The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-03-18

tended these meetings were worse than in
fdels." They went around among the wom-
en- of their congregations urging, threaten
ing and commanding and, then as now,
many women were frightened into concealing
their real sentiments on this subject. Dr.
Bellows, of New York, editor of the Christian
Inquirer, for example, commences an edi-
torial: "Place woman unbonneted and I'M
shawled before the public gaze and what be-
comes of her modesty and her virtues" Rev.
John Chambers, at a great temperance con-
vention in New York, after Lucy Stone,
Abby Kelly Foster and other distinguished
women had been literally driven out, said,
1--WE are now rid Of the scum of the conven-
tion," and was followed by numerous other
clergymen in the same strain. There were,
however, number of ministers, headed by
Henry Ward Beecher, who upheld and as
sisted the cause of the women, and, though
most of the newspapers INDUCED in a brutal
ridicule few were the earnest advocate of
Woman's Rights.
Notwithstanding remonstrance, abuse and
ridicule, these undaunted pioneers continued
the work, assisted by such men Garrison,
Phillips Mott, Charming Greeley, Douglass,
Emerson, the greatest intellects Of the CEN
fury. Persistent attempts were made TO level
prejudice and open all avenues of employment
to women. Continued pressure was brought to
bear upon the legislatures to improve the
laws. The agitation was kept up by means
of public meetings, which in some places
were received with every demonstration of
respect, while in others it was necessary to
hold them in barns or out in the open air. In
Philadelphia they were allowed the basement
to speak. The most noteworthy of these
gatherings was the great mob convention. in
New York city, September, 1853. The char
acter of the men and women composing this,
convention was absolutely irreproachable and
yet for two days and nights they were at the
mercy of the mob. Every attempt to speak
drowned in Kisses, groans, "cat-calls"
and insulting remarks During the four ses-
moni um. the mob yelling, screaming, below
ing. All of the newspapers except the Trib-
une and the Post. edited by William Cullen
Bryant, approved the action Of the mob, and
the Mayor refused to interfere.
During the war of the rebellion, and for
years afterward, other great questions pressed
upon public attention. but that of equal
rights is now again brought to the front. There
remains, practically, but one point yet to be
obtained, and that is the right of suffrage.
The opinions of press, pulpit and people have
undergone a radical change. The cause has
gained in dignity and popularity, and the OPP
position to it is compelled to be at
least respectful. The steady advancement
of the sex in all the varied departments of
life is to be grardly exemplifed this month
by an international council of women, to be
held at Washington, D. c., commencing
March % and continuing eight days. Mrs.
Cougars letter, published il this issue.
gives the comprehensive composition of the
convention, showing how worldwide and
how representative it will be.
The world has never seen so remarkable
gathering Of women, and when this assembly
is contrasted with the Seneca Falls conven-
ton of forty years ago there is much food for
speculation as to the probable position of
woman forty years hence. That she will have
obtained all that she desires there is very little
room to doubt; and, if we may Judge the
future by the past, there is not more room for
question that as our women increase in intellect
and influence, by SO much will the general
condition of the body social and polite be
purified and strengthened.