The Sumter watchman. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1855-1881, 1870-04-06
FEMALE. EDUCATION
BY W BEAuMoNr oLARKsoN
sxcrtox 1.

Jhefe are rev suOlectS, When conSio'
cred 10 all their bearings upon society,
gilmore interest, than Female Educa.
tion. We mean, the intellectual aud
moral culture of the female mind.
When in prospective, we glance into
the future, and speculate upon it's pow
or aud influence upon coming events,
the imagination Is invited to rove at
liberty in the most fanciful conceptions
of it's wonderful influence, to the latest
tuturity.
Or in retrospective view, wherein
we perceive its bearing in the history
ofthe past, what food for thought! Its
influence upon the rise aud fall of en-
pires Its controlling influence in the
worlds history! From the earliest ages
to tho present time.
When we reflect, that the early
training of men is committed almost
exclusively to females, we perceive a
fearful responsibility resting upon them,
responsibility which is seldom realized
in any proportion to its magnitude. aud
which cannot be competcntly discharged
without the proper preparation for the
Herculcan. tas';, committed to their sa.
cred charge. Kingdoms that have risen
aud fourished, shed the blood d: thou
sands, aud in turn fallen victims Of
others still more powerful I; all the good
and all the evil donc by them, may be
ascribed in an eminent degree to mater
nal training.
Could we draw aside the
impen etrable veil, which conceals the
future and charge thoughtlcsS mother
with the blood of millions she might
exclaim with the indignation of one of
old, when charged with future crimes,
els thy servant dog that she should do
this thing"
But when she restraints not the unbri-
died passions of her wayward son, hav-
ing never been trained to control her
own, trains him not to govern himself,
she becomes in great measure charg.
able with his exoesses when placed in
power. being called upon perhaps to
participate in the. councils Of the ma
tiou.
When we behold the sweet smile
which brightens the placid features of
an innocent babe. indicating the peace
which reigns within breast free from
cares and the corroding stings Of an
accusing conscience T; let us remember
If the mother be- incompetent to the
trust imposed, that breast, every pulse
of which beats calmly, from all malice
and envy free, may be narrowed up by
bitter remorse and fearful forcboiinys Of
future retribution.
That heart. which is now pure from
actual transgression, may become
den ofwick edncss, all stained by sins Of
blackest hue.
Those tender arms unusel to crime,
may become the perpetrators of deeds so
dark, as to stain with foulest blot
the future pages Of his country's histo
ry.
That lovely form of fair proportion.
portending manly strength and firm
constitution, may, through mothers
neglect to guide his steps, become an
emaciatcd frame. the seat Of loathsome
disease. disgusting alike to himself aud
friends around
But all this resembles only the first
stroke of the skillful: artist, the first
touch on the painters canvass. when
about to represent the vilest monsters Of
his imagination.
We might proceed and pencil ont the
foulest pictures. and when careless
mothers have foundthe likeness Of their
sons, we may charge The hideous forms
on them.