The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-05-21
THE VIOLATIOH or NATURAL RR-
6TRAINEs. r e1

There has been such change in the Opin-
ions, conclusions and actions Of the people
Of the present period, in relation to the du-
ties, liabilities and proper positions Of the
sexes, that We are continually bored by sen
sational articles about what certain ladies
have done in suppressing excesses and cOr7
recting evils Of long standing which the law
has not been able to do. Now. there is a
natural position in society for each and
every member; and the duties Of all are 50
well defined by revelation, law and custom
that there need be no mistake as to the
proper sphere in which each one should
move. 1t is not necessary, however, even
to refer to the laws Of custom in the
more civilized and refined nationalities
Of the world to show the proper
position and relation Of woman to society.
Her structure and physiological develop
ments as plainly mark that as nature can
the relations and duties Of the sexes. Her
organization most plainly shows that she
was designed by the Creator to be COM
panion and helpmate of man, an associate
and cOnsoler in trouble, a ministering spirit
at home, TO soothe and quiet his spirit
when troubled by the stern duties of life
not to go out and mingle in the din and
strife; not to put her shoulder to the wheel
and struggle through the crowded streets
and muddy roads; not to hunt down the
criminal all reeking with corruption; not
to enter the saloons where revelry, ribaldry
and song are heard. The very idea of her
presence at such places Is revolving to our
sense Of propFiety. Look at her fair, smooth
face, and delicate form; there would be a
manifest impropriety in placing such be-
ing in the company of the muscular, hard
hearted and depraved criminal, without a
strong arm to protect her and command re-
spect. But the laws of nature and of Gus
tom, the eternal fitness of things, seem to
be and are totally disregarded by many of
the would-be female philanthropists who,
bent on distinction and excitement, rush
into scenesand places where nothing but in
jury, contamination and loss of caste can be
the result. 1t may be that for time their
efforts are supposed to have a good and
Wholesome effect, but it does not usually re-
quire more than a few weeks to reveal
the fact that so far from accomplishing any
permanent reforms, their efforts have only
ended In the loss of influence and personal
esteem. The beautiful character of woman
is clouded with vile aspersions, and her
holy ministration in the private walks of
life fail to do the good which, under other
would be accomplished.
Rough man is made more unyielding and
less ready to be led in the paths of gentle
ness, temperance aud virtue. Now, while
We are utterly opposed to the course of the
strong minded women, as they are called, in
going out into the streets and public high |
ways as brawlers for reform, yet, at home in
the family circle, in social gather
ings, protected by the amenities and
courtesies of society, she ought to
to use her great influence in moulding pub
lie opinion by setting her face in opposition
to the excesses of the day, and calling
her male friends and acquaintance to unite
for the purpose of bringing about the de-
sired reforms. She may even prescribe
rules for social life, fixing the ban of
to the names of the violators Of
the laws of God and man. But no more |
When she goes beyond the portals of pri-
vate life, she unsexes herself and becomes |
the target of the low and vulgar. At
home, her sweet and gentle manners and
steady advocacy of every virtue will be
more potent for good than a regi-
ment of roaming Amazons who make
the great mistake of supposing that
their presence and personal suppi-
cations and denunciations are absolutely
necessary to accomplish their ends.
We are glad that our Southern ladies,
true to their innate modesty and gentiHty,
have not joined in the crpsades against the
evil practices, which were inaugurated in
the North. All honor to them
But we would not have any one to sup
pose that we favor dissipation or excess in
any respect. There are many bad habits
and customs which should be overcome and
reformed. But let the efforts be made in
proper way and by suitable persons,
through the right channels. The field is
large aad inviting. Let it be occupied and
worked for the good of all mankind.