Vandalia Whig and Illinois intelligencer. [volume] (Vandalia, Ill.) 1832-183?, 1833-08-14
From the Alexandria Gazette
FEMALE EDUCATION,

From the Alexandria Gazette
FEMALE EDUCATION.
The influence of civilization. the di
vine precepts of Christianity, and the hui
manizing consequences of education and
letters, have at length elevated the female
Sex to that rank and station in society
which are properly due to loveliness, ex
ccllence, aud virtue. We may we'll re
joice that we live in an age when we dali
ly and hourly experience its effects, in our
own persons, in our families, in those a.
round US, and in society generally. Wo-
man is now no longer the mere slave OF
man-subject to his whms and caprices.
and made to be inferior to him, in mental
Requirements as we'll as physical abilities.
Nor is she now in the condition in which
she was placed during the age of chival-
ry, however superior that may be reck-
oned 10 the other situation of which we
have spoken. All this has passed away,
land we have new era dawnlng upon US,
full Of brightness and promise to that
most interesting portion of the human
family, on whom are centered so many
hopes and cares, and far the largest por-
ton Of our affections. The female sex
is now regarded as deserving of more
than ordinary share Of attention, and as
pre-eminently entitled to all the aids OF
Education which it is in our power to be-
stow. Destined to be our companions,
and not our slaves-the partners of our
joys, and not the mere subjects Of ouI
wllls-the almoners of life's comforts, and
the assuageis of the griels incident to ouI
natures--t does, indeed, become mat
ter of passing interest with us, that they
should be so trained and nurtured in theiI
youth, as to realize all our fond expecta-
lions, and be, in truth, what we know they
were intended to be-,
"Heaven's last, best gift to man,
The subject of female education is one
that has often engaged US, because we de-
light to dwell upon what is so attractive.
There is iG it all that can enlist the no
bic, manly and good feelings of our ma
lure. 1t is a study for the most phiiosc
phic mind, never wearisome, but always
full of fresh and delightful associations
aud reflections. Nothing can be more
pleasing to virtuous and refined dispo
>ition than the contemplation OF the pro
gressive improvement and increasing
knowledge of the female sex.
We believe that for the most part {
liberal and correct system Of female edu
cation prevails in this country; and, al
though there may be instances where the
bullion of useful learning is not valued a!
highly as the glittering baubles of fashion
and its accomplishments, yet these are ra
ther exceptions to the general rule, thai
otherwise. 1t is for the instructors o
our daughters to remember, that those
under their care are soon to be wives anC
mothers--to take their stations as the
heads of families, over which they mus
preside with dignity, moderation and gen
tleness-and that hence, there are quail
6cations and requisites far, far, more i'm
portant for them to obtain, than the mere
polish of fashionable education. Let thi
truth ever be impressed upon the mind
of the young of the other sex. They will
be valued, admired, loved and cherished
hereafter, by their natural protectors, no
in proportion to their skill in the afecta
lions that sometimes prevail in society
but just as they are possessed of the home
ly virtues of good sense, true politeness
amiableness of temper, and those othe
traits of character, which so much ador
a woman, even when she has lost tn
charms of youth and beauty.
] But let US not be understood as object
ing TO the introduction of accomplish
ments into the routine of female educa
ton. These, properly received, are til
, ornaments of the mind, more endurin
and more fascinating, too, than the aid
; which art gives to nature in arrangin
: the outward apparel. The sternest c
> the ''heavenly Nine" might not disdain t
, be accompanied by either of the Grace;
t 1t is these which complete and perfect tn