Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1858-07-29
John P. Hale on Woman's Rights.


Jthn P. Hale, of New Hampshire, made
a speech on Tuesday to the graduating
class of the Abbott Female Academy, al
Andover. in which he gave them his views
of the woman's rights question::
The present day had afforded to US many
proofs that science was not confined tc
men-as, for instance, Miss Mitchell, the
astror emer. Mathematics were also open
to women. "Let me write the songs oi
nation. and care not who makes the
laws" was saying of deep import; the
poetic fields were open to women. So in
all the other branches of knowledge. Now
there are some who did not believe women
would have all their rights till they had the
right of suffrage. But if this right were
obta ined it might be foundto degrade, in
stead of elevating female life. What was
there in the exercise of the right of suffrage
to produce moral elevation? We did not
see that the men in cities who exercised
the right were ennoDled, refined or eleva-
ted by going to the bollot-box. Every fe
male must revolt at finding herself in con-
Eliminating contact with the influences of
the polls; as she would thereby be placed
in conflict and on a level with every black
guard. Female influence was not silent
to-day in controlling the politics Of the
country. An eminent gentleman had said
that if he wished to control a canvass for
the good of a State, he would sooner id-
dress the children and young women than
the men. As women trained their sons
ana brothers. SO would the future votors o.
the country be. Each woman would have
at least one willing friend, who would be
ready to consult her opinions.
A lady friend had asked him what she
should do, as she was deprived OF ;he right
of voting, and he told her to go and unite
her fortunes with one whose right to vote
was unquestioned, [laughter,] and there
upon she had told him that was the mean
est thing he had ever said. Those unfor-
tunate females who were always complain
ing of their limited spheres, would be found
to be those who had not the courage and
faith and energy to do what was even in
that limited sphere for them. No one had
a right to complain so long as in the sphere
of their influence they had left single
duty unperformed. Not until we had done
what we could should we sit down with
Alexander and cry that there were no more
worlds to conquer. We should not CON-
plain while a single case OF human wretch
edness existed, which we had not done
what we could to alleviate by sympathy or
aid.
In addressing young ladies', he could not
preseIh the same motives whichwere usual
in addressing boys, but he could assure
them that every one could obtain all the
good in life in which they deserved. In
concluding, Mr. Hale told q story of
young girl, who said she had two thi rgs
settled in her own mind; first, she would
never marry a minister; second, she would
never live in the town of B. Yet, she
eventually married a minister of B. $50
it will be with you, my young Friends"
said Mr.. Hale to the young ladies, at which
great laughter and clapping ensued. 81
perceive" continued he. "that it is the
theological students that are clapPing, be-
cause they think you will all marry minis
ters." Renewed meriment.l But the
moral o. all he said to-day was that the
same duty pertained to all. Instead of sit
ting down and signing over the allotmeLts
of our condition, we should each meet and
discharge with zeal, energy and fuith, the
duties of the position in which we sever
ally found ourselves.