The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-08-04
The Education of Girls.

We are not much in favor of conventions, but
must admit that the following views which eman-
ate from the Educational Association of Virginia
are worthy of attention, and have more of the
ring of common sense, than anything ordinarily
proceeding from such bodies:
The appointed hour having arrived, the AS
sociation resumed the consideration of the report
| of the Committee on the Education of Girls.
Professor Newell, of the Maryland State Nor
NAL School, and Superintendent of Education
for that State, delivered an interesting address
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 participate to ex-
cess, he was inclined to the opinion that little
dancing was not without advantage to them.
There should be physical as we'll as mental edu-
cation. He was not sure that there ought not
to be more attention paid to the heels, and little
less to the head. In addition to the professors
of all the ''ologies," 'ometries," and ''manias,"
many modern institutions would do well 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 educa.
ton. He was rather opposed to the devoting of
ematics and insisted upon their being we'll
grounded in English literature and the cutiva
tion of correct literary taste. They should be
taught to read books-not snatches Of books.
Having correct literary taste, woman would be
granted access to the well Of pure English and
undefled, from which, during lifetime she can
obtain refreshing draughts. In idle hours to
employ her mind, in hours Of distress to comfort
her, and at all times to a source of recreatlve
pleasure.
Rev. DIR. Atkinson followed Prof Newell,
taking the ground tnat woman was not co-ordin-
ate with, but subordinate to man, and her edu-
cation should be different. When woman be-
comes coordinate with man she becomes a mon
ster. She only became power in the nation in
| times of decentralization. Her place was not in
the cabinets of Kings or 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 cramming, and as consequence many of
our young ladies have smattering of numerous
studies, and are proficient in none It would be
better to study fewer branches and to study those
branches thoroughly. Secondly, he deplored
the spirit of emulation created by the offering of
prizes. 1t was dangerous spirit-one that
sometimes destroys for life the happiness of a
young lady. The publicity attending the exer-
cises Of female seminaries was spoken Of as a
great evil Public examinations, exhibitions,
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 State than in other sec
tions In conclusion, he urged education in the
arts of housewfery and the practical duties of
life, and expressed his hearty approval Of the
plan Of educating girls at home, under the nfu-
ence Of good mothers, under the guidance of
competent fathers, and with access to a good
library, as preferable in most respects to any
other plan