New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-04-17
TRUE WOHANHOOD.
MRS. NJ A. STONE GIVES HER IDEAS ON
THE SUBJECT.
The Tribune.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir. The atmosphere is still filled with the new
woman-the progressive woman-wno promises
not only grander achievements for the present
but that brilliant development or all 'hat II SUI
perior in the near future.
This hope which thrills the hearts and stimuli
lates the energies OF these reformers, is a con-
fession Of hitherto fettered resources. or unde-
yeloped lives which have prevented the tar sex
from accomplishing the fulflment OF the true
destiny of woman. 1t is certainly saddening 10
think as the nineteenth century is drawing to
close that woman has found only secondary
place in our beloved land of vast opportunities;
that hers Is scarcely more than menlal service
under the bondage OF man. and we cannot wonder
that these depressed souls are filled with glad
ness at what they consider the approaching
dawn of brighter day. without referring TO
the relative position OF the sexes. let us take a
momentary review OF history.
1t is only III years since the Mayhower landed
on our New-England coast with little COM
pany OF men and women in search OF nome lor
their untrammelled religious faith These heroic
souls were true helpmaes intelligent enough 10
know why they had left their homes and their
country with its civilization to make new be-
qinnines upon untrodden soil TO reach for the
highest type of religious freedom net only for
their own happiness but for that OF unborn gen
erations.
There IS one grand truth which stands an in
0SputaDe
every line Of development, which Is that good WORK
is known by its fruit. and where In the reau OF
tho centuries from the dawn OF civilization has
more been accomplished for the progress OF the
race than in the few years OF our National eN-
istence? Did woman have a limited place In TINS
magnificent chapter OF history?
Apparently. from the phrase new woman she
was not the equal of man; but judging from the
,r,,t NJ her labors there nothing to depore In
her nositIon or in the noble mnisterings she con-
,ributed 10 each succeeding
which by wise judgment, superior ability ana COST
" sacrifice were noble factors In the formation oil
our Repubiic Those years Of hard work TO
,oe the daily necessities OF life. years OF limited
onnorrInities which in luxurious days we
cannot understand; but the man and woman stood
together inspired by the same principle which ieu
mem 10 this continent Of "unsubdued forests ana
unexplored wastes" TO plant here the snaIi coio.
nice which should be the foundations OF great
commonwcalths. 49,, H.. .,,hton
There was perfect harmony In these lives when zen
h,ined them TO fulfil their high mission. ana me
ncv of ali that was taught was founded upon COO
an snrrd Word-a faith which had the power 70
nsta mon heroes II seems hard to conceive OF
,nhie ma hood and womanhood. loyal coworkers.
who grandly nVed that III LOO Se"i' '"' e'
Republic was born ,o,..s 4, No.
~ was the true, ideal women who helped III az
cnn nItshng this work. and until the continent uis
ennears their fame cannot fail to appear upon the
record Of the ages. Truly yours, . eroSr
New-York. April H. 1888 NJ ~ 'i