The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1880-07-08
An Address to Man.

| The general medley of remarks, good,
bad and Indifferent, made by both sexes
and all classes and creeds, calls up in
my mind these questions: What is
woman? What Is her mission IN this
/ life2 And what rights does she claim
/ Tue Scriptures tell US that woman
was created for a companion and help
meet to man, because "it is not good TO
be alOne"-the twain To be one, and
their mission in this life, to people the
earth with intelligent beings; these
intelligent beings, the embodiment of
the Immortal spirit with the mortal
body. Unlike other creatures, they be-
| gin life with such prOtracted helpless
ness, that no one would attempt to say
that woman's mission could end with
the "bearing OF the sons Of men," No!
Il is but beginning of her task.
The intelligent mother knows, even
intuitively, that the molding Of the in
fant mind is her task, as much as the
framing Of its body; and her cares and
anxiety increase with the age and num-
Der Of her Offspring.
Men whose mothers love, teachings,
and prayers have followed them
through life, like halo of light, through
the darkness of doubts and temptations,
will readily allow woman's voice to be
heard in all matters pertaining to the
social veal.
Drop all traditions into oblivion and,
taking consistency for q guide, consider
whether woman, in her own sphere,
that is, by the side of her husband and
surrounded by her children has not as
great, if not a greater interest than her
brother man, III the uprightness and
morality of the politics and government
Of the country in which she lives.
How much safety is there for the Vir-
tue of mothers and daughters, aye and
sons, in a nation ruled by fraudulent
and corrupt government None. But
says one; There are so many foolish,
giddy women 90 Well, my friend, are
wise men the majority? II so, whence
all this general mistrust, contention
and fraud2 Whence this gigantic ex-
travagance on which is wrecked hon
esty, loyalty and confidence2
| Women foolish, vain aud giddy?
/ Yes, many are, and whose fault? Have
/ not men brought about this state of af-
/ faiTs by giving to the vain butterflies
the preference over women Of worth ?
Shape and turn the question as we will,
the ugly but palpable fact stares US iD
the face, that mau has hitherto en-
deavOred to keep woman ignorant and
] luCa Il1hlc VI HuAAu pursuits III me- kuAb
she might be mere toy in his hands,
and in some countries his slave, dc fdctO.
Nay, my brother man! Fear not that
woman may arise as your rival, and
perchanee tangle the meshes of politics
more than they are already. She wishes
not to be q rival but true helpmeet.
Not a Lobbyist, to assist in working out
fraudulent schemes, but to openly, and
in her own right, assist in bringing
about a reform, without which sOciety Y
must necessarily become q wreck. II is
not that woman webes to rule, but she
demands the privilege of q voice in
electing the men who shall rule over
aud make laws for herself and offspring.
Deny her not For her love, pure and
unselish,. urges her on, and she will
not rest until her hand gFasps the Rud-
der Of this great Life BOat.-Letter to
the VOmdRs Exponent.