New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-05-19
A NEEDED MOTHERS CONGRESS-.
MISS LINDLEY POINTS OUT THE GENERAL
LACK OF SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE
OF TIE RQDY

"It is certainly high time that the most intelli-
gent Nation on earth should give attention to ind-
vldual hygiene through the practical and scientinc
study Of the human machine" said Miss NJ T..
Lindley Tribune reporter yesterday.
Daily we observe the misfortunes visited upon
the race through errors In child-rearing Daily we
are confronted by the questions. Why do so many
children die in babyhood? Why Is there so much
sem-invalldism among adults"
Ordinarily 1t Is due to a lack Of scientific know-
edge OF the mechanical structure and psychologlca'
mysteries Of The body the part Of our educators
less degree.
1.-THE subject Ia grave In contemplating
adult llfe but It Is much serious In our att-
tude toward the rising generation. Our respon-
sbilities here are great, whether our influences
radiats from home. school or the great business
and social world we call society. We need more
than personal views and experiences for meeting
this great duty. We need more than the theories
of our ancestors whose revere even to
the perpetuaton Of their foies and errors
I'VE need a thorough research into causes, ana
to gain this must have. as foundation studies
those sciences which contain the knowledge OF
our physical being and the individual application
of such laws. Thus far mothers have given very
little attention to body culture as the first essentia
OF child rearing.
Were half the brain-power that is expended In
sck-room and anxiety utilized In the study
Of preventive means through scientifically directed
hygiene there would be little illness in the world
There Is too much prejudice in favor or mental
and moral education regardless OF the fact that
this one-sded attitude toward the body Will call
for a day of reckoning, either from the individual
posterty
"A comprehension OF the material basis from
which emanates all mental power will enable wom-
rise above dependency and morbid introspec-
ton and fit them for the real duties of life And
more than this. 1t will give them ability to dis
creety direct the lives of others. whether or not
children born directly to their care ,,o
ton and diffusion OF such knowledge. viz the wom-
an movement The inspirat ton of the sentiment must
reach the people through the press ana conVehlOons
Of women whose earnesness Is unb s
the media Of woman's clubs Some clubs have at
tempted this; but the work has not peen .noITns"
These mighty subjects that have ever SUM-
bered, ana more than superficial consioeIaiio aIo
The following topics suggest themselves as worthy
the attention of real mothers congress, proIe res
dressing, hygiene Of the home, nursery and school
prenatal influence and heredity. ~. nv ons
person but By conclave Of doctors and physical
educators whose successes nave proveo tme,r av
To- present TO the women leaders OF the country
There can be no castron method fGr b mother
Intellect to adapt varying theories to each indi,
ydua 10 her n sar the Hne dpcae Of
and the beS Of o bs weded at
as she comprehends the needs OF each llttle one.
Where are real women leaders that tney uo
NOT stem strongly TO the front and formulate plan
for mothers congresses that, while not excludlne
tonics usually considered educational, will make
he great essential self-knowledge and body train
ing foremost? What be so widely difusiveh IN
OF instruction? The keynote Of woman's work has
not yet been touched. nor will be until sne rec1g,
nizes her real province in the home: until she
recognizes that health rules the homo and the
home is the cornerstone Of the Nation.
s ;. mind 3 al ne VIII Sy s