Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1852-06-12
I II Z B u G l. L .
PROCEEDINGS OF THE THIRD
W0MEN'S RIGHTS CONVENTION
OF OHIO.
EXTRACTS


TRon THE ADDRESS OF MnsJosErnINE S. GRIFF1SG
Those who assign to woman the present lin
tied privilege Of becoming the morc hclpmatc,
and not by any means the companion, much
less the responsible rational equal of man,
evince great dishonesty toward women, or pro.
found ignorance Of lite and history, since wo-
man has already shown a fitness to the highest
social, and intellectual functions-iust in pro.
portion as she has been admitted to them. As
philanthropists, as rulers, as hcroncs, rs pro-
fcssionalists, woman sustains a respectable
share of credit in just so far as tho recognition
of her abilities have admitted proof on these
points. Concerning the fitness of woman for
moral, intellectual, or political life, there can
then be no question. Oihcr reasons are allcg-
cd for excluding women from active life in all
tho higher cmployments, in attempting to prove
that it is right, and cxpcdicnt that one half of
tho human race should pass through life in q
forced su5oidination to the other half; and
that it is best for human society to be divided
into two classes, il not in direct opposition to
each other in intercst-yct the one dependent
on the other-thc one with will, and sub
stantivo existence-the other mere appcndago
to minister to the grosscr nature of the. .indvia-
uul, to be attached to him for the purpose OF
bringing up his children, and making his home
comfortable. In short, of existing for him.
But to prove the wrongs of woman, the false
position of society toward her, or to show dis
tinctly the necessity and the utility of her elc-
vation, would be to leave the work but half iin-
ishcd. The point in question is-,chat are re to
dof How arc we to meet and over come the
willy prejudice, and hoary superstition which
opposes with supcrhuman strength, and poten-
cy, every effort to amcloratc tho condition of
the suffering or emancipate from bondage
those whose cup of misery is already full.
How shall we avail ourselves of the capaci
ty in woman towards her own elevation, and
thus by securing a gradual development OF her
powers, fit her for the recognition of her rights,
and the performance of her duties We an
swcr: Give her perfect physical development
by Just observance OF the laws of health, that
shc may, from the numerous cmploymcnts of
life, whether mechanical mercantile or scientific
select for herself the one TO which she is most
attracted, and which promises in her judgment
the surcst success, and the highest advantage to
her as an individual. Let the means FOR a
thorough, liberal education be provided, that
she may have the spor tancous choice of pro-
fesion, such as her talents indicate. Let her
avail herself of the highest social improvements
by trampling upon the false seniimontalism,
that forbids woman to make choice of her
companions, or to follow out the attractions OF
her soul-by seeking, among the best OF all
classes, such persons as shall contribute most
largely to her happiness and elevation by their
knowledge, elegance or accomplishments. Let
hef demand just remuneration for her labor
in those stations which she already fills. Thus
will she lay the foundation of reform upon the
ruins of her fomor degradation.
1t is said