Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1868-06-19

low dull anu uSFOlu VI Cob i0''OAo
freside Ifall the women in the family |
aad duties which developed their powers
and strengthened their judgments there
would be enough to talk of at the close OF
the dav. Had women such healthy inter
ests. were they capable Of a vigorous under
standing Of real affairs, expensive entertain
ments. extravagant recreations which now
e,nntv many purse, would cease to offer
any destinations. If life were intense,
III, runnla eaaso To seem SO, except SO lar
CHEAP STOCK OF GOODS, JUST AT
as the best would respond to and develop
life. If taste were disciplined by labor, the
fancy gewgaWs which now load down the
persons of women would look as hideous as
they are now known to be unfit. Luxury
might then take refuge in that exquisite
cleanliness and pure color which are still
the rarest thingsin America. The curtains
and dusty drapery which now repress God s
providence and shut out the sun He at
least thinks fit for shining, would be relin-
quished in half Of the fine pictures and good
bronzes In those better days hard-work-
ing men wonld not open social entertain
ments at ten in the evening. and dance all
night, because others do, who have liberty
of fortune Tor misfortune) to lie in bed all
day. In those days mothers of young chill
dren will not condemn them to bare limbs,
uncomfortable fancy clothing and unhealthy
six o'clock dinners, because, everybody else
does it who lives on the same street
But before such days can come, women
must be what they are not now; and men
must help them to become so.
In France, all avocations are open to wo-
men. We have heard the story of Rosa
Bonheur, and could match its independence
in thousand lower as well as many higher
positions.
Our women wear French ribbons and
Alexander's gloves; but what would they
think, if asked to initiate the wife and
daughter ofAlexander, who pecuniarily in
dependent, still sew and sell those gloves?
In private letter to a friend, Sir James
Macintosh wrote ofhis wife:
She vas a women who, by tender man.
agement of my Weaknesses, gradually correc-
ted the most pernieious cf them. She be-
came prudent from affection. Though Of
the most generous nature, she was taught
economy by her love of me- During the
most critical period of my life, she relieved
me from the care of my affairs, and preser-
we'd order in them. Sbe gently reclaimed
me from dissipation, she propped my weak
and irresolute nature, she urged my indo-
lence to useful and creditable exertion, and
was perpetually at hand to admonish my
heedlessness and improyidence. To her |
owe whatever | am, to her whatever shall
be. In her solicitude for my interest, she
never for moment forgot my character.
Her feelings were warm and impetuous. but
she was placable, tender, and constant
Such was she whom l lost, when knowl-
edge of her worth had refined an ardent
love to a sincere friendship"
viii not American women find inspiration
in such picture? Here it is plainly shown
that if women worked more, men might
work less, and time for culture could be
afforded to all. To effect it, men must
cease to admire white hands, dragging
skirts, and a general airof uselessness. They
must give point to such opinions as they
have, by seeking something better in mar
riage than money or fashion.
Do these speeches encourage a woman to
labor? And who is it that complains again,
when no one sees after the servants; when
the child's dress costs too much; when the
cooking does not taste like his moth
er's?
In one one of her lectures, Lucy Stone
once mentioned family of girls, who, after
their fathers death, continued his business
the manufacture of some portion Of To-
comotive, 'How much do you maker"
asked Lucy. SIN the worst of times, fifty
dollars week, y they answered. I'm the
best, five hundred dollars These women
are full of shreBdness and good sense; but
in New York parlor, how many men would
dare to show their respect for labor by
unusual courtesy to them?
A Boston merchant has an ingenious
daughter who'wishes to take out patents
Is he proud of her? No. On condition
that she viii never 1Corb before anybody,
he has fitted up costly workshop for her.
How many men feel the force ofhis tempta-
ton! Is is not clear why we should all
plead for the elevation of woman? Her
present position is the practical desecration
of our homes A handsome house is not
home. In the days of our early history,
when men and women worked together for
the same end, a barn might become one; now
it seems the impossible thing.
When woman marries, she ought to
look up to her husband. When man mar
ries, he ought to look up to his wife. As
she is his JOY, he should be her strength.
Both are defrauded when this is not SO.
Tfmen are never then thoughts to employ,
Take care to provide them life full of joy;
But if to some profit and use thou wouldst
bend them,
Take care to shear them, and then defend
them.
These lines, written by Goethe, might
serve as the epitaph of the past relations of
the sexes. He has written four others, fit
to inaugurate the new era, towards which
our hopes are tending:
As from the smoke is freed the blaze,
So let man. S faith burn bright;
And if we crush has olden lcays,
Say who can crush Gods light.
SOMEBODY has given utterance to the