The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1874-08-14
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.

Our esteemed friend, Hon. B. F. Mich
OILS, of Polk county, sends us the follow
ing list of questions, which we append
with such answers as occurred to US as
we read them:
First-"Is it not true that the perpe-
tuity of our republican institutions de-
pends upon the moral integrity OF the
masses ?n
Yes; but the existence of such insti-
tutions also depends upon the political
power of the people, who can fully exer-
else that power only through the ballot,
the representative of individual sover-
eighty.
Second-'Ts it not true that to the
women, the mothers and wives of our
nation, we are to look, more than to
any other class, for the moral training
of the young?"
Yes; and for that reason we demand
for woman untrammeled opportunity 10
train up the young according to the
highest aspirations of which mother
hood is capable. Yet it is not necessarily
true that this should depend entirely
upon women. For there should be an
equal code of morals for men and wom-
en-, and each should be equally fitted to
impart moral instruction, both by pre-
cept and example, to the rising genera
tion.
Third-'qs 1t not true that a very
} large majority of our best men, Qnclud-
ing ministers of the gospel,) when they
engage in political contests for place
and power, and continue therein, be-
come corrupt"
1t is not probable that eminent men
are, as a rule, more corrupt than those
in the lower walks of life. AS there are
many persons in humble life whose
deeds Of charity, goodness and love are
unknown, so also the evil deeds of many
are concealed; and we argue that, while
the eminence of an Individual may rem
der his wickedness conspicuous, it does
not necessarily increase it. Human
eminence does not engender venality
; and corruption, but it often unmasks
/ them. Vices of persons in elevated pO-
, sitions, like the city which is set upon a
, hill, cannot be hid.
Fourth-"Is it not true that women,
: as class, are quite, if not more ambi-
. tious to accomplish what they under
/ take, than men?''
We know no reason why they should
not be. Ambition is quality usually
} lauded and encouraged in men, and we
argue that women ought not to be cir
, cumscribed in the exercise of any laud-
! able desire that they possess equally
with men. 1t is scarcely probable that
the great All Wise endowed women
! with any faculty that should be dwarfeC
by disuse or perverted by misuse.
! Fifth-"Is it not true that men are by
, nature as pure and as moral as are WON
: en-? In other words, is not an infant
z boy as pure and innocent as an infant
; girl?"
Yes; undoubtedly.
J Sixth-"If female adults are more
pure than male adults, is it not attrib
utabIe alone to the fact that the latte
) are constantly coming in contact Will
evil from childhood to manhood ?"
No; it is not alone attributable TO thii
. cause. Say, rather, that it is attributa-
, bic to the fact that all the way up from
+ babyhood, boys are permitted to do mum
) berless things that girls are taught tC
consider disreputable. In other words
the enormity of the crime is considered
/ in proportion to the sex of the persoI
who commits it. Girls are taught t.
overcome temptation; boys, that yield
ing to its force will, because of their sex
| be readily pardoned.
T Seventh-"If the foregoing be true
, would it not lessen woman's influenct
morally upon those who look to her fol
precept and example should she engage
in political contests the same as men
using money to corrupt legislatures, LuI
, votes, etc, etc. ?"
Our friend will readily see that th,
last question is rendered pointless 10y
the answers given to those that preced,
/ it. We think, however, that he neeC
have no fears relative TO political priv
I ileges depriving women of their mora
, influence. What better application
could be made of this same influence
than its use In preventing the corruption
of legislatures, the buying of votes, anC
the dreadful etc, etc. Cease
good friend, your speeulations concern
1 ing what women may do, and help t.
D give them chance to prove what they
2 can do.
MnLTNnMAH nnrNTY w G Aeen