Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1866-09-11
For the Herald
Practical Observations by a Lady

1T woman can accomplish the
same amount OF work q man can per-
form is she not entitled TO the same
remuneration? All applicants wheth-
er male or female are required by law
to pass a satisfactory examination
upon the different branches specified
therein. 1t costs a lady rs much if
not more to fl herself for the profess
sion of teacher, as a gentleman, no
deduction is made in tuition, board,
Ne, because she is woman.
Not untrequently superior teach
err is obliged to teach for one half the
amount paid TO a male teacher of in
terlor attainments, perhaps a mere
STRIPPING who teaches merely term
or two for the novelty oft, or because
he happened to get third grade GER
tlticate, without possessing any love
for the profession, or aptness to teach.
During our late war when many of
our noble boys left the school room
for the field of battle, stepped out
from the ranks of teacher, and laid
down the pen, for the sword to rescue
our beloved country from danger, we
occupied the vacant CHAIRS. Did we
fill the responsible positions, and dis
charge we'll The al duous duties en-
] trusted TO us?
Let us examine several reports Of
County Superintendants for proof -
The Superintendent of Dodge CO.
says: "The war calling off large mum
bers of our male teachers, has effect
ed great change. Four years ago
very few Of our winter schools were
taught by females. On the whole |
donot regret the change. The only
counteracting influence is, the dispo-
sition Of our District Boards. which is
too prevalent, to keep down the wages
to the lowest point, and make them
'board around at that" j. X. Pur-
dy Of Jefferson County states -
"Our schools this winter are taught
mostly by females, necessity has com
PEELED change that custom was slow
to admit, and since it has been dis
covered that brains and not muscle
govern people, females have succeed
ed we'll in our winter schools. Give
them inducements to fit themselves
especially for the profession and we
shall not regret the change"
Many of our ladies are too modest
to raise their voices against custom
which is almost barbarous, and bow
as meekly to it, as they yield to fate.
Modesty in this respect becomes q
virtue that will not help to adorn
them, Cat least their persons, as they
will find on entering a dry goods
store with the meager sum received
for tcaching).
1T Is through our own instrument
tally that our services must be raised
in popular estimation, if we do not
strive 10 do it, we may rest assured
nobody else WILL"
Teaching is peculiarly adapted to
the sphere of woman. Ia the school
room her arm physically weak though
it be, yields giants might. She is
htted by nature to become the teach
er aud guide Of the young.
As woman rises in thc'scale of viz
tue and intellect, the more her hand
is used in training the minds, and
moulding the characters Of the rising
generations, in like degree will be
cultivated and cherished the moral
and social duties Of life.
Let lis look for moment 1t the
records Of the past and we soc that
Roman mothers and sisters gave to
Rome in her carly days her bold dig
nifty and virtue, they inspired their
sons and brothers with the fires Of
patriotism and fitted them for Mill
tary, literary, and scientific pursuits
Greece the namc that awakens in
our minds an idea Of ali that is great,
beautiful and magnificent, is indebt-
Cd for much Of the splendor that blaz-
ons on the pages of her record, to the
Grocian mother that watched over
the cradle Of infancy, and taught her
little ones from their earliest precep-
tions the duties Of patriots and citi
zens. Her voice was also heard in
the halls Of learning and academic
groves; everywhere casting around
her an influence for the great, the
good and the beautiful. All young
ladies who desire to become teachers
should first endeavor tC qualify them
selves aud then take decided stand,
demand more more than mere nom
inal compensation for your services.
Make teaching a profession and you
will love nothing better than to
Scatter diligently in susceptible minds,
The germs of the good aud beautiful;
That will develop these to trees, bud and bloom
And bear the gold en- fruits Of Paradise
META WELLERs.