The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-02-18
DIR. VINCENTS LECTURES.
INTELLECTUAL TREATS FROM A
SCHOLARLY GENTLEMAN.
Woman's Spheres and Possibilities In
Life Interestingly Elaborated from
the Subject, "That Boys Sister"-The
Chautauquan Movement Last Night.

While on recent visit to their brother
and family at Atlanta, Ga, the Misses
Gregory met the Rev. DIR. ]. II. Vincent,
OF Plainfeld, N. J. The young ladies
listened with intent interest and unfeigned
pleasure to one OF his lectures, and pre-
vailed upon him to repeat it and others in
Memphis, or at all events to visit this city
and lecture on any subject he might see fit
TO select DR.. Vincent is a minister in the
Methodist church, a prolific, scholarly and
entertaining writer, and also the founder
and earnest promoter of the Chautauqua
movement, now becoming so prominent
and popular among literary people and
educators. He is also gentleman Of ex-
tensiye travel, and his knowledge OF the
broad universal pattern acquired only
through intelligent travel and close, sys-
tomato and studous research. He con-
scented to visit Memphis, and when the
Misses Gregory returned homo they made
arrangements with Miss Jenny Higbee and
Miss Clara Conway for the distinguished
divine and lecturer to appear at their re-
spcctiye institutes. DR.. Vincent arrived
Thursday, was taken to the Peabody, and
received the attention his attainments and
mission demanded. Yesterday morninghe
visited Miss Higbee's school, was shown
through the various departments, made
acquainted with the methods employed in
training the young minds, and aiterward
addressed the pupils and teachers Of the
school for fifteen minutes. lie dwelt upon
no particular subject or line OF thought,
but spoke briefly OF entertaining topics
appropriate TO the audience and surround
ings.
At O'clock yesterday afternoon there
was large audience in the spacious study
hall of the Conway institute, on Poplar
street. II was composed principally of the
girl pupils, young and married lady WIS.,
itos, ministers oil the gospel, physician
ar two, and other gentlemen who take adj
vantage OF intellectual treats when offered
Tho eminent visitor is portly, muscular.
round.iaced gentleman, with bald head
and dark burnside whiskers. His face
indicates a frank, whole souled genial
nature, while broad forehead and finely
proportioned head leaves no doubt OF a
fine stock Of good, hard, common sense.
lie resembles the finest type OF a hardy,
well-to-do Scotchman. His manner is
that Of q thoroughly trained, easy and
fluent speaker.
bis lDNtul WAS lubOhuitu by fllNN
Clara Conway, who referred briefly TO his
connection with the Chautauqua move
mont. The doctor came forward and an
nounced without unnecessary delay his
subject, THAT Boys Sister," lie intro
duccd his theme by taking up the infant
chilli; this stage he elaborated up 10 the
schoolgirl period, referring especially TO
her music studies. At the tirst allured by
her older sisters accomplishments and at
tcn,ion, she enters upon the practice with
commendable enthusiasm. This she con-
tinues for five days, each day diminishing
the hours, until at last she exclaims, "Oh,
that had never been bornl" and abrupt
ly ceases. The speaker then discussed the
aptitude OF children in acquiring slang,
demonstrating that II was the result Of UNI
guarded speech on the part OF older mem
beers OF the family. He spoke ieelingly OF
the practical mothers anxiety for bright
aud happy future for her daughter. The
problem with her was, how TO guard and
protect her jewel DR.. Vincent pictured
That Boys Sister" as veritable gem
among girls, with all the womanly graces
aud virtues IN embryo, waiting impatient;
ly 10 blossom forth as the rose in genial
spring.time. Her name was Blossom"
Now blossom had n brother, who bore
the euphonious name OF Bob. Bob was n
typical young American lad, always schem-
ing 10 perpetrato mischicvous pranks upon
all who came within his reach. As his
mother and sister were his most constant
companions, they OF course figured most
frequently as the subjects His ideal man
was q strong, manly fellow, with n heart
for every fate, whether happy or unior-
tunatc. Bob had all the Ingredients for
this type; he was n bad boy only 10 FAR as
natural boyishness goes. His ideal woman
was one with strong mind, well stored
with all the useful branches OF information,
and heart full Of tenderness and sweet
sympathy for others.
DR. Vincent believed, first, in a strong
physical education for woman. She should
have plenty OF fresh air-outdoor exer-
else. The second, he insisted, should be
all the rudiments Of a thorough scholar
ship. The third education was rs a
domestic helper and ornament, whether
the father be rich or poor. This was
necessary In order 90 bring the rich into
practical sympathy with thousands OF less
fortunate girls a. good ~ themselves. The
fathers riches might suddenly disappear
some day, and then would her domestic
accomplishments be appreciated.
= The speaker then referred earnestly 10
the holiness and happiness surrounding
wiiehood and motherhood. From this
line he took up the argument that
wherever woman did the same work n
man, and in equally as finished n manner,
she should be as well paid. But woman
should 20 through the same trimming M
man, and not expect hrst-class pay foi
sccond-class work. Woman was mans
equal physically, intellectually. morally
and socially. Her intuitions were more
delicate aud refined, yet moro emphatic
Ills mother and wife were unanswcrable
arguments for this assertion, even though
there previously existed any. In pointing
out the many spheres 10 which woman
might aspire. he would name only three
leaving his hearers TO remember that there
were iOrty-seyen others available. Thcs,
ihrco we're: (l) Tho kitchen-a well
built, well-supplied, comfortable kitchen
Kitchen ministry was one OF the most i'm
portant features Of genuine civilization
and a complete revolution only could &C
complish this. Manual labor was depa
daiion only when accompanied by ncithe
brain or sympathy. There was broa'
distinction between labor merely with tn
hand and that Of the hand and heart 10
gcthcr Young ladies' should never b
ashamed Of plain labor. II II be accom-
panied by brain and love. ~ The nur
sery. In that woman found her highca
and noblcst sphere, because OF the iniinib
opportunity and responsibility atiendin
IT, There was nodignityin the world com
A a A. IL