The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1876-03-03
SIGNS OF THE TIMES AT ALBANY.

GlGH0 OG I'LL 1IMhO Al AADAN l. ]
Dear Friends of Equal Rjghts:-I had
become almost discouraged in working |
in the cause of humanity till the other
afternoon, when l visited our College |
and heard some essays on that terrible
subject, and, knowing that our Professor
was opposed to the movement, 1 was
very much surprised. The girls say
that every few days he gives them a
free lecture on what he styles women's
rights, and don't even pass the hat; so
they have become tired, and are be-
ginning to retaliate in essays on equal
rights. A gentleman from Gospel
Ridge being present, he was called on
for speech. A grand and noble man,
whose appearance will command re-
spect in auy audience, responded, and
made some very appropriate remarks to
the boys present, and also to the girls,
saying he thought they would soon be
voters, and that he hoped they would
improve their time so they could take
honorable positions in society, and help
to make laws and execute them. Then
our worthy Professor said he believed
that women would soon vote, and that
he was trying to instruct them accord
ingly. Two years ago, the girls would
not have dared to talk and write so, and
our friend on Gospel Ridge would pos
sibly not have thought the subject
quite popular enough to come out before
a whole school.
Our cause Tor 1 would say humanity's
cause) is progressing, 1 know, in AL
bany. 1 find every little while some
one who is all right, where least ex-
pect it. Our Society seems to stand
still just now, but the good seed has
been sown, and we are bound to reap a
bountiful harvest.
must tell you of another scene that
transpired in our midst few days since.
The week of prayer, subject, ''Temper-
ance," brought out some of our minis
ters. AS being little stronger than
merely moral suasion, ballots were sug-
gested by some; but they did not say fol-
ladies, though 1 do not know what they
thought. Some of the members said
ballots for aOOneeR was the only remedy
for intemperance. Then, 10 and be,
hold one of the ministers and his wife
got up and left, as ballots are supposed
to SAVIOR of politics, and church, sup,
pose, is too sacred place to be so desc
Grated. L will call the minister who
left, w. On Monday he came to l., (tht
minister who breaches in the house
where the meeting was heidi and in
formed him that he wanted it distinctly
understood that he left the room from
principle; that he was not used to poll
tics in church, and that his wife becam
very nervous. Now, this minister is
leader in his denomination, and tn
only religious political denomination
in the United States that know Of
+ Consistency is jewel of great price
Moral suasion is all very good in it
place, but it will never put stop to in
temperance. What hasi accomplishe
in the last hundred years ?
Sensible men are getting disguste
with some of their own laws. A ma
the other day had been appointed to ar
praise property where a husband ha
just died; but when he got at it, he fel
, that he was meddling where he had n
right, when searching through tn
o woman's house. They did not owe
q dollar in the world but they had none
f on hand to pay. 1t brought this man
-, thinking of what sense there was i
1 such laws. Why not allow the woma
as good a chance to make, at the deaf
of the husband, her own and children
living, as the husband is allowed at th
wife's death? 1 speak of these thing
merely to let you know of the change
sentiment that is going on in OF
midst. I see they are beginning to ag
: tate Woman Suffrage down South,
It balance against negro votes. INTEL
J, gent votes are what we want. Poop
r will have to be educated up to tn
point, and it takes time to overcon
prejudice and ignorance.
: There are a great many more thing
If 1 would like to tell you, but it wou
=. take book to write it down, so mu
f forbear. M. J. FOSTER.
- Albany, February 10, 1876.