The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1874-08-28
Is IT LUST2

10 IL JUDI
II is well known that the physical,
moral and mental qualifications of wom-
ankind are as varied as those Of the op-
posite sex.
Is 1t not then manifest folly, not to
say injustice, to lay down rules and reg
ulations for the guidance of women be-
cause they are women, and to map out
plan for the education of girls because
they are girls, in total disregard to their
mental capacities and individual tastes ?
All who have had personal experience
IN the training of children allow that it
is impossible to frame one rule or set of
rules that will apply to each member of
the family with equal efficacy; and pru-
dent persons consider it most unwise 10
attempt it.
The question of co-education has in
the past few months been pretty thor
oughly canvassed, aud from all the in
formation which pages of patient read
ing have enabled us to CLEAN, we cannot
resist the conclusion that wiseaeres are
still far from the solution of the prob
lem. No sooner is a fine-spun theory
elaborated, than an array of facts deals
it staggering blow. 81 --
Much plausible argument has been
advanced upon both sides of the ques-
ton, and, as We said, no definite conclu-
sions have been reached. To compel all
the girls of a family to confine them
selves indoors because one of the sisters
was unable to go out, would be as Just
and as sensible as to decide that all the
girls of Our country should be educated
within certain limits, because part OF
them were not physically strong enough
to go beyond them without personal
discomfort.
n task or course of study that would
be easy, pleasant and profitable TO one
might be fraught with all disaster tc
another, but is it just TO restrict the pos.
sibilities Of the former because they be.
come practical impossibilities to the
latter?
The Pennsylvania State Teachers As.
soeiation, at its recent session, totally
/ ignored the question Of sex in education
and it is presumable that this able anC
scholastic body, representing the eduea
tional interests Of a great State, saw the
difficulty, not to say impossibility, o
restricting the educational advan
4 tages, or establishing an uniform eduea
tional status, for one-half the race.
i Let DR.. Clarke theorize as he may
let him prepare articles as carefully an,
scientifically as his abilities and learn
ing will justify upon "Brain-building; :
let his admirers and supporters rally t,
his aid; let every possible force b,
brought to bear to prove that his theo
ries are true, yet will women demand
and receive opportunities TO go forwarC
to the extent of their abilities in tn
fields OF learning, culling by the way
side, with their brethren, the just an,
legitimate fruits Of their braln-power
and the universe will not produce
magnate OF sufficient power to success
fully say unto them, "Thus far shall
thou go and no farther"
The challenge thrown out by intelli
gent womanhoOd everywhere, to thos
vino would restrict them in the use q
their God-given brain-power, rings on
high over scorn and ridicule, Is 1T Just
And all the theories, plausible thougl
} they may be, that have been In tn
past few months born Of mems brains
for the purpose of dwarfing woman's
will dwindle into nothingness befor
the decided and decisive answer, No.