The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1864-06-03


economy IN our persons, but holding it as u
duty to impress upon others how unwoman.
ly it is to mako outward display q para
mount subject Of thought, when tho nation
is in the throcs Of rebellion, such as tho
world never saw. Gathered here in tho
ccnter Of the nation, q handful of women in.
tent on single object. anxious only for the
good of the country, We appeal to the pat
riotism aud intelligence of our sister women
throughout the length and breadth of the
land. Let il be wei! understood that ev-
cry ounce of gold that goes from the coun.
try, dotrnc!s from the pay of the soldier who
is fighting Cor our salvation, and 6iminisbes
the wages Of our sister women who toll for
thoir bread. into miserable p;ttance that
scarcely suffices to keep them from starva-
tion. The precious metal that flows from
this country to Europe for the luxuties We
do not need, increases tho prico Of gold
here, deprecates the valuo of our national
currency, aud helps to sweep tho necessaries
of life beyond the reach Of the working man.
1t is painful truth for which wo shall
yet learn to blush, that tho importatiops of
tho most expensive goods, manufactured in
Europe, have boon far greater during the
war than at any time in the history oe our
country. Tho importations last week at
tho New York Custom House, alone
amounted to five millions of dollars and
all that week, which will yet find its ignoble
record in history, the streets of Washington
wero blocked up with weary soldiers
marching through mud and rain, or dust,
down to tho Army of the Potomac, which
now lies with abated courage, waiting tor
tho carnival of death, which is almost fling.
ing its shadow over us.
For the good Of our country and the
honor Of our sex, let US redeem ourselves
from this reproach Of wanlon extrava-
gance. Let us prove by cheerful re,rench-
ment that tho women Of the country are
not so welded TO self-indulgence that
they cannot fill glorious page in the his
tory of this war, and yet retain all that is
retiring and beautiful in womanhood.-
In all human works they have proved
themselves charitable, kind and munif
cent. Let these comprehend tha, self
abnegation will accomplish more than
works OF charity, ,and they will not be less
earnest TO sacrifice than they have been
10 act.
It must not be said OF US that we have
been willing 10 give up our husbands,
sons, or brothers 10 fight or die for the
Union, and yet refuse 10 renoun:e our
laces, silks, velvets and diamonds. That
thought would cover US with shame be.
fore all the nations of the earth. The
women ofthe Union only lack knowledge
OF the means by which they can prove
themselves true helpmaies OF the heroes
that are fighting our battles.
Impress il upon them that in discourag-
ing excessive importations and adopting
goods manufactured at home they keep
gold in the country, reduce the rates OF
exchange, and establish confidence in the
Government, and they will prove how far
patriotism will rise above feminine vanity
in the hearts Of American women.
In order invoke this spirit Of self-sac-
ri6ce. it is important that the great object
OF the covenant we have made should be
broadly circulated and understood. it
diecourages profigate expenditures of
any kind, recommends the use Of domes.
tic fabrics whenever they can be substi.
tuted for those Of foreign make, and ad.
vises simplicity Of attire, both as a matter
Of policy and good taste. 1t asks the
great sisterhood Of American wome to
aid in this reform before i. is too TEL
Thank God! science hes given us the
means OF reaching thousands and thou
sands in single hour. While we make
this covenant, the thought that thrills our
hearts may tremble in fire along the tee.
graph, and awake kindred inspirations
throughout the entire land. BY every
means of communication in our power, let
us urge the necessity Of prompt action
In every town and village throughout
the Union, some woman who loves her
countryis is implored to establish an aux.
iliary society, and forward the names Of
the ladies invited TO act for the State in
which her dLty lies. We ask simultane.
Gus action, earnest work and general
self.sacrifce at the hands Of our sister
women. With their ardent help, a work
will he accomplished SO important in its
results that the women who share it may,
hereafter, leave the emblem Of our OBJ.
ject as the richest jewel that she can leave
10 posterity.
THE CovENANT-A RADGE, &C.
The pledge or covenant Art. Sd of
Ihe Constitution, is as follows:
"For three years or Tor the war, we
pledge ourselves 10 each other and the
to purchase no imported articles
of apparel"
On motion Of MISS Ann s. Stephens, it
was:
RESOLVED, That the badge OF the Nation
II Covenant shall be black bee, with
wings enamelled, according 10 nature,
worn with tri.color ribbon, little in
ront oil the lei! shoulder.
On motion Of Mrs. lngersoll, il was:
RESOLVED, That, while, as the wives and
daughters, and women Of America, we
re ready to practice self-denial for the
,eneft Of the country and our sex, earn
stly request the men Of America also to
Ibstain from the use Of imported articles
specially wines. liquors. and cigars.
On motion of Mrs Morris il was
RoSnJDsH That tho won,an IN ha !