The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1899-04-10
Nine. Virot.

Dfere TGVO1utlOn. Mrs. Babcock then
enlarged upon the evolution OF woman
from state of former degradation and
subjection 20 her present position in
the Intellectual and industrial world.
Referring To the old Roman law, she
said that under that law. woman was
the property OF her husbaiN. just as
any article of furniture; to buy or To
sell as he saw fit"
But she continued, throughout all
ages there have been some glorious ex-
amples; some women who have had
that something superior in them which
raised them above their surroundings
and made them discontented with the
narrow sphere in which they were con-
fined. and to these pioneers we owe the
advantages we enjoy today
Not until after the beginning OF the
nineteenth century," said the speaker.
were there any steps taken for the
advancement OF woman's education.
considered as she has always been, so
much mans intellectual inferior. that
any education more than sewing, cook
ing. sweeping and spinning, was deemed
wholly unnecessary.
Mrs. Babcock here paid a glowing
tribute to Emma Willard, who. in 1919.
established the first female seminary
at Troy, n. Y. which still survives. and
i'm the ever widening circle OF alumni.
founder is perpetuated. The writer may
add that since the school can include
among it's alumni such women as Mrs.
Rabcock, it's influence for good is. in
deed, far reaching.
Entering upon the much discussed
question of woman's higher education
the speaker, referring To Massachu-
setts. said: Massachusetts,, which has
always been considered foremost in
educational matters. was long in recog
nizing the wants and aspirations of
her daughters.
Harvard University was established
$50 years before any provision was
made for the education OF girls. Final
ly the common schools and later, the
high Latin and normal schools opened
their doors. hesitatingly. but once
opened they will never be closed
Mrs. Babcock spoke of the familiar
episode in the life Of Mary Llvermore
when she pleaded so ardcntly To enter
Harvard with her brothers and OF her
fathers displeasure at her seeming un-
womaulincss.
continuing. Mrs. Babcock dwelt upon
the slow progress in opening the doors
of the universities To women. and. pass
ing. enumerated the employments now
open Go women.
Mrs. Babcock also touched upon Ed
ward Box and his TRADE upon the "un-
MOmanly woman ana especially 'MO-
man upon the platform. as published
i'm recent issue The Ladies' Home
Journal she also called attention To
the hackncyod phrase. the new wo-
man" ana quoted Miss Susan IL. Apth-
ony's admirable definition of the rrfIn
In closing Mrs. Babcock said her
idea OF the new woman was one pa
uent. hopeful. unselfish. thoughtful. de-
pendable. practical courteous: awake
10 every opportunity of enlsrging her
capacity FOR usefulness
t'pon the conclusion NJ the lecture
Mrs Corey spoke briefly along the
.samC line of thought. Incidentally also.
referring Co the bust of Frances Will
lard. which Us soon 20 be placed in the
capital 1t Washington. the frst woman
Co D. thus honored thcre.
\ discussion - Charles Rea les put
Yourself in His Place was the closing
feature of an afternoon which had been
indeed "a feast ~ reason and foW of
soul
The Round Table CLUB ~ Wo0nsocket
met az lhe residence 0f Mrs. Daniel 4
Pond on Tuesday. April a
Tho subject. Early Spanish Histiiy.
was well presented by Airs Lyns a.
thillsUu.