Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1852-07-29
Physical Education Of Females.

more Importance to the welfare of the
world than that of man.
! Whatever diversity of opinion may exist
in regard to the truth of this proposition
all will agree, that proper development
of woman's physical powers should attend
that of the intellectual and the moral
Indeed it has become topic of common
remark, as well as of regret, that while
the mental faculties of females are sub
jected to a wise and salutary discipline,
their physical training is sadly neglected.
That this is subject of great practi-
cal Importance is sufficiently evident from
the fact, that woman's happiness and use
fulness are in great measure, proper
toned to the health she enjoys, and that
all other qualifications will be of COM
paratively little avail if this precious
boon is denied her. It should then be
matter of special attention with parents
and educators, to secure to the daughters
Of our land the greatest degree of energy,
self-control and enjoyment, to be derived
from an early and judicious regard to
the demands of their physical constitu-
ton. Occupying, as woman does, a
higher position as respects moral infu-
ence in our own than in any other coun-
try, and to which is justly ascribed our
singular and growing strength as peo-
pie, it is a matter of primary interest not
only to her, but to society in General,
that her education, in all respects, should
be such as shall be adapted to the main
tenance of her present exalted rank.
Whether this end will be gained, un-
less the popular system of female educa-
ton is materially modified, admits of SER
ious doubts. Nor are these doubts re-
moved, but rather strengthened and con-
frmed, by comparison of the women of
this day with those of few generations
past. The condition of the latter, both in
earlier and maturer life, was widely
diverse from that of the former. The
privations with which they were more or
less familiar, taught them self-reliance
and cotentment, under subsequent and
more propitious circumstances; the free
air they breathed purified the vital cur
rent, imparting health and animation of
spirits, while the pure water they drank
satisfied their thirst without vitiating the
taste. Reared amid such influences, they
were strangers to those fashionable mala-
dies which modern refinement has induc-
ed; they we're companions worthy of the
patriots of the Revolution. True their
opportunities of study were limited; but a
deficiency of books was, in good meas
ure, compensated by freer exercise of
Judgment and reflection, and by a closer
observation of nature and of mankind.
That the females of the present day
are inferior to their predecessors in point
of strength and health, the elements of
longevity, and fast deteriorating in those
qualities which gave them energy and
character, is fact, it is believed, gener-
ally acknowledged. Nor is this in any
degree surprising. For while the broth
er is permitted to engage in all the in
vigorating pastimes which his nature and
inclination demand, the sister is habitual-
ly admonished for indulglng in those
healthful amusements to which her dis
position leads her. She is taught, that
all those natural impulses arising from
exuberance of spirits and the joyous
hilarity of youth, are rude, boisterous, or
at least ungenteel, and should therefore
be repressed. If she goes forth to breathe
the fresh and pure air of heaven, she must
walk with measured step and with the
gravity of funeral procession. Should
her instructor permit her to trundle her
hoop-to exercise her lungs beyond what
is regarded as the standard of propriety
the fashionable mother interferes, pro-
testing that her laughter is becoming
rude and unlady-like.
Nor is this ALL At time when most
capable of profting by instruction, and
when. in seasons of relaxation, she should
be allowed the freedom ofthe mountains,
the hills and the meadows, in order to
impart the glow Of health to her cheek,
cheerfulness and animation to her spirits,
tenacity to her memory, vigor to her in
tellect, and strength to her muscular sys-
TEN, the daughter, now a young lady, is
ushered into society. A scene of amuse-
ments usually follows this important event.
Late hours, late suppors, stimulants and
excitement, drive sleep from her pillow
Weary and disordered, both in mind and
body, she rises, not to useful employments,
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