Oregon Republican. [volume] (Dallas, Or.) 1870-1872, 1870-12-17

fellow man. But even when ne makes
an iniudicious use of his privilege, ishe
deprived Of it Is it urged as an
excuse against him? Woman, as class,
has never yet neglected her dnties; she
is ever assiduous, and her faithfulness
in the past is her guarantee for the
future. II must be admitted, in refer
ence to progress. that the tendency is TO
extremes ut tho present day and if, as
is asserted, that "true progress is slow,
except in its laststages," then woman S
progress has been slow enough for the
past six thousand years. to prove very
conclusively its truth, and rapid enough
in these later days TO justify the asser>
ton. What this last progressive move
mcnt. the franchise may do for moman,
it is impossible to tell Probably not
so many benefits will accrue from it as
its advocates promise, nor as much
injury as its opponents predict. To
those of the sex who are emine ntly
domestic, and are not led to the exercise
of ability from any pecuniary considers
alton, to the sheltered, protected
woman, surrounded by every desirable
comfort, and TO the daughter of wealth,
it would probably bring but little
change. but to vast numbers of women
who depend upon their own resources,
it would probably be of the same rela-
tive value rs il is TO man, which seems
to be considerable, from the jealousy
with which it is guarded, and the evi
dent disinclination on the part of many
to share its possession. II is quite Ger
tain, however, that ever since the first
agitation of the subject, woman has
been elevating herself: that she has
developed more individual ability with.
in the past few years than in centuries
before. We have now among women,
physicians, sealptors, painters, true
artists, merchants, agriculturists and
architects of no mean grade, who, but
TOR this opportunity of developing espe-
cial gifts, would have wcariedly per-
formed the duties usually assigned to
women, conscieniiously. no doubt, hut
without that keen xest and positive en-
joyment that characterizes the move
ments OF those who find in their labor
scope for their powers; that which in
It's mere agitation has done much for
woman, may hold large possibilities in
its full realization A single Legislative
act, even in our memory. raised to the
inestimable blessings of liberty millions
groaning in bondage What Legislation
has done, Legislation may yet do. This
progressive movement, from its first
feeble inception, has followed out the
natural order of progress, rising from
the smallest beginning to its present
gigantic proportions, performing all
that it has promised in behalf of
women, and we see no reason TO doubt
its ability to carry out tho designs in
the future, if permitted to reach its
final consummation.
La reference to the promised purity of
legislation to be obtained through its
operation, in the absence of absolute
test, we can only say that in franchise
woman will carry out the established
principles of her organization. Ii it can
be proved that she possesses finer
organization than man. that she is actu-
ated by higher principles or more faith
full to the dictates of conscience, then it
is not unreasonable to infer that legisla-
ton will bear the impress of these quail
ties. But lastly, it is an absolute GER
tainty that the elevation of woman
compels the elevation Of the race; it
matters little how that elevation may be
attained, whether through religion, ed
ucation or chivalry. Look at the con-
dition of woman two thousand years
ago; note the influence of Jesus Christ
exercised for her advancement observe
how steady, yet slow, has been her pro-
gress ever since, and see how perfectly
the elevation of the race has kept pace
with that progress, until 10 these latter
days those nations most favoring her
progress stand first in this rank oi
enlightened civilization. True, her ad
vancement has met with opposition at
every step. We remember the doubt
and fear expressed that woman would
fail in the faithful performance of the
duties Of wife and mother, if she receiv.
ed 90 liberal an education as that of the
opposite sex that doubt has no exist
ence now. Look at those nations where
woman has not advanced step for cen
turies. See thousands of the sex sitting
i'm profound Intellectual darkness, being
able neither to read or write. The
illuminated flag Of progress has nevsl
been unfurled over their devoted heads
No necessity there exists 10 stiAe the
cry of excelsior, for ell is silent--deer
uninterrupted silence. Woman is pas.
sive, quietly subordinate; no aspiration
no hopes--scarcely that of immortality
animates her existence. And has sh.
not dragged the race into the dust will
herr Isl not deeply humiliated9 7 Blu
it is said that objections are not raisee
to her development, her advancement