The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1879-03-27
Unwilling Maternity.


Realizing how impossible TO s,eak
the truth upon this vitality important
subject without causing prudery to start
up alarmed and false modesty to coup-
terfeit blush, we yet cannot forbear to
give place to the following from the
chronological Journal, full as it is of
truths that make or mar the destiny OF
nations. The vast Importance Of the
subject is sufficient plea for its publica-
ton with those who stand with beeonl-
ing reverence before the sacred portals
of paternity, and upon those who are
needless alike of its blessing and curse,
a timely word may not be lost:
Our press is very active with words
upon this subject. Ministers denounce
IL from the pulpit in sort of wholesale
way, throwing all the blame upon
woman-iOOkiug only at one side, which
irrltates our own sense of wOmanhOod,
most especially as, in our intercourse
with the world, we find quite as much
of pure mOtherly instinct as we do of
pure fatherly instinct in it. When We
hear such criticism from mans lips, we
always wish we might suggest that. ifa
feeling of paternity alone actuates the
use of those functions, why need the
wife be subjected to such frequent de-
mauds at all seasons We have heard
men innOcently discourse on this sub
Ject from the pulpit when we knew
their own souls were reeking with SEN
suality and licentiousness. We think
it is quite time that some one arose for
the vindicatiOn of woman, "more sinned
against than SHINING"
First, let us glance at the grand re-
spOnsibility of creating soul and
launching it upon this beautiful and
wonderful earth. When UeH done, a
mother is a creator; she stands verv
near to God; and here let me add that
two human beings whose souls are truly
welded will not shrink from duty here;
but II, as in too many welded lives,
they have united only for convenience
sake, or are, in short, merely licensed
lord ana mistress, they will shirk the
duties Of family as long as they can or
dare and if offspring be given them,
they are not welcome, are likely to be
deformed in either body or mind, or
both, and generally prove to be the Grim
lnals of our land. What sin can be
greater? In the first instance, man
will be sure TO come in for his share of
the honor, which is right; but is be
equally willing to accept the dishonor
in the second instance? We think not.
He seems To have the idea that he is a
privileged character; that it is woman's
place To obey, aud accept his will; what
discomfort to her there may be in the
matter does not concern him. Cannot
any Of Us look about aud see examples
enough of the picture | have drawn?
Does not the husband generally think
he owns the person Of his wife that no
matter what the state of her mind or
body may be, she must minister to him
uncomplalningly and, where the
wife does assert herself ia this mat
ter, barrier forms between them, for
he submits by no means willingly or
uncOmplainingly.
This manner of living has gone on
until nearly all the manhood originally
given to man when God said, 81 create
man in my own image" has gone out
Of many, and we are cursed to-day with
large class of husbands and fathers al
most devoid of the common instincts Of
the lower animals.
But has not woman suffered too in
this way? We think she has. Our
wOmeu-many Of them-are daughters
| of these same fathers, and the law OF in
heritance is by no means Oue-sided.
Even this same nature descends to them,
MANY times intensified and strengthened
/ by the demands on the mothers during
CESSATION. And just here Is where a
great cause for unwilling maternity
originates. This constant demand ere
ates utter disgust, and the child begot-
ten thus will be Uery likely to be an
alien TO such matters and instincts, Alb
hor children, and curse men generally.
Now, what is the cure for all this q? It
is reverence and respect for women. No
ruling over, no violation of her own
personal rights. She should own her
own person. and any man that does not
accord this right lCiLLinqLv is not worthy
OF the mother who bore him. In the
hrst place, we would say, two must not
marry from mere fancy, and for the
sake OF gratifying passion. They should
be tirst fully assured that their tastes
and aspirations are alike; that their
souls are in complete harmony, and can
move onward without the wear and tear
OF jarring, inharmoniOus life, III they
are in perfect harmony and love- the
I question of a family will become sa-
cred one, and they will live in accord
auce with the laws Of health-never De-
/ ing quiIty of that freedom and vulgar
/ Ity 40 much exercised in the marriage
relation. The mOtheT-nature IN every
/ womanis soul, in such a relation would
assert itself. and with beauty nooilltyi
and honesty. she would willingly do her
mart toward peOpling the earth.
.sTbere is only a bear possibility that
shall escape" as the surprised hunter