The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1884-02-23
APLEA FOR LADY TEACHERS.
Editor Exchange:

seem TO me to be unequal and dis.
creditable to us. / was astonished to
learn that of the twenty-five school
districts in our county, there were
only about two lady teachers employ
ed, and one of these merely an assist.
tsnt to a gentlemen. This is not for
lack of lady applicants, but a prevail
ing disposition, it seems. to give these
places in preference to men, even
when lady applicants are perhaps
better qualified. Why sir. should
this he soi Have we not ladies as
we'll prepared for this work as men
of equal in literary attachments? l
dare say that in the majority OF other
respects, women hold the vantage
ground. The creator of the race in
the wisdom of His appointments has
endowed women with superior gifts
for developing and training the minds
and morals of children. Naturally
more gentle, amiable and affectionate,
she can more easily win the love and
confidence of the child, while she
possesses an intuitive knowledge of
its disposition and necessities, aud
they are more skilful in employing
means suitable thereto. So that on
an average | am thoroughly convinced
that woman is better suited to teach
ing children than man; especially the
class recognized under the grade of
our public school system.
But perhaps we are met with the
objection that women cannot control
our boys, should regret to find such
the case; it would certainly be sad
revelation should it fall out that our
boys, who are the hope of our COM
monwealth, are so gross and beorish
that they will neither reverence nor
obey women. 1t would betray crimi>
nal defectin their home training. If
such be the case it behooves parents
to make a persistent application of
hickory oil, seasoned with firm and
wholesome council, till this bovine
spirit be thoroughly subdued. 1t
seems to me there can he no solid
ground for this objection.
1t is not only unjust but discredita-
BILE to our people that women should
be rejected. at least a reasonable pro.
portion of these places, while the gall
lent lords step in and make almost an
entire monopoly. Another custom
that seems passing strange to me is
the inferiority of the salaries of ladies
compared to those of men in this
work, for the very same service rem
dered. Can any man give a reason
for this difference. Ought it not be
remedied2 We claim to be religion
lied and civilized Boast of our re-
fnement and chivalry, but, sir, this
course of things smacks of the relics
of barbarism. The heather degrade
their women to inferiority; but it i.
characteristic of true civilization t.
elevate women to plain of equality
with man; anything less steps dowI
toward the gross shades of heathenism
Let us not discourage the effort
and crush the literary aspirations o
our women by such oppression an
meanness. By discouraging we de
grade them; for discsuragemsnt
degradation in consequence. Takin
all things into account. If there be
difference it should he in favor of NJ
man. Her opportunities for Twin
are SO much fewer than those of mar
a multiplicity of callings invite h
occupation thsample remuneration
while this is almost the only one W.
man can follow with true credit
herself. She certainly needs lifes bel
efits as much as man, and is equal
entitled to her share. Then will w
simply. because we can, shut her 0
even from this small privilege? 81
Il is grossly unjust. Our director
ought to modify little just now, an
and onr neopls too if guilty. VIII,