Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1850-1859, 1855-08-10
ORIGINAL ESSAYS. No. /.
WOMANS RIGHTS.

AS this is a subject about which much
interest is manifested, and upon which a
diversity of opinion exists, we will endeavor
to show in what We suppose these rights to
consist; and upon this point We greatly
differ from many of our sex.
What is it that they are striving for ?
Why, for what they consider to be d" their
rights" Aud what are those rights 2"
Among the number for which they are
contendne, is that Of possessing minds
equal with the opposite sex. This is a
truth, however, which is So universally
admitted, that we consider it useless to
argue it, even for moment. Yet, We
, suppose that her intellectual powers were
bestowed upon her by the Creator for
quite different, but not an inferior, pur-
pose. That woman has powers of mind
equal with man, we can not doubt, when
We consider the many noble productions
that have gone forth from her pen, and the
depth to which she has explored the sci
ences. We are led to believe that all that
is requisite, to show forth her talents, is,
cultivation. And why should she not be
on an equality with man in this respect
She has been endowed with the same
intellectual faculties and powers of mind,
and the fountain Of knowledge is alike
free and open to all.
Another object for which they are con-
tending, is an equality with man in the
public affairs of life-to become states
women, politicians, &c. Who of our sex
would be willing to lay aside their dignity
so much as to fill these stations? Woman
was created to be loved and cherished by
man, and would she be willing to lay
aside the prerogativcs of the home circle,
and bear her part in the duties and trials
that dcvolve upon man? Few there are,
indeed, who would be willing to take such
step. 1t is said that modesty belongs to
woman, but can she be truly modest who
would waive the sacred duties and superior
pleasures that dcvolve upon her, to 60 forth
and claim political equality with man
Would she be willing to descend and de-
posit her vote in the ballot-box, and be
subject to the rude treatment which she
must there receive? Or, more, would she
anxious to guide the affairs Of this mighty
republic-to assist in its legislation-to
share its distinctics, and its responsible
ties? If she did thus engage in public
life, what would it benefit her? Does she
suppose that she would be the happier, or
our country benefited, by such a stcp3 Far /
from it 4: She would cease to be honored
and respected as she now is by man, and .
our country, instead of being bettered,
would present a continued scene of confu-
sion and dissatisfaction.
Then why should not woman remain in
her natural position as guide of the domcs-
tic circle, and cndeavor to perform Alright
the already sufficiently wcighty duties
deyolving upon her? She may WELD the
pen of the ready writer, and exhibit to the
world her intellectual capacities, without
descending from her own true station.
Among the ancients, and in many heathen
lands at the present day, woman is kept in
a state Of scrvile inferiority, and allowed
but few privileges But what do these
lands present to our view? A scene of
idolatry and misery. What contrast to
our own loved country, which is noted for
liberty, learning, and religion Know
ledge and Christianity have raised woman
to her present elevated position, and why
should she wish to depart from it
There have been women who were an
honor to their country, and whose names
have been rcvered by the good and virtu-
Gus. For example, look at the patriotic
women of '7G: they were brave, active,
and intelligent, and yet kept within their
proper spheres. Woman's influence has
never been rightly appreciated. Take her
from society, and it has lost its charms
man would cease to feel the position that
he now occupies. If We would wish men
to be distinguished for their enterprise,
learning, and virtue, then must woman too
act we'll her part in life.
But, alas it is painful truth, that
there are also many Of our sex who sccm
to think, and act, as if they were placed in
he world for no other object than to lead
l mere butterfly existence. They spend
heir time in talking Of elegant dress, .
rejected swains, splendid establishments,
with thousand other things even more
riiling and nonsensical Do We ever see
l. .rnp,a, ~. lo ,,p-.asr,e 1,rI s.