The Republican journal., 1875-04-01
For the journal.
Ten to One. A Woman's Centennial
IDEAS

Reposing in a railroad car comfortably shell
tered from the storm Of rain and sleet outside,
am, in the absence of all other occupation,
forced back upon the reflection of contrasts
brought home to me by newspaper para
graph concerning the Centennial, in which an
honored and respected friend who has labored
long and effectively for the elevation of woman.
and who now feels that the promised time is so
near at hand that she can almost behold the
Canaan OF woman's kingdom, conscientiously
advises all women "to religiously abstain from
aiding man to celebrate the Centennial, so long
as women are DISTINGUISHED, and are politically
classed with idiots and paupers, and more re-
Gently with those who receive or offer bribes."
Theoretically this advice may be sound. But
we will not forget that our masters are our
husbands and fathers, sons and brothers, who
love and respect us, and will enfranchise us
when the dear old souls can get their heads
above the fog and mists of prejudice and pride
and see with the enlightened vision that comes
of thought and investigation.
If men stupidity refuse to grant woman all
the rights she may honestly claim, does it fol-
low woman ought to refuse to help man to
suitably and wisely celebrate the centurv's
growth in art, science, literature, and every
thing that goes to make us this mighty Yankee
nation: Especially for that growth in public
sentiment that has contributed to make woman
the Intellectual companion and wise councillor
of man, that has lifted her out of the position
of mere drudge to that of 4 thinking, reason.
ing being, fit companion for man in the highest
walks of life.
Shall we cry out, Away, I'll have none OF
youW Or is it not better to say, 9 You are a
ii.tle stupid, good deal selfish, and blind as
bats witha, but we belong to the same family
and are bound to dwell together in unity and
t lovet'
Besides, we ought not to forget that the in.
| Ventive genius Of man has removed from
woman the spinning wheel and distatf, and IL
their place given US the comfortable water
proof and elegant beaver that are 50 much !
| necessity to every woman of the present time
as the lihsey-woolsey and homespun garments
We're in our grandmother's day. Mans invent
I've genius has not only given us the fabric
but also elegant, easy-going machines with
which to make the garment, thus saving valu
able time for study and culture.
Again, if we wish to take II journey, are We
not indebted to the inventive genius of Wat
or Stephenson, combined with modern skill
for the ease and comfort with which we car
cross oceans, ascend lofty mountains and eros,
desolate plains:
| Again, has not man given US the welI-regu
lated cooking range, in place of the Dutch over
and open fire our mothers baked and boiled
overS
Let US not forget, too, the contrvances fol
hot and cold water-for culinary and bathin!
purposes; the washing machine and clothe
| wringer and hundred other time and abo
saving contrivances, so that in the place o
''ten to one" l might have written ga hundred
| to one"
SO, my good and bad Lords of Creation
whether or not you have the good sense to Civ,
woman all the legal and political rights sht
should be entitled to exercise, we women in
tend to help you celebrate oar Centennial il
the same spirit our grandmothers manifesto,
in refusing to drink the tea that escaped tn,
Boston harbor tea party.