Sioux City register. [volume] (Sioux City, Iowa) 1858-1871, 1860-02-18
Written for the Sioux City Register.
A FEW THOUGHTS ON THE wO.
MANS RIGHTS QUESTION.

In order that they may be comprehen-
sive it will be necessary to consult the
original differences in the constitution of
the two sexes We shall first speak Of the
nervous system-and here word in order
to guard against misapprehension. While
differences will be shown, it is not to be
understood that these differences constr
tute an inferiori.y on the part of the fe-
male-for our argument is, that each is
perfect Of its kind Now there is no obvS
Gus structural difference in the nervous
system of the two sexes. There is, how
ever. a erea. difference in their local dis
tributon, which gives to the female pecu-
liarisies to which the male is a stranger;
and the inferior size of the Cerebral Hem
ispheres is perhaps her most distinguished
characteristic The weight of toe entire
brain in the adult male, is between &c and
50 oz.-whiIe the weight of the female
brain is from Al to A OF. This difference
is readily accounted for when We compare
the physical character Of woman with that
of man; for there can be no doubt, pat
ting aside the exceptional cases, which
now and then occur-that the general
intellectual powers Of woman are inferior
to those of man. Although her percep.
tons are more acute her capabity OF
sustaining mental exertion is much less.
Though her views are often distinguished by
great clearness they are generally de6cien,
in that comprehensiveness which is neces
sary for their stability. With less of tn.
volitional powers than man possess, she has
the emotional and instructive powers in
much stronger degree. The emotions and
feelings therefore predominant and become
to a certain extent the governing pruci-
ple While in man the reason and under
standing is more frequently consulted.
BY the direct influence of the feelings
on the bodily functions they produce or
ganic changes, which far surpass in degree
anything Of the same kind Witnessed in
the male. They also act as powerful
motives to the will when strongly called
forth. But this vigor being due to strong
excitement Of the feelings and not to any
inherent strength Of the intellect, is only
sustained during the excitement and gen.
orally fails as soon as that subsidies. Her
feelings, however, are naturally more dis
interested than mans. The intuitive pow
ers of woman is certainly greater than that
of man her perceptions are more acute,
and her apprehension quicker. 1t may
be thought that these comparisons are
DEMONSTRATING the intellect Of woman less
than man. Our extenuation must be that
they are the inevitable deductions of
science. However, we have no fears but
that the common sense ard goodness Of
heart (both abiding characteristics Of the
ladies) will enable them to view this SUBJ
ject Alright. Indeed we have great sympa-
thy for the simpleton who thinks he can
procure the permanent regard and respsc.
Of a woman Of sense, by perverting the
truths Of nature. | am DEPRESSING. In
summing up we find in regard to the in
fsrior development OF the intellectual pow.
crs, and in predominance Of the instructive
rather than that Of the reasonisg facul-
ties, she must be considered as ranking
below man in general force of intellect =
But in the superior purity aud elevation Of
her feelings. she is as highly raised above
him. Her whole character, mental as
we'll as corporal, is beautifully adapted
to supply what is deficient in man, and to
elevate and refine those powers, which
otherwise might be directed to low and
selfish objects. I spoke Of exceptional
cases, q genius perhaps, aud heaven fore.
fend and preserve us from . genius,
whether male OF. female. The general
order Of all such minds low. and their
general judgment being most always be-
low mediocrity, in the common affairs Of
life, sosscsly pssssssins siagle issslI-