Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-04-03
An Appeal to Women as Mothers.

To the Editor Of THE EVENING STAR:
The reporters have reaped rich harvest through
the hberaiity OF the press, as chronclers OF the
sayings and doings of the convention of women,
recently held in this city, and they are to be con-
graduated II is also a matter OF congratuation,
and to be noted as feature Of the progress OF
ideas and the rapid march OF events in the
immense Developments OF this century that
women from every CLINE have assembled here to
tell the world what women have accomplished and
what women are doing. But It is a matter OF
e ana aIn 70 Se ca Gafela mUea
exist Uithom the exercise OF pohtical suffrage for
women.
As matter OF fact, no avocation no profession
no career Of advancement is closed that the sex
may have the force OF Will TO grasp. Yet, In the
long swing OF the rope OF the female Suffragists
this freedom Is not enough. They boldly threaten
TO rc-enact the hdeous scenes OF license enacted
by the demon women OF the French revolution.
reeking, blOod-stained hands OF the anarchist for
aid In a word, they proclaim that TO attain their
ends all means are just "FOrewarned is fore
armed" Before high heaven the host OF contepted
women, presiding over the happy homes OF this
fair land of liberty ready TO come to the rescue
OF their imperiled homes.
critical ordeal OF the presidential election when
excited men will be filled with the angry passions
engendered by the heated debates OF the political
arena, when the women of the country must be
true and steadfast TO their trust. We holo the bal
ance Of power, so long as we are neutral force
and are Observation-Disclosures 1t Is our no6iest mission
To CAIN and sooIhe the passions OF men. NV c,,un
try-women, do not be misied. Your chief privilege
Is to mediate as peacemakers. When your Iath-
defiant and turbulent from the polls I'LL their
hearts with the repose, the peace OF home. You
viii thus best direct the destinies OF the republics
you will thus gain control. True women,
true patriots, true citizens OF the greatest OF
nations, hold iirm 10 your high and sacred trust.
Guard your endangered fireside. Hold fast to this
palladium OF liberty! DO not ignore what these
revOlutlonists have forgotten to teach, that
motherhood Is the one glorious crown with which
M tfnsl knh1 pn ys.f
you form men and rule men. Do not be confused
by the SDeers these agttatOrS cast upon holy
matrimony: when L men are good and brave IL is
WILL their "relict." IL Is IN the choice OF lie
partners that taste and discrimination must be
exercised. But once chosen, remember 1t Is ''fOr
better or worse" and that the scriptural epitaph
or the ''valiant woman" reads thus adown tine
ages "And her children shall rise up and call her
blessed" MADELEINE ViSroN DAHLGKEN.
Physical Development Of Children.
To the Editor of The EVENING STAR:
For some time past have noticed children from
the age Of ten 10 fteen growing round shouldered
and believed 1t to be due to the careless training
OF parents, and advised and scolded In many in
stances. This morning, however, noticed four
children OF the same family tbOys and gtris) all
rOund-shOuldered and inquired OF the parents the
cause Of that anomalous condition. / was told
that these same children had become erect during
three weeks they had been detained from school
ION account OF measles In the 1amlly), but that
they had resumed their bent appearance a few
days after their return to school. Inquir1ng fur.
Their the children informed Inc that they were re-
quired 70 sit in school with their arms folded
across their chests for the purpose OF fixing their
attention. Twas surprised. just imagine the H.
effect OF such posture daily maintained for hours
during the age of physical development!
Those great muscles, the pectoralis major,
and the pectOral1s minor hich play SO important
part In the rising and lowering Of the ribs should
not be kept In a state or almost permanent con-
traction, drawing the arm and shoulder over the
anterior part OF the chest. The effect OF this
would be the bending or the ribs dOwnwards and
the narrowing of the cavity Of the chest, which
SHOULD be kept as wide as possible for the free
action OF the heart and lungs Such a posture,
during the period Of physical Development, main
tanned daily for many hours, will cause the grow
ing ribs and cartiages to adapt themselves To It's
requirement and the stOop of the shoulders and
the ontracton OF the chest finally 10 become per-
manent This would not only dist0rt the natural
shape OF man and woman, but deprive them OF the
free circulation OF air and blood so important to
life II is bad enough that children should have to
sit quietly hve or six hours day, but that they
should be kept IN positions which prevent the de-
yeiopment OF their chest Is almost incredible Mr..
Editor say word In behalf OF the life OF our little
ones. TCLLIO DE- SCzzARA-yHRDI NJ ID