The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1886-10-02
OPEN LETTERS TO YOUNG GIRLS.
".
On Contrasts Between Girls and
Boys.

w.
On Contrasts Between Girls and
Boys.
Not many days since, my little friends,
(how naturally that endearing term ''lit-
tle' falls from the pen y this remark,
which contains within it q great truth,
was made by q prominent woman: II
am more convinced each day that the
difference between mems and women's,
girls end boys natures, is much less
marked than is usually supposed"
Truly, and further, have you not no
ticed that your much loved father or
brother is remarkable for many distinc-
lively feminine qualities, while your
dear mother and sister are distinguished
by the possession of other attributes
usually thought masculine? And to a
just mingling of manly and womanly
qualities is due the admirable complete
human being at rare intervals discov-
resents for you particularly high type
of manhood, is not only just and coura-
geous, like his father, but also inherits
from his mother that high sense of rec
titude and melting tenderness which
prompt to conscientious living and
ready forgiveness of the erring. And
she who bears the title of noble, spir-
tied girl or woman will, on the other
hand, with the sweeter qualities, unite
great courage, marked love of justice
and liberty, and the liberality which
sees good in all classes and creeds.
Some of US are born with this noble
union of lofty attributes, but favorable
circumstances also combine to produce
the happy result.
Men and boys, reared under the pres
sure of natural obstacles, and accus-
toned to broader fields of labor, develop
with each age more courage, self-de-
pendence and traightforwardness their
certain rich heritage while women
and bright young beings like yourselves,
accustomed daily to promoting the hap
piness of loved ones, nourish the affec-
tions, and that spirit of self -abnegation
which marks the dear mothers of our
land.
Why may not you, my dears, like your
brothers, grow brave without being
bold; just and broad-spirited, yet warm
hearted; self-dependent, though gentle
and refined Have you and the cour-
age to stand by our convictions, regard
less of what others say Or have we
so long striven for the appreciation of
our fathers, brothers and friends that
to-day, if their fondness be withheld
from us (even because of our unfalter-
ing stand for noble principles), the
spice of life is gone? Let us, rather
than so cling, love them so truly that
we shall make our lives and ourselves
worthy of their deepest tenderness and
respect.
Notice for yourselves, my dears, the
tiny boys and girls about you. In the
beginning they have much the same
sports; but as they grow older, boys
indulge in games always vigorous, and
often ingenious, while little girls sit
down to the quiet of their dolls and
playhouses. What blessing could we
but mingle their lives, developing more
in boys the instinct of affection, if but
for broken-nosed doll and turning
the little girls to vigorous exercise, and
to keen competition in feats of muscu-
lar skill. Your mothers and fathers
would not like romping, and unseemly
scufIling, particularly within doors, is
no less improper for boys than for girls
but the natural endowment by wise
Creator, of little men and little
women" alike with vigorous muscles,
strong, finely strung nerves, and great
vitality, certainly proves beyond the
peradventure of a doubt, that boys and
girls were both fitted to develop in
youth that fine physique and abundant
nervous force which mark the we'll
rounded human being.
Said friend Of a woman both phys
ically and Intellectually powerful,
"What splendid animal she is ="
Uttered under other circumstances,
such an exclamation might have con-
veyed dlscredit, but it should not. l
would like to see in every young girl
Just such splendid animal" With
mere mental development you will be