New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-11-03
MEN AND WOMEN.
THEIR RELATIVE INFLUENCE IN THE
WORLD AND ON SOCIETY

THEIR RELATIVE INFLUENCE IN THE
WORLD AND ON SOCIETY.
To the Editor Of The Tribune
er having been deeply interested in the problem,
wnether men or women have more influence IN the
world and on society, have decided 20 send In my
views on the subject for your inspection. believe
most nrmly that the women especially Of this CEN
Jury exert greater sway the social world than
the men, for the great minds OF the present day arc
not those which take part in the society Of this
AS our new and Independent country has struggled
through the last centuries civilization and COM
merce have reached a much higher standpoint than
the world has ever known before. So America.
though the youngest Of all countries. has been able
10 develop genius for those trades which tend
most to enlven the business and enrich the nhabit-
ants OF our country.
In Europe civilization has made slower but, per-
haps. surer progress. Those who possess the gifts
or knowledge and understanding spend their lives in
earnest thought. and SO develop power OF concen-
tra,ion that thereby they lead weaker spirits
follow and become part OF their thoughts. As civil
ization progresses slowly abroad. the men and
women develop more slowly their traits. such as
they may be, by devo.ing themselves to the study
OF such things as may improve their minds Thus,
Europe obtains her few great wonders OF humanity.
ana these men and women, having risen from the
obscure level Of common civilization assume the
commanding position OF writer's, speakers and phil
osophers. and are capable Of influencing the lesser
minds beneath them IL we return to our own coun-
Try we shall perceive the difference. Men live but
TO enter into some trade or profession.
Every country must produce some great minds,
but while abroad these minds are being slowly de-
Veloped TO reach the highest standpoint the liter
airy world, the men In America are no sooner capa-
bic OF quick perception and keen insight than they
turn these qualities to use them for the trade
or profession in which they intend to pursue their
career Our greatest men OF the present day are in,
tent year after year. upon increasing their personal
fortunes Those who have made the greatest arc
evidently men or a greater intelligence than one
meets with as rule; but having turned their abll-
tiles In that direction. they deprive society Of the
benefit OF them. The characters which at present
make up the society 10 which allude SO far as
men are concerned devoid OF any really great traits.
IL IL, therefore left for the women 10 influence the
men. for good or bad as the case may be; and this
they can do. for there are innumerabe examples IN
over the realm. and these influences have been both
for good and bad II is true that such women as
Catherine OF France and Catherine OF Russia had
double advantages-flrst. OF possessing remarkable
genius and second. as being the head OF the empire
But II we set these aside. shall be at no loss 10
find others who possessed neither advantage. Many
OF the favorites OF the different Kings Of France
were certainly not possessed OF any marvellous abil-
tiles. did they hold any powerful position in the
Kingdom; and yet their influence over the weak
minded monarch often decided the fate Of nation
The influence Of such women it is true. did not bet
ter mankind. but acted sometimes TO the contrary
1t tends therefore, to show how much rests with
woman and how. II she chose. she could not only
change the course OF mans life but perhaps mat
OF the society In which she finds herself. The
standard Of womanhood Is certainly as high to-day
II ever was: therefore, why do not women rise 10
the occasion and try to do some good for society?
II they. know their power, why do they not exert
It and influence all for the better? woman who
this: and could she but know the good she might 90
not only to men. but to women also. she would
am sure realize that 1t Is noble ana esSsra guy
October o. 1897.