The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1897-10-08
THE NEW WOMAN.
Mitchell Lady Contributes an Extended
Article on That Parsonage.

|
When naturalist begins the study
of "rara avis" he spares no trouble or
expense in procuring perfect
specimen for his investigation, He un
dertakes long and perilous journeys if
necessary in order that he may study
the habits of the strange creature in its
native element.
Then follows much careful, sys-
tematic study for the purpose of class
| ifcation. He makes analytical and
microscopical examination, noting
resem belances to others of the same
kind as we'll as any peculiarities which
might assist, him in his investiga-
tions.
Finally, it is with no small degree OF
satisfaction that be successfully clas-
sites the specimen and gives in q
scientific name.
The public press of today is filed
with reference to new and wonderful
creature who has appeared upon the
social horizon.
Many attempts have been made to
secure typical specimen, but thus far
all efforts have been futile, and there is
much speculative theory in regard to
the origin of this interesting being who
is occupying so much public attention.
However, the world has not waited
for classification, but has already given
her a name,-She is called The New
| Woman"
This fin de sieice creation is pop
ularly supposed to be advanced in her
ideas, aud holds views concerning
politics and religion-A woman with
bloomers and sphere.
Marriage may do we'll enough for
those poor creatures who have not yet
become ''emapcipated" but she would
ordinarily look with disfavor upon
domesticity as interfering with her
career.
The pattering feet and lisping voice
of childhood touch no responsive
chord in the breast of this worldly
woman, and she has lofty contempt
for the woman who is content to be
queen over domain, bounded by the
walls of her own home.
Let us seek her under this guise in
the various walks of life.
Shall we find her in the gay drawing
rooms of our society leaders? Here ae
Of yore are the gracious matrons, and
charming debutantes imparting to
social intercourse the same sweet grace
which belonged to their granddames.
She cannot be discovered in the
various professions which women have
made their own, for here as elsewhere
will be found the same womanly woman,
albeit she may be disguised under
students cap or barristers' gown.
We do not 6nd her in club, convent.
ion, or platform: for she who has been
called into these larger fields, brings
wisdom born of experience together
with the sweet tact and queenly dignity
which contact with the world cannot
efface.
Surely we cannot find her in the sick
room where the spirit of mercy bends
tenderiy over the bedside of a sick
child, the great mother love going out
SO freely to the little sufferer whom she
would give her life to restore to
health.
The New Woman as pictorially rep
resented has eluded our vigilant search.
But is she really myth?
The progressive age, the broadening
of educational advantages, and the
necessity of the winning of bread has
surely developed type of woman no,
known in the past. The New Woman
as pictured in the press is a caricature
not known in real life.
The ideal New Woman as she really
is found clings with unalterable tender.
ness to all that is gracious, highminded
and winsome in her sex. She still
lovingly croons the sweet old lullabys
to the babies that nestle 30 confidingly
in her arms, but at the same time she
prepares herself to be their wise
counsellor as they shall go out into the
world to fight its battles.
She is keenly alive to the pressing
need for reforms, and has boldly ar.
rayed herself on the side of those
who are struggling for better con-
dition of humanity. She studies social
problems at close range taking up her
abode in the very heart of the slume
and teaching the people there by ex
ample how to live pure healthtul lives
gradually lifting them up on higher
plane.
The years of the past found woman
confined in her efforts within a narrow
sphere, only coming in contact with
the world through the medium Of hel
brother. Publicity in any work wat
deemed mar to the refinement of hel
gracious womanhood. The progress o
the closing years Of the 18th century il
keeping with other grand achievement
LOO opoaco Vuo "oy 1ol "Ouou W Qo
velop her faculties until at the presen
day in nearly every field of activity
where intellect and skill can win sue
cess we find her taking an Independent
position worthy of her sex. A legior
of illustrious names gathered from the
studios of sculpture and painting from
social settlements of our cities, from
the rostrum and pulpit, from science
and travel, from letters and com
merce, from Altrurian lands, from
clubs and federations, testify mos
strongly, that glorious success ant
honorable distinction OF the human
race, at last. are not CLASSIFIED b,
the lines OF sex. And while ou
ideal New Woman has entered thi
broader field, che has retained he
delicate womanly instincts, and is still
the same loving mother, devoted wifi
and affectionate sister known to tn
poets of the past.
Should Receive Full Recognition.
Yankton correspondent to the Argus
: T oo5ar. Ona affrac<iop tbof oho,l