Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1874-02-12
Woman's sphere.

Last Friday evening Miss Martha Jellison
of Ellsworth delivered lecture on the
above subject in the Methodist meeting
house al Chcrryiield. Miss Jellison is a
maiden lady, seventy nine years old, and
has been school Teacher for the long
space of sixty years. The house was very
cold. some accident having happened to
the stove pipes, which filled the house with
smoke. and the windows were all opened
to let it out. Many persons came to hear
the lecture. but finding the uncomfortable
state of the house did not stop to hear it.
but those who had the courage to stay, ell
jOyed it much.
The lecture was well written. 1t dis
covered the skill and taste OF Il ready wri-
ter. and was well delivered. Although
opposed to what are called "Woman's
Rights there was nothing in it trifling
or offensive. 1t treated the subject in
fair, serious aud sensible way. She l.
dertook to show that woman had sphere
ofner OWN, distinct and separate from that
of man: the good she has already done
and can do in it. and the evils which would
result if She should leave it and enter the
strange paths which some strange women
seem desirOus 10 possess in exchange for
their natural and better ways. ] do not
| pretend 10 give her language, for | was so
situated on account of the cold that heard
only in part, and have TO depend upon the
report OF others competent to judge. and
they all agree in praising it as an excellent
lecture. The subject was treated in the
only form in which it should be presented.
| to show what constituted woman's sphere
and it WAS treated ably, and with much
propriety. and would advise those who
| would judge dispassionately and rational
ly. TO make provision and have this lecture
have always thought that il the SUBJ
ject of woman's rights should ever become
matter of serious concern. it would be
necessary to call out some Lady Lecturers
who are satisfied with their present sphere,
TO allay the excitement, and convince
women who banker for mems rights and
employments, that their present lot and
influence are the best this world affords
and they cannot exchange them for any
other in or by which. they can enjoy SO
much happiness or do so much good.
She mentioned the need of one law in the
State which women require to equalze theil
rights. She stated that where man die:
and leaves property and no children. thu
property all goes to his relations. and tn,
wife was left uuprovided for. In this sh,
was mistaken, for besides her dover il
his real estate, which cannot be taken from
her while she lives, the Judge of Probate
is authorized by law to make her an allow
ance out ofthe personal estate, which allow
ance is always liberal, and generally NOR
than she would receive as an heir to hi
estate. Often the widowed wife gets b,
this allowance the whole of her deceased
husbands personal property, but under al
circumstances the Lions share" Wo
men have now more legal right in Mt
State than men. but if they needed any 9th
. er law to promote their interest and vel
fare, let them TASK and it shall be giveI
unto them
Ii the advocates of Woman's Rights drav
larger crowds TO hear their lectures in sup
polt of these claims. they must be draw
by motives of curiosity 10 hear what can b
said in their favor, for l cannot find tina
they make many converts, especial
among those who appreciate the preser
social and moral influence of women o
the habits and manners Of the community
Such lectures as that of Miss JellisOn wi
have salutary tendency to her own sphere
and less inclined TO change it for any 0the
in this world.
Nov. IL, 1873. C.
[Machias Republican.