Southern Argus. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1834-1842, 1842-07-26

now seeks to accomplish by diplomat
ic ingenuity, and timid but plausible
Gentlemen wish to do justice to
our Legislation of 1888 for the jus.
and magnanimous stand then taken in
defence of the rights of married wo-
mer. This subject is entitled to more
consideration than it has generally re-
ceived, It is full of interest, it forms an
aera in the remarkable history of our
State, distinguished for justice, mag
nanimity and chivalry. 1t exhibits a
progress in civilization beyond that of
nearly all the States Of this Republic,
and shows the elevated views we en-
terrain of the rights Of females among
savages and barbGrians, their social
rights are totally disregarded. The
best criterion ola civilized state is the
amount of social and legal privileges
enloyed by them. Let the historian
be faithful on these points and the NOR
al condition of state may be readily
ascertained. Although characterize
the passage of the law in 1888 as a
magnanimous act, il was no more than
Justice demanded. 1t often requires
magnanimity on fine part Of those in
power even 10 do justice to others who
have not the ability to enforce their
own rights or redress the injuries they
suffer. am willing for the present to
regard that act as sufficient for the pur-
poses intended to be effected. It's au-
theirs are justly entitled to the gratitude
of the women, and to the praises Of all
liberal minded men.
In commenting upon this noble and
benifcens act oflegislation in our State
whilst it is but justice TO historic truth
it affords me no ordinary degree of
pleasure ohave an opportunity of of
fering my tribute of praise to one who
occupied a proud and highly honora-
bic position in advocating the rights Of
women. allude, Mr.. President, 20
our former representative in the Mis-
sissippi Legislature, Col John Gilmer,
whose zeal and eloquence as the cham
pion ofthe rights Of the fairer portion
Of creation, have been crowned with
the ricbestrewards. The consciousness
of having bestowed happiness upon
many an amiabIe family is a high and
honorable qualification, but to have this
enhanced by being the object, upon
whom thousands of the purest Of Gods
creation bestow their cordial blessing
and pour out the warm gratitude and
tender affections Of their sincere hearts
in return for the comforts which they
enjoy, is position more TO be envied
than the highest political distinction.
know Mr.. President that these senti-
ments would probably come with more
propriety from one whose motives
could not be suspected in the encomi-
ums which he might bestow upon the
female sex or in other words from one
whose counting days are over, but as
these are my sincere sentiments l do
not hesitate to express them even at
the hazard ofapPearing to wish by these
means to ingratiate myself into the ia
vor Of the fairer portion o. creTIon.-
In conclusion | will give you thSHghts
of married women and the champion
ofthose rights.
Col. Gilmer arose and replied;
Gentlemen "The very honorable and
direct allusion, which has been made
to me and highly respectful manner in
which have been treated by you to-
day, call upon me for reply. To
have been the chosen representative
Of constituency SO respectable and
intelligent as the citizens orLowndes
isl me an honor which highly appreci-
ate, but that my humble services
should give such satisfaction to my
constituents is a qualification which |
did not venture to hope for. But how
ever much l may have failed in my eff
forts to accomplish as much as desi-
red to effect whilst | had the honor TO
represent you in the Legislature of
Mississippi, l have the gratifying con-
seriousness of having been directed by
the purest motives in regard to your
wishes and what conceived to be hon
or and interest of our State.
As the gentleman who has j ist pre-
ceded me, has kindly seen proper to
compliment me upon the agency,which
| had in the passage of what is usually
called the "Woman's Law" [ will
make few remarks upon that subject.
The bill had its origin in the upper
House and when it passed that body
and was brought 10 the lower House,
of which l was member, | embraced
it with all the ardor and enthusiasm OF
youthful lover, aad without vanity ]
may say it was mainly owing to my
exertlons that it was carried through
the latter body. The rights of women
have always enlisted my IiveIiest in.
terest and as a gallant knight I buck
led on my armor in their cause. Who
that has the soul to perceive and the
heart to appreciate the angelic purity
; OF the female sex, can consent TO SEE
withheld from them, those rights which
"nature, and natures God" hath gran