The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1893-01-04
HOW FAR MAY SHE GOq

To the Editor Of the Eagle
In The discussion Of any problem, re,
ligious, social or political, there are
usually three classes of people.
The first class are of the radical sort,
who seize upon any new idea with an
avidIty which leaves no room for con-
temptation Of the possible objections to
the theory they advocate or the wisdom
of allowing it to develop in at least a
semi-natural way.
The second class is composed OF those
who are extremely conservative and per-
sistentlv refuse 10 accept anything new
the success of which has not been praC-
lcally demonstrated, and even then they
are suspicious of future developments.
The third class might be said to be
composed of mental equilIbrists. These
carefully consider the pros and cons and
usually settle upon a ground equally re-
moved from the gorgeous and universally
beneficial possibilities claimed by the
enthusiast and the dismal fOrebodlngs
for the future outcome held by the eX-
tremely conservative.
In these days of progress, when so
many of natures secrets are being
guessed and her silent, potential forces
are being utilized in our every day lives;
when distance proves no obstacle to in
terchange of thought; when men are
becoming impatient of the restraint
which confines them to terrestrial loco
motion and seek to navigate space; when
we, of the present generation, are in
clined to look with disdain upon the
limited and meagre accessories to enjoy
ment found in the environments of our
fathers; even as we should be inclined
to rebel at beirg surrounded only by
such primitive conveniences and facili-
ties as they possessed in a material way,
in like degree the mind revolts at the
letters forged by the old time prejudices
incorporated in their religious, soci9l and
political ideas which were for so long a
time confirmed by custom that they be-
came deep-rooted and weIl-nigh immov-
able.
An idea is an immaterial thing, but
once let it gain a fOothold and it usually
requires Herculean efforts 20 dislodge it.
But, gradually, most Of these old time
preiudices have been swept away. Re.
lgious intolerance has become a thing
only remembered by historical reference.
The wishes of rulers are no longer
paramount to the wishes of the ruled
developments and investiga-
tons are no longer considered pagan in
their tendencies. Berkley'S gratitude to
God for the lack of public schools is held
in supreme contempt. The education of
the masses Is recognized As the suTest
for tie nations. A wOman's
education Is no longer considered
finished when she has attained to the
proficiency of Irving's heroine in ~
Spectre Bridegroom" but she is ad- !
miited 10 our colleges and holds her
OWN, not only, by the side of her broth !
ars, but in some cases carries off the J!
lonors.
1t is this last named development and |
is results which we wish here TO con- |
slider.
Since our college girls have proved |
themselves able to successfully compete |
with our boys in everything except the /
college yell; since our queens have /
shown their ability TO govern equal and .
n some cases superior TO our kings: since (
2ur literary women have in many cases
welded the pen with as much .
'ower as their masculine compeers:
Ince these. with our female
ecturers, ministers, lawyers and
physicians have established beyond |
questions that the mind of woman does
lot lack in intellectual or executive
ability. Wide has been the controversy
which has arisen concerning her sphere.
IS limitations, what they are, how de-
med, or indeed, If there be any at all.
In this IS IN all other cases the dis
'utants are divided into three classes.
Some there are, who claim that
sphere IS absolutely unlimited.
v here man goes, she may 80. What
nan does, she may 10. Whatever i OF
Importance to be considered. it is NOT
MY her privilege Dur her duty to under
axe It's investigation, champion It or an
agouize 1t according TO lis merit with
mt pausluE 10 consider anything Of less
.adOCal or more personal importance.
heSe forget that homes. husbands and
hIldren are God given response biliIie,
which cannot he evaGed: that while she
successfully or Gusuccessfullv a.
smpung 10 clean up the political
rena the ashes upon her own hearth
tone and the lack of mother and wife
n her home are forces which are newt
bly, tending toward the formation Of
len and women who are not the thor
ughly discipi ned. pure hearsed.
Apply, Yhulesouelv constituted
leu and women best suited 10 form d
table foundation for "a nations veal.
hey forge, that while she Is attendiu.
D uIe physlca. ailments Of the public.
aere l. disease creeping into the hearts
nj lives OF her own loved ones. They
'rset that while she Is pleading at the
ar setting, or attempting 20 settle dis
uies, or preaching from The pulpit try
u 10 win others souls Tor Christ hsr
WI children are more than likely dis,
uting al home or very sadly in need OF
he spiritual help and guidance which .
My the constant care of wise and
wing mother can administer.
Or, If she be neither wife or mother.