Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1847-09-16
Education of Daughters.

/ The following sensible and discriminating re-
marks are from the pen of an able writer, who
is addressing series Of numbers TO his excel
ency, Gov. EATON, of Vermont, on the INTEL
iLECTUAL TRAINING OF DAUGHTERS. The sub
| ect though SO often discussed as 10 appear like
hackneyed, worn out theme, is not exhausted:
Without being aware of il, we have fallen
into an evil habit, so that in some respects,
things are worse than formerly. Half ceniu-
ry ago, girls were educated, really educated for
housewifery-n for accomplishments. Then,
tho the in,ellec, was moi cultivated aud strength.
ened by discipline, the mind and hand were
thoroughly and practically ,augh, all the knowl-
edge and craft of good housewifery. But not,
in the majority of cases. the understanding and
these important things both neglected, and
accomplishments too often occupy the whole
vision of mothers and daughters. Now such
education overlooks tue real of life, and the
greater part of life. Ii has respect only to The
season of girlhood, TO tina, brief space between
leaving school and settling in life. The Rev.
Sidney Smith, for some years the editor OF the
| Edinburgh Review, has uttered some truth re-
specing his sor, of female education. "One
great evil is, that it does moi last. If the whole
of life were an Olympic game,-if we could go
on feasing and sing 10 the end-lhis might do.
Bu. such education is merely provision for
The little interval between coming into life and
seltng in ii, while it leaves long and dreary
expanse behind. devoid both Of dignity and
cheerlulness These accomplishments are
merely means Of displaying the grate and Vi
vaciiy of youth which every woman gives up
as she gives up the dress and manners OF eigh-
teen; she has no wish 10 retain them. The
system of female education, j. now stands,
aims only at embellishing a few years Of life,
which are in themselves so full of grace and
happiness, tina. they hardly want it, and then
leaves the rest of existence miserable prey of
idle magni6cence. No woman Of understand
ing and reflection can possibly conceive she is
doing Justice 10 her children by such kind Of
education. The objec. is TO give children re-
sources that will endure as long as life endures
habits that time will ameliorate-not destroy
occupations that will render sickness !oera-
BILE, solitude pleasant, age venerable, life more
dignifed and useful, and therefore, death less
Ilerribleand the compensation which is offered
for the omission of all this, is short lived blaze
"a little temporary effect, which has no other
consequence than to deprive the remainder Of
life of all taste and relish"
|, is not long since heard sensible and
noble hearted woman giving ulterance to Lam
gusge like the following: When girI-.she
was possessed Of both fortune and great per-
sonal attractions. She married a physician at
the age Of eighteen. She was speaking of
mother whom she truly loved, but the singular
want Of judgment in the education of her chill
dren, she could neither commend nor reconcile
with her good sense in other matters. 81 was
put to city school, said Mrs. D., "at the age
Of l3. BashfuI and difiden, of myself, was
ready TO fall under all the influences and habits
that came in my way. IL had been we'll for
me, if these had been Of the right kind The
frs, impression made on my mind was, that il
was the chief objecl of all The girls to prepare
themselves 10 make an mpresslon, and this
seemed 10 be encouraged by the fashionable
ladies TO whom had been committed | stu
died arithmetic and grammar, and studied phi
losophy and logic, withou. knowing any thing
about them, for wan, Of previous discipline; and
was put TO painting, and embroidery, and dan
cling, and making wax flowers and fruit, &c
came out of school, when liile turned of
sixteen, and really proud Of my altainments; and
spent my next two yeats in displaying my &C.
complishments in such manner that had not
time to inquire whether knew anything or not,
Blu, whenl was married, and had 10 look a, the
realities Of life. found knew nothing as
ought TO know II, either Of mental discipline or
the business OF The actual world. had never
made bed or cooked meal of vic,uals in my
life, and With all my knowledge of embroidery,
could not, for the life of me- make a shirt
and many and many time, have sat down
and had hearty crying spell over my gnor-
ance." Mrs. went on with much more TO the
same effect, and then closed with manner and
air which showed her in earnest. 81 warrant
you, my girls shall not be educated IN that man
ner"
Now dear sir, in contrast with all this, would
insist upon course of thorough intellectual dis
cjpline for girls, much like that pursued BY our
sons in college, and with the same object in
view--.to make them strong and womanfy min
ded, and TO fit ,hem for the whole of life. Nor
will such training prove the enemy of accom-
plishmenls, but the true foundation and source
of all accomplishments. and the helper Of all
that is truly lovely in woman's character. The
discipline is an essential part OF educalion.--
Our daughters ough' 10 pursue such course
of study as shall give them enlargement Of mind
a full control over their intellectual powers