New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1845-02-13

r,oh,ems are discussed in this book, entille il 10
most respectful study no less than the dignity oil
It's subject Written by woman, second TO none
among us for generous character, strong and dis
cipliDed intellect and varied experience, il SETS
forth the rights, duties and Ideal of Wouanhood
with a comprehensiyeness and discrimination to
which good sense and hope alike respond, while
the richness of illustration gives it value liter
err work, ], should have wide circulation among
all classes, and awaken thought upon the great TO-
pics which it treats with such ability. The writer
and the book are more encouraging proof perhaps
than any arguments presented by themot what Wo-
man may be and do; and they are welcome IS
signs OF better era.
The claim made is for ipN .jnStiCt to woman's ma
ture and the freest opportunity for her development
Throughout, this highest ground is kep-ifiat The
growth OF Man (the human race Is two-iold, mas
culine and feminine that If these two develop
ments were in perfect harmony they would cores
pond TO and fulfil each other that the sexes should
not only appreciate, but p:cplesy to one another,
and love in each other the future good which they
mutually aid 10 unfold and that were tins done,
divine energy would petyadc nature to degree un-
known in the history former ages" The prediction
too is made, that the time has now come, when
clearer vision and better action are possible, wien
man and woman moy regard one another as brother
and sister, priests Of one worship and that this
hope is destined to receive alnler rui,ionthan ever
before in our own land we but carry out the prln
ciplcs from which sprapg our national lite.
The book opens with an expression OF heartlest
confidence in the anticipation which animates TIE
age, that d new hour IN the life OF man is at hand
by the elevation of all men TO freedom, and culture
and refining conditions; though 1t conicsses that
the mind does moi as yet sec clearly what the heart
so earnestly Graves and il then passes 10 tire state
ment that what is now needed according to the be-
lief of many is an Improvement IN the daughters
as the best means OF aiding the reformation OF the
sons of the age"
1.-THE protest in behalf Of Woman is broader"
Just in the degree that the principle oil Liberty Is
better understood and every great struggle for tree
dom has not only brought out the assertion OF wo-
mans rights, but awakened the genius and energy
of women to prove that they know how 10 use
them 1t is So in our own land and time. The
warmest friends of human freedom have instructive
ly recognized the duty and need of emanc'paims
their sisters from the artificial restraints which hem
in their energies and some Of lis noblest advocates
among us are women, who, breaking through the
up, as souls commanded by truth and love, 10 de-
fend the cause of the oppressed. Had the writer
seen fit, indeed, it would have been instructive 10
show that the central movement in all past progress
has been the elevation OF Woman; and that the
euresl test apply to any form OF society Is the rank
atmosphere of culture and action assigned TO w oman
Witness Poland and Poland's heroic daughters.
Under the influence of our free institutions, there
is a liberay in the treatment OF women here which
has ensured unequaled purity OF manners and augurs
well for the formation of IA heightened society. Bui
there are objections at each new step IN The gradual
work of female emancipation; objections how
ever, which by the very discussions produced imply
thought aud suggest more Especially are the out
RACES inflicted upon woman, by laws IN relation 10
property and their pecuniary dependence, begin
ming 10 arouse the indignant reproach they
merit Public sentiment is almost ready TO de-
nand that women shall be made as independent
IN money matters as men are for this reform
is seen 10 be necessary defence against bad
fathers and brothers, against mercenary adventu.
rers and unleeins husbands. And there is fast
strengthening conviction, too, that freer range
should be allowed TO female energy and enterprise
in the acquisition ofproperty and less interference
Farther than this we are scarcely prepared TO go
There is fear lest delicacy and feminine lowell
ness will be sacrificed by all use IN public OF talent
and accomplishment But there was no feeling in
ancient times that Woman laid aside herwomenll-
ness by Joining in religious professions, songs,
dances. Men, too, are themselves made coarse by
the very practices they would be shocked to see
women engaged in. Women Will always be do
nestle when men arc; II can hardly be expected
that they will be so otherwise. There are oppres-
sions and behttllps Influences too IN the unclans'
ing round OF petty cares. And finally the whole
popular feeling IN relation TO Womans sphere OF
duties and appropriate interests is tainted with pre-
judice.
Even thoughtful and generous men have not a
sufficient appreciation Of Woman's nature 20 com
prehcnd her wants, or TO do Justice 10 her claims.
Not tina, they are willingly dsrespectful for they
ALWAYS hail with admiration every woman who
successfully rises above the common limited range
of female interests, and thus proves herself their
equal aud Iii companion; but their hab,ual estimate
is uncossciousy contemptuous. Il needs that every
arbitrary barrier should be thrown down, and every
path laid as freely open 10 Woman as,o Man. Then
il will appear what Woman is meant 10 be. She
should las a nature grow, as an intellect discern,
as u sonl i've freely" Man now bereaves himself
by limiting her energies; he needs the Inspiration
aud refinement of her sympathy and counsel. We
men, too, do not respec; aud trust themselves; they
TALL short OF their peculiar ministry And 50 HE m
business and pleasure, in science and art, IN heme
and public action and worship is tame and cold, IN
contrast with wha, it was designed to be, and one
day shah be. Meanwhile 1t needs that women
should help themselves, test their powers, assume
their due position, and justify their pretensions by
success. They arc the only Fl, arbi,ers of their
own lot.
very interesting portion Of this book is the re.
view presented OF the treatment of women in an.
Gent and modern tunes. Is rich in extracts from
the poets historical Incidents traditions and ap.c.
do,es. And when one gathers in imagination the
glorious band of heroic women who have bright.
ened the past, from the Grecian goddesses 10 the