes showing, lends a great charm to their beauty. Well, to sum up the Spanish woman, she is extremely pretty, but not of the mod-ern-day mind. Her devotion to her husband is unequalled. Love with her is a serious affair, and once the passions are roused, they start a flame that must not be stopped. Dangerous to trifle with a Spanish woman’s heart if you don’t mean business. Keep away.

jD AYMOND said: “I hope I am not making inroads on your patience. To bring to my mind memories of the women of the different nationalities is refreshing.” “No, continue; it is extremely interesting.” “Thank you.” said Raymond. Picture yourself in Italy, an historic country, once the master of the world, and the Romans have left their mark behind them wherever they went. A land which, even in these modern times, has not been surpassed in the splendour of her ancient capital, Rome, in all her at one time glory and greatness. Strange but true, for the last five hundred years Rome knew not the word “divorce.” She was a greater respecter of women during that period. For an insult offered to a woman kings

were banished and a new ruler installed. To-day there is no such thing as divorce granted. The separation law exists, but not divorce. To-day it is a Christian country, and during the period of the Romans it was pagan. Yet in its first five hundred years divorce was unknown. The toilet of the ladies of ancient Rome is well known. Their dress displays an extravagance that few other countries could boast of. Today the Italian woman is charming and possesses many fine intellectual qualities. The climate of her country is varied. Hence she has a great variety of characteristics. Her qualities are many, amongst them being a love of venture and travel. Therefore, one finds them in all new countries, with zeal and capacity and great industry. Hence the accumulation of wealth is often the outcome. They are artists of the highest order and wherever one meets them one feels that talent is deeply marked in them. They are musical to a degree, even the poorest being able to produce song and music, which will ever make you remember the Italians. They certainly possess great intellectual qualities, but perhaps do not have the same ambition as other countries to divert their intellect to commercial purposes. Many were somewhat dormant previous to the war. Since the war there has been an awakening in Italy that purposes not to stop. Few countries have progressed more since the war than Italy, and it is her women-folk who are at the back of the great movements. They have a fascination that grows upon you. “Well,” said Raymond, “taking the women folk on the whole, they have many qualities that I take my hat off to. Don’t trifle with an Italian’s love. If a fascination springs up be a gentleman and quit at once it you don’t wish to land yourself in trouble. In other words Flight. RAYMOND was enthusiastic in his description, and as he spoke he made you feel that for the time being you were visiting the different countries and viewing and holding conversations with the women-folk. The Austrian women arc of a type quite different from all the others he had described. Their language, although German, is spoken with quite a different accent, and the sparkling enthusiasm of the French enters therein. They are for the most part blond, though an occasional dark head is to be seen. They are simply ripping, with a fascination quite delightful. They have extraordinary good taste in dress, and for the most part have beautiful complexions and lovely brown and blue eyes, and when they speak broken English they are simply “just the thing.” They are exceptionally musical. Experts in cooking, they make splendid wives. It is doubtful if any other women surpass them in the art of domestic science. Besides being so well equipped in this particular, their passion for classical music and opera knows no bounds. Great artists with the brush, there will be found some exceptionally fine art galleries there. As for dancing, they move with such rhythm to the music as though they were born to it. Their operas are a perfect treat, and will satisfy the most critical. Peace loving, exceptionally hospitable, kind and courteous. By no means advocates of

war. A stranger will ever be welcome amongst them. During the great war, a suffering people, today they have forgotten the past and look forward to the future full of hope and expectation of better things. ' I 'HE Russian woman is perhaps not so well known to the average Britisher. The better class are exceptionally well educated and surpass the women of all other nations in the art of learning, reading, writing and speaking foreign languages. They master the English language perfectly. There are many different types of beauty among them —fair, dark, auburn, etc. Their conversational powers are wonderful, and manners exceedingly charming. Few

journals would give you an idea of the real characteristics of the Russians. They are physically sound and beautifully developed. Their abilities incline more to the artistic side of life than to the commercial. The more one meets them, the more one wonders however Russia came into such a state as she is in at the present day. Exceptionally musical, they are superb dancers. One of their unfortunate weaknesses is want of confidence in themselves and their own ability to govern. Hence it is a ground ripe for the adventurer and so-called reformer, and he loses no time in getting together a following, the majority of whose principles are detrimental to the welfare of the people. Had they had the good for-

tune to enjoy British constitutional rule, Russia to-day would have been the greatest power in Europe, and, further, a world power. They are extremely generous, and by no means fond of money. They love to gamble and speculate without first weighing the serious consequences. They are delightful company, breezy in their manner, and with a keen sense of humour. Their ideas of grandeur surpass anything else in the world. The masses are very subservient No doubt the time is not far distant when Russia, under proper guidance, will regain her status amongst the nations of the world, and the power for evil that now exists to pull her down will be driven from the country. “QO far, so good,”.said Raymond. Now for a short description of the women of Germany. Perhaps be-

fore the war little was known of them in the distant countries. The war brought to light their characteristics. It was a sad time for the belligerent countries, and the judgment passed on a nation and its people whilst engaged in a mighty contest is often true and often exaggerated. Time, the healer of all things, has played its part, and the belligerent people are beginning to forget and forgive, two virtues which must exist bountifully in the human nature to produce happiness. In appearance the German women are for the most part fair, tall and big, not coquettish, and not sensitive. Very often with those not endowed with over much sensitiveness, there is a disposition which calls for extreme hard tasks and labour. Judging by their faces they do not take defeat or failure seriously. They possess a tremendous passion for work. Hence, they go to make a hive of industry. By no means shy, they will enter into conversation freely. They are not artists in fashion, yet for musical ability they rank amongst the foremost of the world. They have the energy of a superman. Be it manual work, be it science, or gaining knowledge in any other department, there are no people who will apply themselves with such application, perseverance, and energy. Hence in most things they become very competent. In their domestic life they are excellent. They are masters of the art of good solid cooking, by which I mean they can prepare such food as will sustain and fortify the body for real heavy work. Cleanliness is a feature in their homes, and the art for acquiring methods that will facilitate the work. Individually, perhaps, not so strong, but, collectively, strongweak as politicians, they prefer to be guided by a few not diplomatic and not over tactful—complete masters of detail, order, cleanliness and thoroughness well advanced. Hence their cities are for the most part up-to-date. In fine, a nation of women who do not understand the word “failure,” with a reputation for having big families. Hence the country has a natural supply of industrial workers. (To be continued)