Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-03-22

young children, especially fit them for the
work. Their keen perception, penetration
and discernment OF tie character of others:
united with their great love of purity. moral
ity and virtue, will give the State better and
cleaner men and instructors in the future than
many we have had in me past. We make no
charge against the teachers Of the State. As
class they may be above reproach. But
this We do say, that as a general thing they
have not been selected for their high moral
qualities, refinement and purity of life, united
with the proper literary qualifications.
Are you are not willing, then, to trust the
children of the State in part TO the care Of
her to whom it so naturally belongs:
Woman, now, is the originator Of great
motive power in almost every benevolent, in
tellectual and moral enterprise which blesscs
every good community: She has proved her
executive ability in the management Of iBsti-
tutions of learning and philanthropy in this
and other States. Ii is said the doors Of
80 colleges in this country have been opened
to her. and Old England has relaxed from her
ancient rigidness and conserv stisms, and
opened the portals Of her highest seats Of
farming to female students. But in Maine,
il the one thing for what she is peculiarly
and eminently qualified above our sex, in
which she is most vitality interested, and
where she can do herself the most good. her
State, her country and humanity the most
service, you give her no voice: you bar her
out; you tie her hands. But believe and
hope that you will to-day place upon the
records Of this House, not only your rccog-
milton Of her right, but of her capacity to dis
charge acceptably the new powers to be
granted her.
Gentleman. are you not willing to entrust
the care Of the children you represent to such
women as the one yOu saw and heard in this
Hall not many DAYS ago, who by her patience,
frmness, executive talerts, womaniy instincts
and virtues and love Of her unfortunate
charge, taught the deaf and dumb to speak,
unfolded TO their newly awakened minds
bright and hopeful thoughts and desires OF
future lif,. Of intelligence and usefulness,
causing the sunlight of knowledge and truth
to penetrate where all had before been dark
and drcar, with possibilities Of happiness
and distinction supposed only to be awarded
10 those whom nature had blessed with every
sense.
Can you not trust such noble women a
those who now have charge and the sole
management Of the ''Csiildren's Home" in
your State where mary Of your soldier
orphans are reared ami educated to lead
honest and useful lives: Can YOU not trus,
them to take part in staple district school
meeting to say what would be good for the
needs Of other children If the State, by her
vote-by her voice-permitting her to de-
clare what would be best to do, and who
would be best to choose 50 mould the young
heart ready to receive inhpr, ssions good or
bad, according as their character j. good or
bad?
';entlcmcr, | have an inward conviction
that yonr feelings are with me in this matter,
aHd that the wisdom of ypur minds is safely
and wisely directing the emotions of vour
hearts, and that your vote will be to snbsti-
tute the minority for the majority report.