The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1857-09-03

II is notthe most perfect in outward form
who usually inspire the deepest love :. History
shows US that the most lasting and profound
attachments were lavishei ON women possess
ng but moderate share Of personal attraction.
Beauty in itself is so alluring and captivating,
hat il is worth our while to consider in what
consists the mysterious and subtle charm
which has the power TO encnain the heart, in
spite of the eyes criticism. Women have, in
all ages, regarded beauty as the most effectual
weapon to conquer and subdue man I; and the
desire to possess it, we beg to suppose, results
not from any passion for domination, but from
laudable desire to influence him for his own
comfort and happiness. However this may
be. well-intentioned or not, their solicitude
for the possession Of beauty has induced wom-
en- of all times and nations to search alter
those things which seem to offer chance of
concealing imperfections, and enhancing or
embellshing their natural attractions. -
This has led them into numerous follies and
extravagances, and given encouragement to a
crowd of charlataEs, who have known how to
speculate upon woman's anxiety to appear
beautiful. If the hours expended in contri-
sances for the adolnment of the casket were
employed for polishing the jewels within--if
half the time consumed in the consideration of
a couture, or even in the arrangement Of COR
sage, were devoted to the moral traIring of the
heart which beats within, and the developing
the vast capabilities of that noble portion of
the human frame which renders it the most
beautiful and intelligent of created beings, wo-
man would find her influence more powerful
and unfailing; the admiration she would ex-
cite wolld be a sentiment compounded Of es-
teen, respect and love and in rendering her.
self worthy of these, she would attain what
the toilette, with all its attendant mysteries, is
ofitsslf insufficient to accomplish. .....
The loftier ambition to be admired for the
graces of the mind, more than for those Of the
person, would suggest the habtual practice OF
| the social virtues Of aniability, kindness and
good temper, as well as the careful culture Of
all the faculties which refine the taste, elevate
the soul, and ennoble tie heart. Intelligence,
unlike fashions ofa day, becomes all counte-
nances; aud sweetness of temper has the in
estiInable advantage of making ugly women
appear pretty, and elderly ones youthful.
1t is a responsible duty woman owes to her.
self, as well as to her family and society, to
render herself pleasing aud agreeable. Her
person claims certain degree of attention !;
she has right to study the art of dress, and
to avail herself of the legitimate appliances
for the Improvement of her appearance but
the m st scrupaloas attention to the toilette
will never make her sufficiently attractive to
be loyeable or estimabe. Rich, welI-chossn
! apparel will not compensate for cola heart
a glowing cheek does not neulralize the effect
of freezlng, supercilions manner; nor bright
smile soften the severity ef an uncharitabe
| word.
| Woman is happily endowed with qualities
of gentle and endearing nature, which are
often suffered to lie dormant or run riot. She
is eminently qualified to be worker of be-
uevoence--an inspiIer of high aud generous
sentiments-an instigator of noble deeds ; lei
her not sink iuto the thraldom of vanity ; lei
her not be what we are told some sagacious
sage defines her-'sah animal that delights ir
fnery." Let her awake to her own response
bilities, and feel conscious that her influence
well intentioned, and wisely directed, is re-
generating principle; that it is not the well
dressed beauty, but the woman Of high intel
ligence ard sweet temper, who becomes tk'
theme Of general admiration and individua
attachment-the inspiration of the hour-th,
good genius Of every scene-[ Atheneum.