Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1869-03-11
Fer the Gallipolis Journal.
ONCE MORE.

When l assumed the liberty and re-
sponsibility of speaking through the
Journal upon the delicate subject Of
"School Marms," l little expected it
would generate as formidable discus
sion.
l was not prepared for the unlocked
for crisis, and consequently was very
much surprised at ''Clem's" sudden
and gigantic attack. had not, | sup
pose, sufficiently educated myself to a
realization of the fact that truth finds
its way slowly into the hearts of men;
that blunt facts lend not the tickling
charms of flowing fiction. A closer
scrutiny of the past, would have given
me q forewarning of Clems thunder
ings, for history points its finger to the
fact that the most lucid question Of
mere right and justice of every age
have found combatants We can find
in every community certain individuals,
who unconsciously advertise them
selves for public condemnation, by en-
gaging in every 'public broil and pri-
vate fight" particularly if the speciali-
ty of these little bloodless wars is that
of opposition TO every question and
measure, whether right or wrong, that
arises. Must we wonder then, that
question involving debt of graft
tude, of right, of justice, toward class
of our noblest, best women, should be
harangued and condemned? Not at
all, nor is it in the least discouraging,
or matter to be regretted, that the
School Marin" question has met with
this opposition, but it is unfortunate
it is so weak and fragile. 1t is gene
rally the case that-greater the agita-
ton, greater the result.
The School Marm'' question, so far,
has met with such little knock, that
the effects of the jolt amounts to moth
ing whatever. From what Clem said
in starting out, I supposed it his inten-
ton to hit the question dab, but on
reading it through once, it was very
puzzling matter to see exactly what the
fellow was trying to do. His produc-
ton seems to be engulphed in myste-
ries and absurdities. The boy must
surely have been asleep when he
penned that; if not, undoubtedly it
mnst be the result of some internal dis
turbance. One would infer from Clem's
language that he has at some former
time ingloriously failed at wooing
School Marm.''
He is affectionate l know, for he
says, 81 love to love-" Now, if his
gigantic production is the promptings
of broken heart, written in way of re-
venge upon some ungrateful, immodest
"School Marm," glutting it though,
upon all female teachers by censuring
them as peak minded, immodest, i'm
pudent set of creatures, then he has
made beautiful little point. But if
his object in writing was to refute any
thing that | said in my former produc-
tion, or to prove the impropriety Of
young ladies teaching schools, or to es-
tabish as truth that "woman is con-
tented in the vale of peace, at SIS per
month";" and that she merits no more,
but rather less than most, emphati-
cally, 'tLove's love is lost" He first
distinguishes himself by emptying
reservoir of words in way of a com
ment on female modesty--a virtue, ac-
cording to Glenn, entirely wanting in
female teachers.
''The prominent characteristic of
the female SEX" says Glenn, ''is their
modesty, for this only are they re-
spected and honored." Further on, he
says, that female teacher "can lay
claim to none of that virtue-mod-
esty."
Now, what is the inevitable conclu-
sion? 1t is this: When young lady
assumes the responsibility of instruct
ing the young, she Immediately, by the
act, loses all her modesty and humility,
and thereby must no longer be loved
and respected, but dishonored and de-
spised, and excluded from all good So
ciety. The idea that young lady en-
ters the school room in the capacity of
teacher only, at the sacrifice of her
modesty, her friends and the world, is
entirely too ridiculous for person of
any pretensions to offer in way of ar
gument. tits rule of respectable So
ciety not to admit into full communion
uncouth and immodest young ladies.
Now, | would like to have the right
honorable Glenn cite one single instance
where young lady has been debarred
from society. or incurred the disrespect
of any sensible man or woman, because
she had been, or was school teacher,
and as such had rendered herself i'm
modest and impudent. No, sir, he
can't do it, and | would advise him to
reconsider, and like wise man as he
is, acknowledge that immodesty is not
the fruits Of school teaching.