The Marietta journal. [volume] (Marietta, Ga.) 1866-1909, 1872-08-23

1t is the object of all study, and o
all systems of education, to develop
the mind, and fit it for the varie'
uses of life.
At this Commencement season,
when in the confidence and joyous
ness of youth, your thoughts Sc
naturally range in the dream-ta''d o
the future,
"Among gay castles in the clouds that pass
Forever flashing round the summer sky"
| cannot probably interest you more,
young ladies, than in suggesting
some studies that remain after grad.
uation.
The idea OF girls education, it has
been said, is "whatever qualities for
going to Europe but believing
something else remains tor woman t.
do, let me ask you to consider for 6
moment, the mission Of tooman, al
upon our idea of this will depend
those of her needs in the preparation
for the work of life.
1t will be conceded by all, | think
that it is not enough for woman, al
the happiest ful6llment of her desti
ny, to be the mere ornament of tht
evening assembly the most graceful
in the promenade or the dance
"the glass Of fashion or the mould o
FORM"
The varying conditions of life ii
our country, the vicissitudes of for
tune, the important questions affect
ing the interests and destinies Of al
demand clear and solid judg
ment and for this that culture i.
needed which can render the judg
ment solid and strong.
1t may be that you will find few
occasions in life for the direct use Of
the higher mathematics or the classic:
even, but there will be many situa'
tons in which you will rejoice in the
discipline of mind that the nice
analysis of words and sentences, Of
the clear logic of mathematical sci
ence has induced. Often in the
hours of weakness or WEAKNESS tina
come to all through sickness, sorrow
misfortune 81 solitude even, some
image retai5ed from classic authors,
some choice suggestive word from
"weIls of l. glish undefled," some
we'll remen. hcrcd line of a favorite
poet, pas se from old history, &
lucid propo zion even, will be tt
on as "tIe green pastures and still
waters" Ia 9, hich the spirit shall re.
sort and :jnd refreshment and
strength
1t has I. 20 100 much our custom
in the past with a chjealric gaIlantry
it was cali j. that has been unjust tc
her real str asth Of understanding
to place Woman apart from other
mortals--to elevate her on the pc
destal of our own imaginations - and
consecra:e her the idol of our house
holds, III" more precious to US be
cause of her apparent weakness and
dependence; or, on the other hand,
with cruel Indifference, suffer hel
to become the mental drudge of 0ul
dwellings
Said a German gentleman to me
at Leipsic some ears ago, 'Nothine
could induce nc to marry an Ameri'
can lady" "You gentlemen are
slaves to you. ladies" And, lady
friend Of mir illustrated this opin.
| ion tina; foreigners entertain of Oul
! idea of y oman, by reference to 6
dinner, which had been given in heI
own hon.r. nj one Of the German
Capitals, at which Sin conformity Il
american assage' it was said, the
gentlemen in white aprons attended
to the c-okjng and waited en- the ia
BILE, Will lie ladies remained seat
ed.
If thu 0isccucaption Of foreigner:
represent ic impressions which
have been Produced by the deferen.
tial habits of onr countrymen and
the idea which many entertain OF
woman's position, the worn faces anc
bent, emac; 'a.i forms, met with ii
many part, oar country reveal t.
us that .here i another view which
has too of IRA ;tically prevailed.
Our American idea of woman
place in life Is found at two extremes
and the true is at the mean between
1t is truly not enough for woman
to rely for her influence and success
in life upon her beauty, grace or re-
fnement Of manners, or even The
quick munitions of her brilliant intel
/ lect. It is not the all of life, grace.
fully to pass through the routine o
certain accomplishments, or viii