Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1852-05-20
Female Education.
by MRS. LASCELtE.

All admit, that proper education Of wo-
man will elevate society. But, as TO what
this proper education is, there is diversity
OF opinion. Some say that she should BE-
taught the accomplishments and rcfncments
of life, with proper reverence for, and due
sense Of her dependence on man: thus is she
fitted to fill her destined sphere. Others
say, that mentally, she is the equal Of man.
and it is time she should assert her rights,
claim the privilege of voting, be entitled to
a seat in the legislative assemblies, and to
share in the administration Of government,
aed consequently, her education should be
such as would enable her TO perform these
duties well. However, it is not our inten-
ton to discuss the opinion of others, but to
express our own upon this subject.
In training Of woman to fill properly her
sphere in life, there is much TO be attended
70, beside the mere storing of the mind with
knowledge, or the polishing of the manners
by accomplishments. In childhood they
should be permitted to enjoy. even at the
risk of being termed romps such exercise
as will give them strength of body. A heal
thy organization Of the physical is necessa-
ry for the perfect development of the men,
tai faculties. In discipining the mind, we
should incu!cate the necessity of untiring
energy and patient perseverance.
And we would enforce the practice of
these virtues: we must call them, by requir-
ing perfect lessons, when they commence
the acquisition Of knowledge Much de-
ponds on habits acquired in childhood. We
would give her through knowledge of the
branches of English education Enable her
to reason concisey and correctly, and those
whose position and circumstances give them
means and leisure shonld devote their time
to the acquisition of higher branches of lit
erature, and the attainment of elegant arts
instead of wasting, or worse than wasting
their time, in reading works Of fiction or
doubtful morality. This kind of reading
enervates the mind vitiates the taste, and
gives false impression OF life which rem
ders the performance of its duties distaste-
full.
Were we to propose course of reading,
we would recommend history and biogra-
ply, particularly the biography of those fe-
males who are models of moral and mental
excellence. She should also have an &C
quaintance Within politics and administra-
ton OF the COY ernment Of our own country.
Not that she should be qualified to vote, be-
come public speaker, or take part in the
councils ofthe nation, but, that she may be
able make an impress upon her sons, which
will enable them to fill those places with
honor. We deprecate anything like women
becoming public lecturers or politicians, but
we think the possession OF such knowledge,
elevates the character and lessons that fond
ness for thrilling conversation and gossip,
which is unfortunately too true.
While we would educate woman in those
branches Of knowledge formerly considered
as belonging exclusively to men, we would
impress her with the convictions that the
possession Of this knowledge was to render
her more competent to perform properly
the duties belonging to her own sphere
the domestic circle.
We have lately heard much of"Woman's
Rights, and woman's attaining her true po-
sition in society. We think, there is no
right equal 10 that of impressng upon the
uniformed and immortal mind of the children,
sentiments and opinions that will make them
useful and esteemed members of society,
and fit them for eternal happiness.
In no position can the qualities of her
head and heart be displayed to exhibit her
in so fair light, nor her influence be exer-
ted to effect so much good, as in the care
and instruction of her own household.