Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1851-11-27

Privileges and Responsibilities
of American Women.

gress. The various discoveries of the last half
century have rendered this period Of time re-
markable epoch in the history of the world A
few years only have elapsed since Robert Fulton
at first in trepidation launched his little craft
upon the waters of tile hudson, afterwards in
triumph TO behold it moving according TO his
expectations propelled by the newly discovered
agency of steam.
Little did he probably then realize the effect
his discovery would have upon the commerce
and civilization of the world, that the vast ocean
would so soon be crossed or the earth so soon
be grdted by steam navigation The numer-
ous railroads which Gloss our country are the
offspring of the last half century The electric
Telegraph is another wonderful discovery OF
the period of which we sperk, by means Of
which ideas may be communicated TO any con.
ceivable distance with the rapidity of thought.
A little more than that time has elapsed since
our American Independence was achleved-since
the eagle OF Liberty which had, for century after
century, been seeking amidst the dcsporsm Of
the old world, like the dove of olden time, n
resting place for the sole of his foot-turnel mis-
far reaching gaze westward, and posing above
what is now our glorious American Republic,
alighted upon her shores Then Washington
arises-One whose sublime virtues have elicit
ed admiration from the most distinguished men
| nf al ,ulooa al mill
be revered and venerated by the great and good
throughout all time. Then there was gliher
ing of choice splrts-men Of mighty intellect
and wondrous wisdom. And the result They
united in resisting the aggressions ofthe Mother
country-declated their Independence, and for
its defence, pledged their lives, their fortunes,
and their sacred honor. Years of bloodshed
followed; times that tried mems souls, bringing
into action every latent spark Of patriotism in
the then infant colonies but ultimately our in.
dependence was acknowledged by all civilized
nations, and our nations banner now floats in
pride upon every sea and in all parts of the
habtabIe globe.
What richer legacy could have heen bestowed
upon the descendants of these great hearted ones
than the blessings of that liberty for which they
bIed and died among which may be reckoned
the great impulse thereby gwen to the thrift and
inventive genius of all upon whom these bes-
sings are bestowed.
Who can compute the effects of this move
nent upon the history Of the world? That u
mighty influence has been excited in favor Of
Republican Institutions and for the downfall OF
the dynlstIes of the old world, the present inse
curly of the thrones Of Its despots is ample
prUuf. Too well do we know that their only Sc.
Guilty Is in The most rigid censorship OF the
press, and the depression of the masse4-bul
the upheaving of the volcano Of public opinion
must come sooner or later when their day Of
humiliation must conr and The Sun of Free
Institutions shine in all Its effligence upon the
Old World as we'll as the New.
But IN no respect does the progressive spirit
OF the agt exhibit itself more than IN the eleva
ton Of woman.
From bellg the self and slave of man, as she
is al present in unc viIiz9d nltlons, she is frs
raised to level with man, and finally, so mncI
in gallantry is conceded 10 her, that see seen'
IN danger of be ng raised upon pedestal a,
all object of homage and worship. And wha
is the consequence of all this? That idlenes
and efinlnacy, which would seek to shine il
elegance and spend II, TO spend the day il
mawkish idleness and the nights in amusements
But great privileges are the parents of grea
responsibilities. And the question often arises
DO American Women fulfil the high dulie
devolving upon them?" If the hypothesis b.
tenabe that mothers mould the character q
their offspring-upon American mothers rest
the responsibility of the prosperity of our FIRE
institutions and Of the blessings they confer o
our posterity. Without doubt there are those
with their little ones around them, teaching
theiu all the beautiful truths ofthls woodland tn
next imbulng their minds with exalted palrio
ism, nervlng them with exalted principles
battle for the right, and act well their part upo
the arena of lie. But where are the many
Where are the women in spirit akin to III
herones of the Revolution? Where tho.
comparable to the Mother of Washington, al
the wife of the e der Adams ?-wOmen of mg
aspirations, OF vigorous intelIects, of sound al
stable minds. Where woul have been our Ill
critics had the mother of Washington neglectt
her duty? How few aspire to follow in h
footsteps; Iistless of their hlgh duties, unmin
ful of the beautiful specimens of wonankind Il
Holy Scriptures bring to our view, forgetful
e the kindly charities Of DOrcas, the beautiful fai
It of Anna, and the unassumng liberality OF Il
u poor widow, of whom il is recorded, that h
aImsdeeds should be made known wherever Il
= gospel should be preached. Aud think y,
e America would mourn over so many aposta
d sons, recreant to the professed principles of O
2, government, did the wives of our statesmen exr
Of the right influence? Did they by their advi
d and counsel plead for the right and yield t
}. support they might, at least support of t
IS vine to the oak
g Let American Women take the right star
and our liberties are safe. Let them enu
he the heroic virtues of the early Romans,
rs should they SO tar foget their high destiny
. sink into ease and effmnacy after the mani
N of the Romans of later times, it is to be fear
rs that the beautiful fabric of our governm
n would be destroyed and TINT Phenix-li like,
50 other Of far different character might arse fl
40 its ashes.
Notth Trov Nov 1871 I