The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1880-07-14
WITH WOMAN THUS PREPARED

cause an active, usefuI ana contented' mem
Der of the community.
WITH WOMAN THUS PREPARED
by education for takiuga place in the ranks
of the worlds workers, and for engaging in
the contests that put to the stretch the gather
ed forces of the best manhood Of the nation.
can we now ask her to pause the TIRES hold
of the theater for which she has prepared her
self and be content never to enter nor engage
in the stirring events there being enacted.
And if we ask her thus To halt when so armed
for the frav will she, can she be held back
from her place in the mighty Hne2 Ought she
to be longer held back2 L put 1t to you, nd ysu,
and every one of you before me. Rather,
ought not every fetter that impedes her free
progress for the prizes of life to be stricken
from her limbs and widest verge and scope be
afforded for the further development and per-
feet exercise of all her awakened faculties
Having received equal culture with the other
SEX and having enjoyed like exercises physi-
cal and mental to mt her for her chosen and
appropriate vocation, who would stand across
her path to that arena where fortune makes
her vast awards? Having enjoyed like edu-
cation with man, woman has right to take her
place in the contending ranks and strive Tor
the fruits of well-earned supremacy in every
field of human enterprise. Having admitted
the proprIety of equal educational facilities
and training, are we not driven to agree that
women in free world, without privileged
sexes or classes, or orders must have unre
strained entrance upon every stage of action
for which she has prepared herself? What
law is violated in giving women the right TO
earn her sweet crust of independence by hon
est toll. " that law is violated in permitting
her to win place in the shop, at the desk
and in the Office, and to secure competence
for herself and with it that other and better
possession-an honered name What law is
violated if, rising in the sweep of her desires
woman is allowed standing room at the bar or
in the medical profession, and given chance
for the gold or the glory which these proud
orders hold high overhead for those bold
enough to snatch them Nay, rather let
of women from all departments of labor de-
handing earnest, honest eff0rt-labor physi-
cal. Intellectual and moral. The elementary
fundamental law in every civilized land
guarantees theoretically at least, liberty and
the pursuit of happiness to every citizen.
This greatlaw is utterly trampled under foot
in free America, when a woman asks TO be
permitted 10 take her p ace in the race. The
pursuit Of Happiness then becomes the exclu-
sive birthrght of man, ard the gruf, mascu-
line voice, TO this fair demand of women,
cries out mo, no! back to your babies and
your darnng, forgetting, the brutally sell
fish, churl that the socks and the babies are
his alike. In repelling woman's advance to
any field f labor Tor which she Is suited by
natural gifts, by acquired aids, and by mark
we violate every law OF generous
regard fer the welfare OF others AMI that
hi CHER Law which demands love for our neigh
Dor as well as ourself. The average man who
sneers atthe mention Of woman's rights and
who holds that woman was made TO cook, and
to swsepand to sew-this dignifed, conserva-
tive lord If creation does not count woman IN
the catalogue of neighbors whom he Is
Joined TO love, and over whose dear-bought
successes he Is required to rejoice his
lump of teshY selfshness viii rejoice, or affect
to rejoice in the triumph of a masculine friend,
while tn. mute but mighty appeal of helpless
Woman br leave only TO try to succeed, for
leave oily to win bread and independence,
excites lis scornful wrath. This timid, sensi-
tive proud creature, who only asks not 10 be
compelled to be burden to any one, nor a
cipher n this busy, restless, moving world, IS
scowled upon if remotely but she hints that
she too his neighbor. Nevertheless, wo-
man, tits thy divine right 10 enter any pro-
fession engage in any occupation, and en-
bark tx any business to which inclination or
interest," invites aud for which you have re-
q uisite fitness Can any lawyer give me any
sound reason for the exclusion of woman from
his profession Does he tell ne Of the tradi-
tions unning back to the dim dawn Of the
reign of law itself, which forbids woman's
entrance into the charmed ranks Does he
fortify his position by saying the custom OF
receiving male members only Is universal
nd unbroken? Does he pirate of conservatism
and tie desire of his brotherhood 10 preserve
existing institutions intact, unchanged lis
ten respectfully, if impatiently, and l say,
here : woman possessed Of intellect and
will she is in the heyday of her strength
full Of vitality. full of energy. and full OF
strong desire TO rise in the world she IS hon
ast. courageous and courteous; she Is pure of
body and pure of mind; she is clean of heart
md clean of speech. Inclination and necessi-
" join in admonishing her that she must
ind employment in some field Why not in
he legal profession? Will her presence there
niure any present member May not her
membership bring to her the means of sub
.istence at the lowest? At the highest, may
she not win riches and honor2 Between this
venture and life of dependence or marriage
IF Inconvenience, which is next to life of shame)
The may make her choice. Why should she be
ienied the bare privilege of making such
.hoies Can possible evil result to you from
t =? Incalcuable blessing may flow to her.
The association with woman, in professional
Intercourse, surely can not move you 10 ex-
;Iude her. If you wish, the association may
ae only professional, not social; and for some
how many | dare not guess-the social in
ereourse would be irksome, am constrained