New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1864-05-07
NEW PUBLICATIONS
SOVEREIGNTY OF WOMAN.
WOMAN AND Her ERA; BY Eliza W. Ear


sent scientific exposition ard proof of the time
bonored adace that "woman is the better half of
croation.- Mrs. Farnhom accepts this proposition
cot only as al undeuable truth founded upon a |
.seen and wide basis in the mental and physical |
constitution of the female SEX but as a truth of
S;,al imDortance TO the true order Of society and
Che eternal interests Of humanity. She would
odeern this cardinal idea, es she regards II, from
che province Of romantic sentiment, trace IL 10
moro profound source in human na'"rc imam tue
enthusiasm Of the affections, present 1t in the lsh'
of accurate analysis and photographed argument
and exhibit its practical applications 10 domesuo
and social life. No enc can give cauhd peru'''i
60 her work without being deeply impressed WIN
the sincerity OF her convictions and the puIVoi MI
motives, whatever view may he entertained OF TIC
yaliditv of her reasoning and the oundness OF hcf
conclusions. With glazing, ard almost oaoas
Faults Of execution the transparent earnestness Of
her book. the lofty standard Of womanly excellence
which it sets forth, AID the faith in God and hui
ynanity With which it is inspired, atone, in great
degree for It's perpetual violation Of good taste,
sid stamp il as original and remarkable FTcduc-
Sion.
One Of the most plausible arguments in support
Of her theory, Mrs. FaInham derives from the IN
stinctiyo spontaneous recognition o. Tie superb
ori.y Of .woman in the universal sentiments OF hu-
manity. The loyalty Of man toward the OBJECT OF
his affections proceeds from sense Of her greater
nobeness purity, dignity, and spiritual worth. 1t
Is the natural homage of the lower 70 the higher.
The Characteristic trait Of vomans love, on the
other hand, is not loyalty, but Devotion In the
human relations, this sentiment is cherished to-
ward those who are comparatively less fortunate,
less exalted less worthy than The person by whom
Il ia exhibited. Thus, the devoted mother gives
the strongest affection Of her heart TO lie prodga
con whose degradation has destroyed al hope OF
reciprocity of tenderness and love. friend testi-
fes his devotion by adhering TO beloved object
who has fallen into disgrace A wife exercises tie
game sentiment toward an unfortunate or unworthy
husband; devoted husband does the same toward
a selfish, eccentric, or proaigate vito; though hH-
ulan experience furnishes man with less frequent
opportunities than woman for the practice Of this
species Of nobleness.
The sentiment of loyalty in man is not founded
merely on the Partially Of affection. It assumes
The superior qualities Of the object Of Lis love.
aen invariably look 10 tho woman of their choice
Cor aid in realizing their aspirations or hopes Of
better life than they have lived before They an
ticpste help in THEN efforts for improvement, not
only from the genial sympathies Of her nature, but
from the contagious efficacy of her virtues. They
are eager to surrender indulgences, which we're
permitted BY their own sef-repcct, but which they
Gnd are not in accordance with their respect icr her
superior dignity and refinement. IN such sacrifices
they expect to be commended for their good puT-
poses; they look to womaDs higher strength when
ehey ore weary and weak; they always feel sup
ported in their fidelity 10 new conyicioss, 70 IN
vonted duties, by the magic Of her approving smile
Woman, OF the contrary instinciiyey avoids
The indulgence Of such a sentiment toward any
nan, however strongly she may be attached TO him.
She has seldom to propose to herself reform FROM
cny gross or vicious habit, by reason Of tho first
experience of love. The reverse, indeed TO GER
esin degree, is apt TO be the case SO far as she
permits his influence to lead her away from herself
and his control TO supersode her sclfcontrol, she
leaves the orderly and tranquil habits Of her pre-
tious years, and is frequently the worse Tor the
PROCESS If he looks to her for regeneTating IL
auence as respects the evils Of his own nature, she
does not look to him for similar blessing and holP
TAe explanation given By Mrs FarnhaIn Of the
"mesk simplicity" with which woman accepts the
homage Of the opposite sex is certainly novel, and
must appear TO most of her readers as curousy in
yenioas, with a refreshing touch Of the most naive
franIRess. If woman smiles at hearing herself
called an angel il is not smile OF leYity, or DC"
rision or unbelief She is conscious that there is
good ground for the expression in her endowment
with redee1ning capabilities. Her sense OF truth is
not outraged by the ascuphon 10 her Of angelic
traits. She knows that it is sustained by the su-
perior purity, decacy, and refinement Of her own
nature, as compared with that Of her adorer. And
lf not true of herself personally it is true Of woman
hood in general and she receives it as the natural
homage belonging 10 her sex.
Bat how absurd, how shocking, exclams Mrs.
Farnham TO reverse this language and address II to
man! Nc woman that ever was born could spcakto |
q man in such a strain except in those rare cases
whose iairequent occurrence proves that they are
contrary 10 the uniform experienced mankind. Inc
Indignant authoress certainly has reason III her nor
sor Of such perverson and the eloquent wrath with
which she protests against it. Conceive" she well
says, "conceive the utter falsity Of addressing
bearded, booted-perhaps bald-collared and era
waited man, as an angel His eye is full Of the res
olution Of external conquest and worldly success
in the expression Of his face are mingled the sense
q and tho desire for external power; intellectual
,cuteness the challenge TO competitors, the alert,
persistent sef-deiense the oompaeency Of attained
or near success, the pain Of areadyendured or the
anxiety Of impending defeat. Is this On angelic
bengf very efficient, able, resolute just, brave,
L.. L. I,-f rtyal 1