The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1897-05-31
Mrs. Richardson on
fbe Women Of The East

Mrs Josephine Inman Richardson relates
many interesting Incidents of her travels
in the east. Ia regard 10 the women OF
that distant CLINE she says.
.Thc women of the east are constant
study 70 a careful observer OF human ma
tur, aud rothng in my travels impressod
me more than their sad condition in some
of the countries. Oftentimes tho bearers
of crca. burdens: again kept in strictest
s-cIusion by their lords and masters, the
poor and rich alike are governed by laws
which wc OF Christian countries can scarce
ly dream Of while Morocco is not con-
sidprcd geo the orient its people belong 10
.hat vast Aohammcdan throng VINO are
SO oppressed by those in authority aud TO
crafty their desire tine rulers resort 20
any measure. When tn that country few
years ago We secured permission 90 visit
rho harom of the governor of Tangtcr.
and having been admitted by "A female
slave. found ourselves IN one or those
luxurious houses built around an open
court so common in hot countries. foun-
tain playing in the center threw out IT'S
p~rfumod water 60 cool the heated air
and gathered around II sat "a group OF
women most richly attired. Soft diapha-
nous silks and spangled GAUGES gracefully
drsipcd their figures. and bracelets. neck
lace- and rings iu profuSlon aGorn them.
They were amusing themselves doing dam
~ embroidery and with their luxurious
surroundings looked the picture OF INDECENT
happincss
"in sharp contrast 90 all this idle ease.
I won't eall Il comfort for the monotonous
life would have been most disagrceabic 10
mo was the sight We had early next
morning while taking donkey ride
several miles IN the country. Numbers OF
weary women were plodding mp long hill
with huge huUaic- OF wood and brush on
their backs. making their way 70 town 20
SOL their burden for plftance. So r.
was from poor Teople Ike those that the
aver'cious governor collected his taxes.
and If he failed 90 turn over u the cmDe-
ror the yearly amount he might lose his
head.
1--WE were all interested in what Miss
Armstrong had 10 tell AS about our suffer
Ing sisters IN Armenia and India during
her recent trip 20 Atlanta and their sad
condition should touch our heart 10 try
to do something for their advancement.
There Is no doubt that IL is 70 our religion
that We owe our exalted position Of COM
panion and co-worker with men. for the
women Of heather lands have few liberties
and pleasures.
I'm china and India girls are OF little
account and in the latter country It IS not
considered a crime 10 throw girl babies
into the Ganges. England has prohibited
the practice. though / expect many arc
hidden away to die. Nor do they have
any advantage of education. but are left
to mature In ignorance and superstition.
Ia Shanghai / went through the first school
ever established there for high born girls.
that of Miss Laura Haygood. formerly OF
Atlanta and she told me that Christian
influence was the only thing that would
induce parents to give their daughters an
education. The costume of the Chinese wo-
men Is decidedly picturesque with the gay
colored silk sleeveless jacket over founda-
ton suits Of some dark material. Ii is
very seldom that the rich classes are seen
In the streets. according TO Chinese ETH
ouette that women must be kept In Sc
c.us!on and away from the sight of men,
and when they do come out they are Sc
cureIy screened from view in their sedan
chairs.
1.-The sight Of the poor little pinched feet
makes me sad. and l wonder where they
could see any beauty in them. under
etand that a movement is under considera-
lion TO petition the emperor to do away
with the barberous custom Of turning back
the toes Of female infants. for the poor
creatures suffer great agony for months
and walk with great inconvenience all their
lives.
Il think the women of JAPAN have great
or freedom than those Of any eastern
country end they show their happiness by
their bright and smiling faces. Always in
a good humor their politeness TO each