Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1863-03-27
THE WOMEN OF TIE SOUTH.

"She layeth her hands to the spindle, her hands
hold the distaf"
Thus spoke the wise King Of Israel thousands
of years ago, of Virtuous woman. The picture
he drew had doubtless many originals, even among
the wealthy, in his day. But gradually in the pro.
gress of time they disappeared, and woman, once
the slave, then the helpmate, finally became the
doll and plaything of the lords of creation High
born ladies ceased to look after the work of their
numerous handmaidens and the ways of their house.
hold. The homely distaff was laid aside and books
being unknown, music and dress absorbed the whole
attention OF the rich. They appeared as applaud
ing spectators of gadatoral contests and arbiters
in tournaments Of knigh Then falcon hying, the
tambour frame, embroidery, and the Lutte, became
the paStlmes of those who could not otherwise kill
the time. Then when books came and enlighten
ment spread, Qhough it was long before women
were taugh the reading of novels and poetry dress
equlpage the theatre and the opera, absorbed the
SPIN" Most people will sigh to think of the good
old times-as if all old time manners and ways
were necessarily good; which does not follow as a
natural sequence at all. But thanks to the war,
we see again some of the good old customs of Sol
omon's day revived. The women of the Confed-
crate States-and no herOnes of song or story out
shine their peerless character-are everywhere Civ
ing heed to the things which make for the welfare
of the army and the country. The rich are look
ing after their servants and directing their work
come the pride of the country matron, and even of
| the young ladies too. In almost every country
place, and in the small towns and villages, we hear
on every side the hOmely but not unpleasant whirl
of the spinning Wheel and the click and thud of
the handloom The fairest and the daintiest of the
land are learning the mysteries of dyes and color
setting and Of warp and welt. Scarlet and purple
are an every day theme. 1t is prodigious fashion
and what is more, good fashion. We hope to see
more still follow it. 1t should be glory to young
lady in these times, not only to wear homespun
dress, but to be able to spin and weave it. All
honor we say to the music of the spinning wheel,
and especially to those who learn that, while not
forgetting their piano. They fit to be the wives
| of heroes.-AugustG COnstitutiOnaList.
! TIE MAns.-It seems to be settled point that
mail contractors and driUers are not exempt from
| the army. Therefore, how mail matter is to be
| conveyed in future is a mystery. 1t will be very
difficult to procure the services of persons, if they
| can be pad at all, under Is and over 40 to carry
| the mails as our population is SO much reduced
already as to require every person now at home t
carry on the industrial pursuits of the country.
case in point occurred here the other day. A drive
on account of sic kneSs failed to perform his rcgula
trip, and GS subs itute could not be obtained upor
any consideration, tue mail necessarily laid over
eonscrpts were exc, upt to carry the mail it Nigh
be an inducement; the old men and the boys haV
0tnsr work to do.-Salshl Press.