The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1875-09-24
Who Is Most to Blame 2

Is woman usually seducer? A few
years ago sought to better my fortunes
by going West to teach in the public
schools of Illinois. l made the long
journey entirely alone, was not molested
in any way, and my journey out was
most pleasant. ] often chatted with
elderly gentlemen about the change of
cars, time of trains, etc. 1 remained in
the West about two years, and then
again started homeward alone. One
day was sitting in the waiting-room
of the great Union depot of Indianapo-
lis, waiting for an Eastern bound train
which was late. 1 had my notebook
before me and was carelessly jotting
down thoughts as they occurred. Pres
emily a portly, distinguished-look
man, somewhat past the prime of life
and elegantly dressed, entered and took
seat near me; a map of my proposed
route, which the agent had given me,
lay on the seat beside me.
"Can see your map, miss ?" was his
first question.
[ looked up in his face as I handed it
to him. l am no dull student of human
nature, and there was an expression in
his eyes which 1 disliked. But think
ing there could be no harm in talking
for a while with man as old as my
father, whom the next train would bear
from my sight forever, civilly answered
his questions as to where l had been
and which way was going.
"Do you like teaching ?'' he asked,
after while.
I told him that did not like it, on
account of the ignorance and prejudices
of the people as to the true method of
imparting instruction.
fOf course,u he asserted, f'it must be
| a most wearisome business. Now, how
would you like position in one of the
departments, Post Office, Treasury, or
| Agricultural l am member of Con-
gress. Just jot down my name in your
| book, Hon. W CO
will not write the name in full for
the sake of that sweet daughter whose
pictured face L once saw. If any man
had dared to make to that daughter the
proposals which that miscreant after
wards made to me, the father would
have promptly shot him down on the
street. But to return to my story. 1
told him would very much like po-
sition in one of the departments and
if he would secure it for me should be
under lasting obligations to him.
, 81 should like to have you down in
Washington he said, loosely. "My
wife and daughter are absent in Europe;
the latter. is finishing her education in
Heidelburg.n
So 1 gave him my address, and we
parted on very good terms. Shortly af-
ter my return home, he opened eau
tious correspondence with me in refer
ence to the situation in one of the "de-
partments." The Agricultural Bureau
seemed to be the department over which
he had most influence. After a certain
| a Of onrraCnnn1nV1oo tn uonroa1 kr,
! think the victim was ready to fall into
his hands, and he wrote in this wise:
= 81 have secured you a light, remuner-
ative position, sorting seeds, etc. You
need not trouble yourself about board
: and clothing and such, for l am going
f to attend to all that myself. I have
, taken the dearest little cottage just out
of the city, and there we will enjoy each
others society all alone. L have ar
: ranged to keep my family in Europe for
8 another year. Next summer we will
i, spend at my cottage at Long Branch.
You will figure there as my niece. OF
: course, your position in the department.
r is mere ruSe to keep down suspicion
and save your name.p
q The Honorable Congressman has en-
joyed his cottage alone, or has had a
: dozen different mistresses in it for
e aught know to the contrary.
# Now, this is true story. Suppose
= that had been the foolish and inexpe-
= rienced girl that he took me for? What
= would have been my fate if I had
= yielded to his temptation might it moi
,. have been the Fair tragedy over again
!. About the time of his deseTtion and the
restitution of all things, what wonder i
y he had departed suddenly with bulle
G through his cruel heart or wicked BRAIN
n Thousands of men in their secret souls
y to-day believe that woman was created
=" to be the slave of their passions, The
: creature of their pleasures. And sucl
II men fear to place the ballot in he
= hands, for fear that a check may b,
. given to their debauchery and intem
- perance.-BdItin1Ors Correspondent o
n Wonlan's Journal.