The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1858-12-23
For the Guardian.
Independence Lyceum.

Independence Lyceum.
Last week we suggested a few things
in behalf of the above named institution /;
but fearing that our article would become
too lengthy, we RETAINED to give utterance
to some ideas that had crowded them
selves almost to the point of our pen.
The Lyceum we pronounce one.si-
ded institution, and not without a reas-
on.
The object of the Lyceum is the mu-
tual improvement of its members in
literature, morality and sociality. In
examining the constitution of the Lyce-
UNI, we saw that Ladies have, and can,
become members for certain considera-
ton. But why not have them on an
equal footing with the male members
The idea is out, the world over, that
men are smarter than women. This we
don't wish to deny; it is SO. How does
it come ? Boys are not whit smarter
than girls. Every observer, whose eyes
are not bigger than mustard seed knows
that while in school, girls and boys reel
ted together the same studies, in the
same classes. A smart girl is always a
match for smart boy. But as soon as
the boys and girls leave the common
school, and become young men and
young women, the women, by force of
custom, are no longer allowed to tread
with the men, the gang walks of science
and the fowery paths Of literature. The
women have now their sphere" defined
Their business now is, to keep the little
Charles" and Jemmies" from Gre
ating domestic instructions, wrestling
with dinner pots, making music on
washboards, and always looking pleas
ant enough TO dispel the terrible Uues
from their lords. In mite societies, if l
have been rightly informed, the ladies
are on an equality with the gentlemen,
in playing blind mans buff and
"polker." But in every institution
where the intellectual faculties are called
into activity, the women are expected to
do nothing more than give their smiling
presence. This is entirely wrong. AS
exercise is essential to development in
every department of mans nature, we
establish literary societies Of various
names and grades, for the purpose of
Strengthening our moral principles, CIV
ing yigor to our intellect, and sharpen
ing our wits. In our literary societies
we-meaning the big men-treat the
women the same as children are treated
when we have company--not quite as
good, for no second table is prepared for
them. Would it not be an improvement
on the established order of things to have
the programme of the Lyceum SO chang
ed that ladies could participate in the
exercises Of the society ? 1t might be,
at first, they would fool go LaaLf.l 30
enter the dscussion--bu they certainly
would, if they had proper encourage
ment, write essays and lectures, and by
these exercises, their embarrassment
would soon give place to confidence
This new arrangement would give a
new interest to the Lyceum Let, at ev-
cry meeting Of the society, two intelli-
gent women be appointed to prepare and
read essays before the society. By this
means the women will take more interest
in attending the Lyceum, and nothing
can add more to the prosperity of any
society than full attendance of the la
dies. The reason of this is easily ex-
planned. Women are more largely en-
dowed with those faculties which make
being benevolent and sympathetic, and
their presence has magnetic influence
u pom the speaker which mesmerzes and
energies him, so that his mind is easily
kept in positive state. and this is tie
state of mind when choice ideas can be
expressed in words that are pleasing and
attractive.
If the Lyceum can devise plan to Sc
cure full attendance of ladies, no police
can keep the gentlemen back.
M. TICKS.