Birmingham age-herald., 1895-06-17

God and man, and, as a result, has mo- bier and higher moral tendencies than man. She cares more for music, art, poetry and for all kinds of education that elevate and refine. She is less Of a utilitarian than man in her pursuit of knowledge and. like Malebranche, she would turn truth loose that she might have the pleasure of seeking it. Like Esther she is the power behind the throne of husband and son. In her proper sphere, thought unseen, she is the dynamo of love that sends it's currents forth in the lives of those who are her all and in all; and from her sacred power and out of her great mother love genius flashes forth to Illuminate the world. She has occasionally eXcelled in war and statecraft and has been rightfully al lowed to compete successfully in college curriculums. She is not only mans equal. but his superior, yet in different and more exalted sphere. In the main she is the repository of the true. the good and the moral elements of the race. These lines of distinction cross each other, but women must be the best means of mans moral and religious de- velopment.
 3. The disciples did not like to see so much ointment wasted. and so many men and women think 1t waste to pour woman's love- faith, tenderness and pur- ity upon the hard veneer their husbands and sons get from the world, but when they do their lives are perpetuated and their histories writer in the lives of their loved ones, as was the life of her whose ointment fell upon the head of Christ.
 4. There are many reasons that lead our young girls to take up masculine work or work. that brings them in contact with business affairs. They have dis gust for young men, as 1t is evident so few of them are pure and chaste. They desire to be independent which is praise worthy fn 9 certain extent WOfna intended to be dependent, but when man cannot be depended upon she is forced to depend upon herself And so the worth 1essness of sons, fathers and husbands drive many girls and women to business life. Misfortune drives many to the counting room and desk while some seek it to get money to satisfy an inordinate desire for dress and display A dislike for home duties and home environments lead some into the busy life of trade and traffic.
 5. But what will be the effects upon the home life of these girls in years to come, although an imperative necessity now drives them from home and a commenda- ble spirit actuates them In seeking em- ployment where men have hitherto held the sway? Let us eliminate the question: as to whether they are doing right or not and admit our inability to suggest a rem edy. yet will not the following results be liable to follow?
 l. It will have a tendency to effeminate and render more worthless larger pro- portion of the male sex
 2. It will tend to destroy real modesty. which Is woman's greatest charm, and women knowing the appreciation of men for this womanly quality, will invent a sham and a false modesty that leaves them repulsive when it is detected.
 3. Women's health will be impaired by the constant toll of the work house and counting room.
 4. It will tend to make them hard and callous and men will grow harder still for lack of her softening power.
 5. Will they not be in danger of be- coming cynical? and a cynical woman is out of place in a home
 6. Will they not loose faith in man and in God?
 '. Will they not develope dislike for home and it's duties?
 8. Will they not look upon motherhood with bathing and shame?
 9. Will they not become covetous and craving?
 TO- Are they not there exposed to snares and pitfalls?
 These questions may all be answered as one p1eases, but as for me there lin gers in my breast solemn reverence for our old southern homes. Not everything now is best I believe a good home Is the best and safest place for girl. A home where father and mother and brothers stand guard. Where refined, educated, modest, noble womanhood buds and blooms like the flowers that shed their fragrance round her girllsh- foot steps. Where innocence is in the air, purity in every signing zephyr, tender ness in every vine that chambers over the thatch, faith in every ringing laugh and love in every touch of the mothers hand. Oh, woman within the charmed and mystic circle of thy home thou hast the holest, and yet mightlest power monarch ever has held. Thou canst smile away sorrow, thou canst love away sin, thou canst trust away doubt, thou canst charm away grief, thou eanst send courage to the faint, and thou canst with thy frail hand guide giants on their way. What more do you want? Why must our girls step from their holy of holies into the muddy stream of traffic and barter?
 Vice is a monster of such hideous mein that to be hated needs but to be seen but seen too oft, familiar with his face, it's first abhorred. then endured, then embraced. l hope my fears are un- founded. May the new woman not wreck the "old home"