The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1888-02-04

WELFARE
When I assert that woman's mission /
IN life IL of rs much importance to the |
advancement and civilization of the
world, as the part which falls to man,
feel assured that among the readers
OF this article there will he found no
dissenting voice. In order TO increase
her ability TO exercise her Influence in
such a manner as shall be most condu
Give 10 the good Of mankind, and to
the glory Of God, it ia important that
due attention be paid 10 the Improve
ment OF the faculties with which she
has been eDdowed.
1 vigorously contend that women are
not inferior to men In their mental
constitution and endowments.. But,
whether the female mind is, or is not,
equal TO that of the other sex, ii ia not
my object TO discuss. It Is sufficient
for rs TO know that it haas been richly
endowed by the Father of us all and
for us to suppose that such noble and
highly improvabie faculties were not
bestowed for great and valuable ends,
and that 1t is unimportaut whether
they be cultivated by educati ton or not,
would be an fmpious reflection upon
the wisdom of that almighty Being
whose works are characterized by a
beautiful adaptation of means to ends.
I do not affirm that the mind Of each
should be subjected to the same train
ing, but should be adjusted according
to the different spheres of action in
which they are called upon to exercise
their talents. The system of education
provided for woman should be 80 mod
Med In their details as to be wisely and
|judfciously adopted to her peculiar du-
fuRQ NH rpannUgihffffloo o1 lxea, 81
In mind that though the sphere in
which she IL called to act, is not as
conspicuous as that assigned to man, it
IL by no means less important.
In literature and arr, and all the va
rIous professions, woman fills u very
important part. Some OF the most
beautiful, and some ~ the wisest
thoughts that were ever clothed In
praise, verse or marble, come to US
from the hand OF u woman. Our own
Southern sister State, Arkansas, has
given us an example of what woman
can do as a sculptor, In the person of
Winnie Reams; while the walls of all
this prominent studios in our land, are
adorned with paintings which are the
outcome OF her artist brain, and deft
manipulation. She has taken high
| rank In the divine art of healing. and
| In many OF the States in the Union she
has been admitted to the bar, and COM
petes for the honors and emoluments
| OF the law Without any claim or dis
| counts on the score of sex.
| Although many changes have taken
place In the condition OF mankind,
womans Influence remains the same,
unless p0rchauce, it Is deepened aud
perfected, as her own character approa-
ches perfection. Without this soften.
ing influence, many would be entirely
devoid OF that tenderness of heart, aud
gentleness OF manner, which touch
with an aspect the stern lineameuts OF
his character. In the proper exercise
of this influence, she fills one of the
Ia life. A function which can only be
exercised by woman. What then Ia
truly woman's part?
In the keeping alive for men certain
ideas which In the rush and hurry of
material existence would soon pass out
of the world, If they were not fed, and
replenished by those who are able to
stand aloof from the worry and vexa-
tions of active life. When society
ceases to have the means of creating
its own ideas, it must decay, and for
these treasures of the Imagination
which we call IDEAS we are largely in
debted to the comparative isolation
fiom the turmoil of life which women
enjoy.
In the words of the poet, .sideas of
surety, unselishness and devotion" are
the hinges of the gait of life, and If
women were to become as men, tina,
cato would soon move without Its due
compliment of golden hinges.
The standard of female excellence al
different times, and in different places,
has varied almost as much as the
fashions of their dress, and has as often
been as far from the true standard as
folly is from wisdom. In the last
chapter Of the book of Proverbs, we
have an example of female excellence,
drawn by the pen of inspiration. A
perfect model, to which every wife and
mother should aim to conform. The
traits of character which this descrip-
ton commends to us, are worthy &c
be cultivated by women In all nations
and In all ages.
Well will 1t be for the world when
the attainment of that high standard
shall be generally and Zealousiy aimed
at.
In times of pestiience, when emblems
| OF mourning greet US on every hand