Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1879-01-23
WOman'S Rights.

The advocates of "Women's Rights" hold
annual sessions in Washington. Representa-
tves from the greater part of the country
make speeches, discuss the situation, and
form councils for future work. In their dis
cussions the widest latitude is allowed, some
demanding the total abolition of the lords OF
creation others simply asking equal rights in
representation, taxation &c. In such con-
vention we find, Of course, all shades of in
tellect as well as all notifications of opinion
Nor does the assembagc bind itself to any
uniformity in dress, for there are seen the
attire akin to the" Bloomcr" and the garment
cut according to Worth's latest pattern. In
person, too, as wide a difference exists. Once
the humorist hit the nail on the head when he
declared that if he ever saw pretty woman
in the ranks of female suffragists he would put
his umbrella under his arm and join the pro-
cession. The last convention in Washington
contained many whose faces indicated that
whatever might be their rights in public, they
asserted and maintained them at home firmly
and fearlessly; but fair proportion OF the
leaders were fine looking women who, by
their speeches and acts, gave promise that the
cause is falling into worthy hands; and the
number of such women seems to increase
each year. Yet the best plea for woman
came from man, Fred Douglass, whose style
is always pleasing and eloquent. But the
women should not be reproached for this, for
has not man been longer trained to speak in
public on the stage?'
These meetings always draw large audi
ences, gathered largely through curiosity, but
now that the novelty is wearing away good
proportion attend for instruction or criticism.
The plan of holding conventions in Washing
ton is happy, for the audiences are inhabi-
tants of the whole United States--we had al
most said cosmopolitan. The utterances of
the convention thus go to all parts of the land
and reach all degrees of people, provoking
that general discussion of the merits of the
cause which is essential to all wholesome rev.
olutions. The recognition of what's called
woman's rights is in the future: but If each
wear their advocates are better and ADLER, the
result they so earnestly seek must come, and
those who long for that result must bear in
mind that the victory of principles which
stand the test of time is lasting. and truth
recognized after years of agitation, which
comes pure from the crucibe of frcest criti-
cism, is established on firm foundations.
Women's rights have had their pioneers,
those who would thrust their opinions down
our threats and compel acknowledgement of
claims without argument. These have served
their purpose; they have brought their intents
and desires into public notice; they have
paved the way for advocates better fitted to
influence the intelligence and secure the re-
spect of reasoning people. Such advocates
have appeared, few in number, certainly, but
likely to attract fellow helpers of the same
class, whose ranks will increase as the justice
of their cause obtains appreciation and ac-
knowledgment.
The councils of this convention in one in
stance illustrated the adagc that doctors disa-
gree 1t was proposed that delegation
should wait upon the President and beg rec
IGNITION in his next message. Several were
opposed to this as derogatory to their charac
ter of beings indendent of man. and said they
ought not to sue for recognition which was
theirs BY right. This consideration, however
did not prevail, and delegation did wait upon
the President. The President received them
kindly and good naturally yielded to their re-
quest. But as to any advocacy of their rights
he left that to his conscience and further light
on the subject Despite the doubts which
of their cause, his willingness to recognize
their position may well encourage them.
WASHINGTON, ID. c. I.