Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-07-28
TCOMMUNICATEp.

FEMALE EDUcATIoN-I find in the pro-
ceedings of the Educational Convention lately
held in Richmond, the following, which will
be obliged to you to publish in your excellent
paper. The views OF both the gentlemen quoted
below are entertained by thousands of the best
people in Virginia PATER FAMILIAs.
Professor Newell, of the Maryland State
Normal School, and Superintendent OF Educa-
tion for that State, delivered an interesting ad-
dress on the subject. While agreeing with
Professor Powell in regard to the ''high dances,
and low dances, and round dances, and square
dances" in which our girls sometimes partlcl-
pate to excess, be was inclined to the opinion
that u little dancing was not without advantage
to them. There should be physical as we'll as
mental education. He was not sure that there
ought not to be more attention paid to the
heels. and a little less to the head. In addition
to the professors of all the 'ologies, - ''ome-
tries,' and 'manias, many modern insttu-
tions would do we'll to have a professor OF
"romping." These views were elaborated in
very attractive style by the learned professor,
who then proceeded to discuss the different
branches of popular female education. lie was
rather opposed to the deyoting of much atten-
tion by young ladies to higher mathematics,
and insisted upon their being we'll grounded in
English literature and the cultivation of cor
rect literary taste. They should be taught to
read books-not snatches of books. Having
correct literary taste, woman would be granted
access to the we'll of pure English and undehled,
from which, during q lite time. she can obtain
refreshing draughts. In idle hours to employ
her mind, in hours of distress to comfort her,
and at all times to be source of recreatlve plea
sure.
Rev. DR.. Atkinson followed Prof. Newell.
taking the ground that woman was not co-ordi-
nate with, but subordinate to man, aud her ed
ucaton should be different. When woman be-
comes co ordinate with man she becomes
monster She only became power IN the ma
tion in times of decentralization. Her place was
not in the cabinets of Kings or of Presidents,
but in the family and in the church Of God;
and in each place the Creator had decreed that
she shall be subordinate.
DR.. Atkinson noticed at length and ably the
Deficiencies in the system of female education
now prevalent. He thought that there was
too much examining, and as consequence
many of our young ladies have smatterlng OF
numerous studies, and are proficient IN nome
1t would be better to study fewer branches and
to study those branches thoroughly. Secondly,
he dcpored the spirit of emulation created by
the offering Of prizes. 1t was dangerous
spirit-one that sometimes destroys for lite the
tending the exercises of female seminaries was
spoken of as great evil Public examinations
cxhibitious, and composition readings, the
speaker thought, had an evil tendency when
carried to extremes, as they too frequently were
in these times, though less often in our State
than in other sections. In conclusion, he
urged education in the arts of housewifery and
the practical duties of life, and expressed bis
hearty approval Of the plan of educating girls
a. home, under the influence of good mothors,
under the guidance of competent fathers, and
with access to a good library, as preferable in
most respects to any other plan. ..-r..