Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-05-06
SATURDAY, MAY 6, 1926.

We have been struck, says the National Ga
zette. by the following exposition OF the idea:
of a cultivated Spaniard, respecting the treat
ment and character of the fair sex among the
most polished nations Of Europe. The Anne
rican ladies may feel some interest in the sub
iect. thou OH they possess too much sense and
Goodness. not TO be content with their domestic
pursuits, and their share OF influence and rule
From the European Quarterly Reuie'c
THE WOMEN OF SPAIN-Br S. DoS ]. j. DE Mora.
Women are considered under very different
noints of view by the different nations of Eu-
rome. With some, they absolutely serve tor no
other purpose than as objects OF amusement
and pleasure. Do they cease to please and a.
muse? They are abandoned and forgotten
They are loaded with battery and presents as
long as they prolong the illusion and intoxica-
,ioa of the senses; as soon as the ilusion ceases
they cease to belong 10 society. Among other
people, who pretend to be governed by the
most Enlightened reason and the Purest morals,
the women are the first rublic functionaries Of
the house, and in that quality 1t is necessary
thew should serve and obey. A certain hypo-
crisy, founded on concentrated selhshness, en-
cludes them from the society OF men, under the
plea of sparing modesty. The merit OF a wo-
man has no other thermometer than the num-
Der of pounds sterling she has saved her hus-
band per annum. Whether she be gentle, COM
nassionate, pure in her affections, or ire
proachable in her conduct, all this is more or
less praiseworlhy according to the taste al the
husband. But all husbands are agreed on the
subject of their respective superiority AT the
club, i'm the exchange, in the coffee room, the
husband is the equal of those who surround
him; at home, when tetea-tefe with his wife, he
is always chief; he always assumes the voice OF
command.
In Spain. women are treated in manner
quite different from these two systems. Ii they
be beloved as in Italy, if they be respected, as IN
ENGLAND, there results from that respect and
that love, mingled and improved sentiment,
TO which no other name can be given than that
of alteration. Among all the chivarous traits
which constituted the ancient Spanish charac-
ter. and which continued till foreign dynasties
corrupted all that was good in the morals and
poIitics of Spain, this il is that has been pre-
served in all its purity. Cervantes has destroy
e1 the vast family Of the Qnixottes, but that OF
Dulcinea still remains. Tobosi IS the true
type of Sp.nish society. In the eyes oil every
Spani-rd his mistress is princess, adorned
w.th every species OF merit.
This species Of tender and respectful wor-
shin is so much the more agreeable to man, IN
asmuch as il fatters his self-love, and Hills him
with the consciousness Of real superiority lie
feels that he is the protector OF the female, but
he makes point OF mitigating whatever hu,
initiation there may be, in the consciousness OF
standing in need Of protection. lnclted by his
poetical and ardent imagination, ne takes
pleasure in avowing himself the slave ola hu-
man being. the victim Of the gentest OF crea-
lures. Even in her reproaches, and the s1pio-
sions of her jealousy. there reigns something
which speaks Of defeat and inhrmity. The
technical epithes applied to cruel or perhdl-
Gus woman is tyrant. This word is more ex-
pressive than all the insipid cant Of French gal
laptry From the domain OF love, this species
ofnoble and ingenious flattery has passed into
the common language OF society. They do
not saw 10 a woman as is said in France, J'aisP
honour de rous presenter mes respects they do
not drily enquire Of her, as in England, SHOW
do YOU do?" They always salute her with a
confession Of the dominion which she holds
@S.nora beso a y los piss!" Madam, kiss your
feet.) Every body knows what the force OF this
comnlimen. is in the mouth Of a catholic; in Of
fering 10 kiss the feet Of female, he places her
ON the same footing with the head ofthe church
All other demonstrations Of civility are distin-
yuished by the same characteristics. In Eng
land, the hand is given to female; but she is
expelled from the table as soon as the hour oil
social enjoyment commences; in France they
salute her cheek; but they do not allow her to
occupy the front seat in theatres. In Spain
they are never so familiar. Women are &C
costed in society only when some service can be
rendered them fla lady is about to descend q
staircase, the hand is offered her. if about to en-
ter church, holy water is presented to her
Every where she claims the first honors, ane
the first privileges. If tea be taken in Spain
il is not the female who is incommoded will
the troublesome task Of preparing and distrib
utiny that beverage Imitation Of French Gus
toms has introduced at Madrid the fashion o
imposing upon females the task Of carving du
ring meals. What would our respectable
prandfathers have said, could they have seer
their grand daughters cutting up poultry, ant
distributing slices Of mutton?
The Spaniard lives much at home, ne has nj
inclination for spectacles, clubs, or meetings,
has no taste for travelling. He deems it re
ouisite that all the actions Of his lite should b
fostered by the presence ofhis wife, as plant
are by the rays ofthe sun. The husband doe
not despise the most humble occupations pro