The Hickman courier., 1871-03-25


speaking Lightly OF womnm.
He who would lay bis hand on wo-
man, save in the way Of kindness, 10 o
wretch whom 'twere base hattery TO call
coward" !" This is the sentiment of every
warm, honorable heart, that recognises
the worth Of woman aud rightly rever-
ence all the virtues that illustrate her
character, and eDtitle her to our truest
devotion and protection. 1t is q duty,
no less than a pleasure, with chivalrio
manhood, to pay to woman's tenderness,
her purity and goodness, whether these
wealth or Frightening the humblest la
borer's cottage, the willing defersnce
they deserve, and he who by word or ac-
ton. or glance, treats the sex with disrs-
spect, is either guilty of most reprehen-
sible thoughtlessness, or Is incapable Of
apprecintiDg womanly dignity, modesty
and geutleness.
And yet this unworthy practice pre-.
walls to a very great extent In every com
munity, and not alone among unrefsct-
ing. careless youth, but among men Of
mature minds, whose self respect. and
whose Responsible relations as fi,bers
and brothers should seal their bps TO
every word derogatory 10 woman. ssd
make them the quick defenders Of the
sex. On the street corners, in business
places, in public halls, and even within
the sacred precincts Of tho church.
sighting and insulting remarks are heard
concerning the personal appearance, the
department aud conversation of ladics
whose characters are as pure No the unFui-
lied snow. This il q most desppabie
habit many men have fallen into, sna
besides its debasiDg influence on the NOR
ais. IL is cowardly, since the detrsotors
would not dare to express such opinions.
If they thought there was any danger OF
their reaching the ears Of those whose
duty it would be to punish such inso-
leDce.
1t is a strange Inconsistency too, that
men who are jealous Of the reputation Of
their own female relatives, do not hesi-
tate to speak disparaeiDgIy Of some other
person $ mother. wife or sister. We will
not soil this spotless paper by repeating
the contemplate inuendoes. the covert
sneers and unbeeoming comments, that
can be heard every day as ladies are pas
sing. Remembering all we owe 70 that
pure sex, the loving care, the tendernessl
and devotion. the meekpess aud forbear-
ance that have followed US from infancy
and guided US in manhood, we find IL in
our heart to wish that the unmaDly as
pensions and slanders would blister the
lips that utter them There should be
plain speaking on this point, for as it
now is, with the loose ideas Of morality
that prevail, every foul tongue that
chooses can spit its venom on the fair
fame of females. This unseemly levity,
this trifling with the feelings and repu-
tation of woman, should be denounced
as rank crime against purity, deli
cacy, dignity and worth. Faith 10 the
truth and constancy of the other sen has
saved many young man from depravity,
aud secured for him life of happiness,
for when thus strengthened, the allure
ments of the unworthy are powerless to
tempt from the paths Of morality. The
more we are thrown into society Of edu-
Gated vir inous women, the more rapid IA
our development in all the elements of
true manhood our perceptions Of all
that is beautiful aud eunobling are
quiSAOuCo, Hhbc hlkHCI " PIhttcusi au0
more generous impulses 6ll the hearts
that would, under other and less refining
influences be given to grovelling desires,
and the debasement Of unworthy passions.
And when once the habit is indulged Of
speaking slightingly of woman, insensi-
bly, faith in her purity begins TO dimin-
ish, aud she no longer seems being ele-
waited aud superior in her purity, deBerv-
ing of homage from grosser men.
Whether we contemplate the devotion,
the sell abnegation, the untiring watch-
iulness, the forbearance aud undying
love of a mother, the trustfuiness, teu-
derness, unquestioning faith, and ready
sympathy of a wife, or the affectionate
nature and the gentleness Of daughter
and sister, a true woman is alike deserv-
ing of mans respect and admiration in
all the relations Of life, and her virtues
should accuse those who would speak
lightly of her, and silence the disparsg-
ing remarks we so often hear.
We are no sickly sentimentalist to call
an angel and speak Of her In ex-
travagaut terms, as an ETHEREAL creature
too delicate, too spiritualixed for this
world. We think of her as rational
being, cast in o finer mould than robust
man, whose kindness, affection, refined
tastes, delicacy and purity, entitle her
always and under every circumstances,
when she is true to herself, to mans sim
,erest respect, which should be given in
thought as well as word.