The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1880-03-21

WOMEN AS SCHOOL DIRECTORS.

1t would be impossible to find man with
warm and generous heart who does not re-
call with tenderest emotion the memory OF
some good woman who, rs mother, sister or
friend, has been to him a priceless boon-a
teacher who has pointed out to him the path
to fortune, honor. fame and oil that men
most prize, all that ennobles life and inspires
mankind to deeds Of noble daring.
Counseled and guided by q pure and loving
woman, no man could ever be guilty Of an
ungentle or improper act. much less one that
did not comport In the strictest sense with
truth, virtue and honor; and 80 great is the
influence Of women In shaping the characters
Of men, that 1t may be truly said they silent.
~ WELD the destinie, II nations and control
the affairs OF the wor A. Endowed by nature
with that most rare virtue, patience, and
with hearts that yearn towards children,
they are peculiarly fitted to teach the young,
and we can conceive of no sphere In which
they can be OF greater usefulness to the
world than In the school-room, where charac-
ters are being moulded for good or evil for
all time. ~
The fra mers OF our new constitution, disre-
earning the old time and absurd preju-
dice against giving women voice
In the control OF affairs, wisely de-
termined to follow the example Of
other communities and the dictates Of their
own hearts, and the result was article No.
232, which declares that women over twenty
one years Of age shall be eligible to any office
or cont rol or management under the school
laws OF the State"
Tho nrMnru ~ an rnoaflv vlrUQn ,1YOn the
Legislature, now having this important
matter under consideration, to pass such
an act as will put this article ofthe con-
stitution into practical operation and pro-
vide for the appointment Of ladies to posi-
lions Of control In the schools In every parish
In the State. We have no doubt the members
Of the Legislature realize fully the import
Rnce Of the matter, and we confidently antici-
pate favorable action from them. The reasons
why women should till these Offices are many,
and must suggest themselves to the minds oil
all those who give the subject q moments re-
Election.
We shall be laggards In the race Of high
civilization II we longer deny to woman the
privilege OF participating in work for which
she Is 80 eminently qualified by her very
nature. Her intuitive sagacity, her gentle
ness, patience and kindness are all qualities
which entitle her to a potent voice In all mat.
ters pertaining to the education and training
OF the youth OF the land.
The large-hearted, noble women OF New
Orleans, who. In times Of greatest peril
amid the stern reality and dreadful horrors
OF war. and amid the terrors OF pestilence-
have exhibited heroism and love OF human
ity, self-sacrihcing devotion to duty, that
will never fail to command the homage
and admiration Of mankind, are worthy Of
all the honors and emoluments that can bt
showered upon them. They are certainly al
deeply Interested In the subject OF education
as the sterner sex can possibly be, and will
we have no doubt, undertake with alacrit5
and perform with credit to themselves and tx
the great cause Of education the duties OF d.
rectors duties which gentlemen too ire
Quently neglect on the plea OF business cares