Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1857-03-14

same That has been urged, time out OF mluu,agalnst
the proposal OF abolishing any social evil. There
is no complaint" which is generally, and in this
case certainly not true, and when true, only be-
cause there is not that hope of success, without
which complaint seldom makes itself audible to
unwilling ears. How does the objector know that
women do not desire equality of freedomH ],
would be very simple to suppose that if they do
desire it they will all say so. Their position is
like that of the tenants and laborers who vote
against their political interests to please their
landlords or employers; with the unique admission
that submission is inculcated on them from child
hood, as the peculiar attraction and grace of their
character. They are taught to think that to repel
actively even an admitted injustice, done to them
selves, is somewhat unfeminine, and had better be
left to sUme male friend or protector. To be ac-
cused of rebelling against anything which admits
of being called an ordinance of society, they are
taught to regard as an imputation of a serious
offence, to say the least against the propriety of
their sex. 1t requires unusual moral courage, as
we'll as disintereStedness, in q woman to express
opinions favorable to woman's entranchisenent
until, at least there is some prospect of obtaining
it.
The comfort of her individual life, and her
social consideration, usually depend on the good
will Of those who hold the undue power; and to
possessors Of power,any complaint however bitter,
Of the misuse Of il, is less fragrant act of insub-
ordination than to protest against the power itself
The professions of women in this matter reminds
us Of the state offenders of old who, on the point
OF execution, used to protest their love and dcvo-
ton to the sovereign by whose unjust mandate
they suffered. Griselda himself might be matched
from the speeches put by Shakespeare into the
mouths Of male victims of kingly caprice and
tyranny the Duke of Buckingham, for example,
in Henry the Eighth" and even Wolsey.
The literary class of women are often ostentn-
tious in dscamihg the desire for equality Of cit
izenshp, and rroclaiming their com lete satstac-
ton with the place which society assigns them /;
exercising in this, as in many other respects, u
most noxious influence over the feelings and opin'
ions of men, who unsuspectingly accept the SER
Whites Of yism concessions to the force oil
truth, not considering that it is the personal
interest of these women to profess whatever opin-
ions they expect will be agreeable to men. 1t is
not among men of talent, sprung from the people,
and p0tronized and 0attered by the aristocracy,
that we look for the leaders of a democratic move
ment. Successful literary women are just as un-
likely to prefer the cause Of woman to their own
social consideration. They depend on mems opin-
ion for their literary well for their feminine
successes; and such is their bad opinion of men,
that they believe there is not more than one ln Il
thousand who does not dislike and fear strength,
sincerity, and high spirit in q woman. They are,
therefore, anxious to earn pardon and toleration
for whatever of these qualities their writings may
exhibit on other subjects, by q studied display Of
submission on this; that they may give no occa.
sion for vulgar men to say-what nothing will pre-
vent vulgar oien from say ingthat learning makes
worpn un!eminine and that literary ladies are
ll;tcly to- he- bad ARises- - -,
i But even if G largo majority Of women do not
desire any change in the constitution, that would
be very bad reason for Withholding the elective
franchise from those who desire it. Freedom OF
ch oice liberty to choose their sphere is what
is askod We have not heard that the mos
ardent apostles of female suffrage propose to com
pei any woman to make stump speeches against
bor to oh Eii q
polls under police,in boomer costume. Women
who condemn their sisters for discomfort with the
laws as they are have their prototype in those men
Of America, who, in our revolutionary struggle
with England, vehementy denounced and stigma
tzed as fanatics and rebels, the leaders and NAL
contents Of that day. But neither their patriot
ism nor wisdom have ever been much admired by
the American people; perhaps, not even 10y the
English.
The objection urged against female suffrage
with the greatest confidence, and by the greatest
number is, that such a right is Incompatible with
the refinement and delicacy Of the sex. That II
would make them harsh and disputative, like male
voters. This obection looses most, if not all its
force when it is compared with the well estab
lished usages of society relates to woman. She
already fills places and discharges duties with the
appreciation of most men, which are, to cav the
least, quite as dangerous to her rehnementsand re
tirng modesty as the act Of voting, or even hold
ing office, would be. In our political cnmpaign
all parties are anxious to secure the cooperation
of women. They are urged to attend our politca
NEE ings, and even in our mass meetings, Whel
whole acres of men are assembled, they are i'm
Fortunately urged to take conspicuous part some
times as the representatives of the several States
and sometimes as the donors Of banners and flags
accom- panied with patriotic speeches by the fal
donors. And in great moral questions, such O
temperance for example, in the right disp0sluo
of which woman is more interested than man
she often discharges large amount OF the laoc
OF the campaign butt yet when 1T comes to tn
browning act Of voting, she must stand aside
delcacy forbids--that is too masculine too publi
too exposing though it can be DONE in most case
: with as little difficulty and exposure as lettt
can be taken ou, or put in the post office.
: And then thero is that largo class of conce
singers, and readers Of the drama, who are eul
gized and petted by those who are most shocke
} at the idea of women submitting themselves to ii
exposure of voting. In fact the whole questo
of publicity is settled to the fullest extent;
least every man must DO silent who acquiesces
the concert. the drama, or the opera.
We need not dwell on the exposures of the stag
or the ndelicaces of the ballet, but if Jehn
Lind was ian angel of purity and benevolence,
for cousentng to stand, chanting and enchanting
before three thousand excited admirers' if Ma
anne Sontag could give a full dress rehersal (whic
t does not commonly imply superanity OF appare
for the special edi6cation of the clergy of Bosto
: and be rewarded with duplicate bibles, It's diffcu
r to see why woman may not vote on question
vitality affecting the interests OF herself and CHI
e dren, or kindred.
y But, with all our dainty notions of female pr
; prieties women are by common consent dragg
l. into court as Witnesses and suhjecte to the me
l. scrutiuizng and often indelicate examinations al
0 questions, if either party imagines he can gain
: sxpeuce. or dull the edge of criminal prosec
T. T. tiOn, by her testimony.
;, - The interest, convenience, and prejudices
y men, and not any true regard for the decacy
the sex, seem to be the standard by which woman
4 rights and duties are to be measured.
g. 1t is prejudice, custom, long established usag
n and not reason, which demand the sacrifice
% woman's natural rights of self government;
e relic Of barbarsm still lingering in all politics
IS and nearly all religious organizations. Amo
ir the purely savage tribes, woman takes position
IS domestic drudge-a mere beast of burden, win
,e the sensual civilization of Asia regard her more
" the light of domestic luxury, to be jealous
q guarded from the profane sight Of all men, !
r, her husband. Both positions, equally and wid'