The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1880-02-06

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facts and arguments; but the more become
acqusinted with the subject and ats conditions
the more astonshed am at womans success
in this matter OF collegiate education. say
am astonishcd at the results. Aye, It lie a
marvel to me. The fact is, for over 900 years
woman has been kept In darkness and subjec-
ton whilst her husband father and brothers
have enjoyed the full advantages OF all the
light and liberty the world possessed; and it
would be according to all the laws OF nature
for the one, through inaction and neglect, to
grow weak and imbecile, while the other, under
thesinfuence of action and light, strengthened
and expanded. So repeat, 1 am astonished
and marvel at her condition when find her, as
statistics prove, standing shoulder to shoulder
with man under such unequal conditions; and
| do not wonder that so many men, especially
il they be jealous minded, are so anxious to
hold her back and prevent her entering the lit
erary field as a competitor. They will certainly
have to make an extra exertion or else with =
draw their CLAIMS to their boasted superiority
and crown another with their brightest laurel
wreaths, when women are once permitted TO
stand upon the same platform with them.
One more thought: II collegiate education
Is q success for man it Is for woman. If it
strengthens and expands his mind, and gives
him added power OF thought, it will do the
same for her. II childhood 10 the seed time OF
life, and il, as many believe, 1.-The hand that
rocks the cradle moves the world" then il is all
important that the mothers mind receive all
the light and discipline possible in order to be
the better able to plant the proper seed and
start the young scion in the right direction.
Besides, il the highest literary attainments
add to mans enjoyment, they will to woman's
too. And it is every human beings right to
get the most pleasure out OF life possible, and
no person has the right to say nay.
Now word or two for the encouragemen Mt
OF these lady teachers. Late statistics show
that six-sevenths OF all the teachers in the
United States are women, and lady supenn-
tendents are becoming quite common in many
OF our States. Women are considered the best
educators the world over and who need to
have we'll disciplined and educated minds un-
less 1t be those whose mission 1T is to educate
and discipline other minds? Then let me be-
seech you, as these golden opportunities, these
higher advantages, are opening to you to grasp
after and improve them. BY oil means attain
you will not only ask for but receive more. Ed
acate yourselves to think and act upsn all the
great moral and progressive questions OF the
day and then instill the same spirit into the
minds and hearts Of your pupils. Remember
the Little ones are as plaster clay in your hands
you may mold them into pure and perfect
vessels, il you will. Be sure that by word aad
example you teach lessons Of justice and equal
ity, 80 that the glorious light and liberty which
10 just dawning for women may burst into
MONDAY splendor as the rising generation
steps upon the stage OF action, and ererts Its
influence for justice and equality.
Allow me to say to these young gentlemen,
there is nothing which gives me greater pleas
ure than to see young men aspiring to the
highest possible attainmeuts, unless 1t be
generous willingness on their part to accord to
their sisters and feminine friends the same
privilege. And as | have proven TO you that
collegiate education for woman is not failure
D"0 hi"no' ohhopiuS sucSens, anu as you
must realize that the most perfect and refined
culture for women as we'll as men can alone
strengthen and draw out the best and divinest
faculties OF the human race and enable both
sexes to attain to the highest plane of man
hood and womanhood, 80 l hope you too Will
assiet in advancing the time when your wives
and sisters will enjoy the same privileges Of
education and Advancement that you do your
selves.