Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1835-01-01
POLITICAL INFLUENCE OF WOMEN.

II has been conceded by wise men.
that women have not that influence in
society which they merit, and all admit
that on political subjects they have lit
tie or no influence at all. Public opinion
seems TO array itself in fierce hostility
against the interference ofwomen in po-
litical questions lit is pronounced in
delicate, improper, and masculine; and
subjects the individual who has the
power to prevent il, 10 the sneers and
sarcasms Of an unthinking world; and
yet there are times and circumstances
which would give to the influence Of
women. whom properly directed, great
national advantages.
We have always believed that the
death Of Mrs. Gen. Jackson. at the very
moment when her husband was called
to the Presidency, was 4 great national
calamity. She was emphatically a
good woman-a sensible, rejecting,
sagacious woman-one who united in
her character the virtues Of piety, char
ity. and liberality she had been the
friend and companion Of her husband
IN trying times-was near him in bat
tle-rejoiced in his victories, and ne
yer despaired OF his success-was his
counsellor, and cherished partner
Such friend in war and in peace-in
the hustle Of camper in the painful
conflicts with the savages-on long
march through the wilderness, exhibit
ed a capacity and fitness to counsel and
advise in the equally subtle and dan
gerous quicksands Of new and un-
tried political situation. She would
have been careful guide to the Presi-
dent-a sagacious expoundcr of mems
views, and a check on those gusts OF
passion. which bad men knew so well
how to kindle, and TO keep alive.
The isolated condition of the Presi-
dent, afforded many opportunities for
the vicious and intriguing to play upon
him. Early in the morning, before the
panorama of the days business was
displayed. in the evening, after the toll
of the day is over, the intriguers would
crawl near his person, and pour into
his ears the "leprous distlment" Of
their poisonous plans. At the very
hours when the eye and the ear Of a
fond wife would be open to all hus-
band had to say or do-in those mo-
ments sacred 10 domestic comfort and
counsel-when politics, diplomacy, and
cares Of state throw by their trappings
and their trammels-when affection
and true friendship speak a language
never TO be disregarded--at those hours
the lank and hungry form of Kendall
would enter from private door-or the
gaunt shade of that skeleton, Blair,
would, like ghost, glide in through
one of the PANELS Of the chamber, and
all that avarice, intrigue. malevolence,
bad principles, and corrupt motives
could dictate, would be instilled in the
mind Of the old chief-wbo was taught
10 distrust his best fiends--to indulge
IN fierce resentments against his oppo-
nents-to consider himself not the
trustee or agent of the people, but their
ruler and sovereign lord. The natural
bias Of passionate temper was infla-
med by false representations-thei instr
buttons of the country were erroneous
ly interpreted, to give to power a wider
range and TO speculations full scope.
The old general, in position which
nature and education had never quail
fed him 20 fill, was at the mercy Of a
mercileSs gang, and had No wife to al
lay the turbulent waves Of passion--to
soften the pangs Of political disappoint-
ment-to point out errors, and 10 guard
against deceit and falsehood. Il was,
we say, 4 national calamity that Gen.
Jackson bad no wife, who could say
emphatically take care &c Kendall
he is a rogue look out for Blair--he is
not to be trusted watch the intigues
and advances Of Van BuTen-he uses
you for has own purposes make no ex-
Penments, assume no powers not spe-
cially delegated-do not disturb the
regular order Of things-touch not the
constitution, nor violate the laws. even
in thougbI-over head is a scafold, un-
der foot a well ,--be cautious, be pru-
dent, De safe" Such woman might
have saved the country, but il pleased
Providence TO Ordain il otherwise.
II is Of more importance that the
President should have discreet and
sensible wife. who has influence over
him, than many believe and many will
admit. No man should 90 into that
Office wifcicss, or go into II 10 specu-
late for a wife on the influence OF the
station, or 90 into IL followed by female
fayoritcs in closets, or intriguing old
women IN pantTics. The experience
q the past confirms us in our position
Look al the " lng women Of the revolu-
ton, the wives Of our generals and oul
sages; they were models &C greatness
hrmness and patriotism. Among the
wives Of our Presidents. who can FORGET
the elegance, talent, and grace of Mr.
Madison. the good sense and enduring
virtues Of Mrs. Monroe. the accom-.
plishments and popularity of Mrs. John
| Quincy Adams9 With sGch wive,
shat President Of the United States
could exercise doubtful powers. or AZ.