Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-03-01

To the Editor of the Tribune:
The 1ribuEe's report of DR.. DiK's lecture
induces me to say few words on what is certainly
one of the most delicate and important problems
of the nineteenth century, and is too often dis
missed under the obnoxious title OF women
rights" and therefore grossly misunderstood.
yield to no one in my reverence for woman as
the center OF that sacred home life which Is The
true safeguard of the nation; and, i'll common
with all whose opinions are worth consideration.
1 regard marriage as the crown and completion of
the life OF both man and Woman--when II Is what
God meant 1t TO be, a marriage founded on love
and esteem, not on the desire for position
or need Of support. But at period OF
taken so much of woman's work out OF
the home into the factory; when the excess OF
ry, unless we allow a plurality of wives; when
reckless speculation and modern extravaganza
bring many family 70 tin, Is no dsre occe n
find herself suddenly destitute and homeless. That
American ladies 100 often md themselves IN sim
liar difficulties pile OF sad letters lying by my
side at this moment proves too conv1ucingly; Let
me quote one instance: A few years ago. when
first visited this country, was Hospitality enter
tanned by e lady whose husband was general in
the United States Army. Since his death she has
had a terrible struggle for subsistence and is now
as public enemies" those who are trying 10 help
such ladies 70 honorable work?
on those who have the care of the coming genera
ten to save them from the evils the present en-
during? and there is only one way OF doing II.
We must adjust ourselves to the alterations which
have taken place in our social system, and give
the girls OF to-day Qennlle training ana uennlte
pursuits; unless we can make some sure and GER
tain provision for their future maintenance.
"Giye every girl a trade said Lady Morgan,
better Cultivate what is necessary the position
she is born to- cultivate all things in moderation
but one thing in perfection for which she
lean on let her feel this win carry
her through life without dependencies" Al
present women are not even trained in domes tic
economy. They enter the very province respect
ia total ignorance OF all its requirements, and
many husbands pocket and temper have been
overtaxed in consequence. The want of definite
quite as disastrous in the household as in ths
world, and until they can be secured for women
little will be accomplished by those who have u
I'LL places of trust in either sphere.
Then as to education, surely We annnot suppos'
that methods of instruction found fn-adviseS
when sppliedto boys can be adapted for girls
Nay we not as reasonably argue that womeJ
must eat only mutton, and men only beef, les
as fear that the same tree of knowledge will no
afford the food best fitted for the mental growth o
| both?
some of us, at any rate, on both sides of the At
lantic, have begun to realize that serious study
| less likely to injuie women than pinched waists
late hours, hot rooms and unwholesome food, ant
think 1t is better for girls to be graduates
at schools for science rather than at schools 70
scandal We think it will better prepare them TO
| the grave responsibilities OF mairfmony and moth
| erhood than rapid life in which personal adorn
ment is their chief aim. and how TO kill time AM
| secure rich husband their principal anxiety
| The mental companionship which is improving i
| communion between active minds and the womel
of a mans household must be either stimulus I
| his highest aspirations or drag upon them
4 For the interests therefore. of men as WEI
| as of women, and OF human improvement
| in its widest sense, there should BE-
| purpose in the education of women quit
| apart from questions of what they are to learn
| and preparation for so wide sphere OF domesti
| or social duty admits of no such low standard q
that of custom or fashion. / do not ask tn at VIC
men should have greater influence than they nov
possess. only ask that they be trained to max
| the best possible use of it. This will make mai
rage no6ler ana more complete, enrich an
| single life dignity and strength. am, sir. your
| sincerely. EMILY FAITHFUL.
| NEW YORK February q, 1888