Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1859-03-03
Do the Ladies Read the PAPERS

We fear that this question viii have to be
answered in the negative. Among the many
high accomplishments of the ladies of this
country, we fear that few can claim to be
readers of the papers. They read the stand
ard and current literature Of the day; they
study with assiduity, and many Of them with
success, music and the modern languages
they perfect themselves in all nameless arts
which charm the eye and lead captive the
heart, but it cannot be said that they take
much interest in the passing events Of the
day. The peace with China, the monetary
pressure, the Kansas imbrogllo, and other
important matters, are subjects upon which
the male part of creation are all absorbed at
this time, and about which they do all their
talking But how many ladies have read
the papers with sufficient care to be able to
converse upon either of these topics? Be-
sides these, there are various subjects of mi
nor Importance and interest-the amusements
Of tho day, the fashions, and all the public
gossip, and even scandal-which are chroni-
cled in the newspapers Of the country
What fund is thus afforded for pleasant
and profitable conversation! If "a lady, by
regular and systematic reading Of the daily
papers, has kept up with all these topics, she
has q fund of conversation by which she can
render herself far more agreeable in society
than she can possibly do with the light gos-
sip floating about in the atmosphere Of any
little inland town. How much more pleasing
would lady render herself by expressing
clear and intelligent views upon the Loading
topics Of the day, than by common everyday
talk about the next ball; or the remote pos
siblity of certain matrimonial alliance :
or discussing the grave and momentous ques-
ton, whether or not Mr.. A. is serious in
those two visits which he made in the very
same week, to the charming Miss B.. or
whether or not, if he should turn out to be in
earnest, the lady would favor his suit; and
if so, when will the wedding probably be- !;
will they marry in the church or at home ;
in the morning OR in the evening; who will
be the bridesmaid and groomsmcn; and will
they probably take an European tour? Now,
if the ladies would read the papers, aud post
themselves upon the important events which
are occurring in the world, they would always
= have rich fund of conversation; their
minds would be expanded and elevated, and
their whole characters improved. The ight-
er accomplishments are certainly very neces-
sary, and local gossip will do well enough to
give flavor to more serious discourses; but
we do insist that there is in our society too
little attention paid to the more important
parts Of a thorough education.
Why is it that our ladies take so little in
tercst in reading the papers? Is it not at.
tributable mainly to the objectionable neg ect
Of husbands and parents to place the papers
! in their hands? We think it is the absolute
duty of every man who is able, to have at
least two Or three papers thrown daily into
the door of his dwelling. The ladies Of the
household should then rise early in the morn
ing, and read carefully before breakfast, al
they contain Their minds will thus be
frightened IN for the whole day, and they
y will soon acquire such u knowledge of the
great events'of tbs times that even the mel
, will have to quicken their pace to keep W
with them