New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-06-16
WOMAN, THE WORLD OVER.
FACTS FROM REPORTS OF UNITED
STATES EDUCATIONAL COM
MISSIONERS.
sxE EUROPEAN COUNTRIES ARE AHEAD OF
AXERICA IN OPPORTUNITIES FOR TECHNI
CAL TRAINING-A BIRD's-EYE VIEW


CAL rRAINING-A BIRD's-EYE VIEW.
valua bic report prepared by Miss Frances Gra-
ham French on the Status OF Woman from the
educational and Industrial Standpoint" has just
been issued by the United States Bureau OF Educa-
Ton It begins by tracing the growth Of wonan's
collegiate work in America. quoting from DR.. Leslie
waggener. OF the University of Texas. Twenty
I've years ago" he says the ability OF a woman TO
rsster subjects thought necessary for mans edu-
cation was disputed 1t was seriously questioned at
the time whether the female mind could untangle
the ntrcacies OF pure mathematics. could appre-
eiaie the abstruse speCylations of metaphysics or
could follow step by sep. the inducons OF scen-
t!hc investigation. II was conended In the educa-
tonal discussions of that day that one OF two al
ternatives necessary If young women were ad-
mitted 10 colleges and universities manned and
equipped 10 prepare young men for the intellectual
conflicts Of life. 1t was asserted that either the
standard OF scholarship would be lowered or
the young women would be left hopelessly behind.
and the experiment prove, far as they were con-
eerned a dismal failure. This prediction has, on
uil proved absolutely ErOl ndless. Whatever may
DC the distinction between q male and female
mind 1t is not Of such character as 10 prevent
young women from holding their own in intellectual
competition with young men The teaching OF act
val experience Is that the scholarship OF all of our
Acher institutions OF learning has been raised and
many cases the presence OF young women in the
czsses has been the stimulus and the inspiration.
4 woman trained with men learns other things than
those found in the textbooks or in the crucbles
OF the laboratory. Among these the mcst impor-
tant perhaps is the knowledge she acquires Of men.
The fact that a woman has competed with a man
IL The classroom is a great help 10 her when IL be-
comes necessary for her to compete with him In the
occupations Of life. The fact that she has out
stripped him. perhaps in the for university
hcaors is reason why she feels no trepidaton
when she contends with for the substantial
prizes e. life. and the reason, too why she captures
them with me assurance Of one TO whom they
rightly belong"
The general tendencies Of the times in the
United ates." declares Miss French. ARE toward
the entering Of coeducational universities. where
ana women may have equal opportunities for
higher studies. With this tendency comes d grad
ua oiminutlon in women's colleges per Sc. although
the high requirements as in former years are
found In such colleges Vassar. Smith. Wellesley
and Bryn Mawr.
Large numbers of students seek home foreign
feowshfs. and the studies pursued by such stu
dents tend more toward higher attainments than
was noticeable q decade ago Travelling
fellowships endowed by philanthropic women.
and the recipients of such fellowships graytate to
kIsic. Heidelberg. Berlin. G6t.ingen, Zurich. Cam
bridge. Oxford the Sorbonne and the College de
France Special courses pursued in Greek and
Latin English and the romance languages. polit-
CA economy, chemistry. biology and mat hematics
or possibly in Teuonic philoogy. history. political
science and philosophy
As matter of encouragement 10 women who J
desire 10 pursue higher branches the Collegiate
Alumne fen years ago decided 10 aid those de-
nring European or American fellOwships the pro-
vso being that the candidates must be graduates
OF colleges belonging TO the association. and that
they must give promise OF distinction in the sub
jects 10 which they devote themselves.
These fellowships usually granted 10 those
who are intending 10 take up the practice OF any
o. the three learned professions. though such are
not formally excluded from the competition. II is
preferred that they be bestowed upon those looking
forward 70 positions professors and teachers and
10 literary and scientific vocations
To-day" says Miss French, 'elght-tenths OF |
the colleges universities and professional schools
OF the United States open 10 women students |
AS is stated by exPresident Alice Freeman Palmer
oi wellesley College. 10000 girls have already grad
uatec from colleges while 10000 are preparing
10 graduate. The obtaining of collegiate educa- |
ZION gives the women more ambition to enter a |
p'otession. II they decide 70 marry Il is stated
hst the advanced education they have received has
ADDED 10 their natural endowments wisdom. |
strength. patience balance and self-control
sno that IN addition a wise discharge Of their |
domestic duties their homes have become centres |
~ scientific literary study. or OF philanthropy. in
'ne Communities where they live"
The advancement of women In professional life |
II less rapid than in literature. The training OF |
women for medical practice was long opposed by |
medical schools and men physicians. Equally te- /
o'ons was the effort obtain legal instruction and
admission to the legal profession and even to-day
me admission 10 theological schools and the min
isry Is seriously contested; yet all these profess
SONS are gradually being opened 20 women.
The conditions are gradually changing re- |
esrcs women In the universities Of foreign coun- |
ues; the courses OF study In the secondary schools
OF Germany are being made TO correspond with |
me requirements for university entrance exaniina-
hons the constant efforts OF women In various |
countries 10 have the professions opened 10 them !
are all producing a change IN the views Of even |
those most opposed 10 woman's Advancement The |
general state OF mind In regard to the admission |
OF women into the universities OF Germany Is that |
Oh resignation-if IT must be. so be II.
Equality Of intellect is conceded 10 the sexes by /
C0U q m sc