The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-02-19

surveying his work as a whole. He
abounded in defect and mannerism
and follies, and yet he was richly en-
dowed, and his best work should
richness, amplitude, variety and
spontaneity OF his many gifts with
any English author living today. The
Times says that to do Bulwer JUS
tice, we must consider him in all his
aspects. Though before all things al
novelist he was many things besides.
Brougham himself was not more
versatile. and nothing that Broughan,
wrote deserves to live, least of all
mis- novel. Few authors are more
quotable than Bulwer, or have been
more often quoted"
He lacked harmony in his produce
tons, and that quality is sure to dis
tinguish the greatest writer's who
achieve worldwide fame and perpe-
tuity. I have mentioned his de-
fciency in freshness, In natural taste
and skill: But almost any one with
fair education, and something of Gull
tivated taste, must relish his "Rienzi,"
better constructed than most of his
novels, and "Pompeii," full Of interest
and verve and even brilliancy Of
imagination. His two other historical
attempts fall below these successes.
They are absurd, eXtravagant and
hurdened, and when read with SCOTS
great historical romances, are top
heavy. immature and false; not
worthy of association. But whose
historical romance are worthy to be
compared with the masterpieces of
the Great Wizard of the North ?" [
read 1.-THE Heart of Midlothian" for
the third or fourth time some years
ago, and am again delighting in it. 1t
is comfort and high mental gratifl-
cation to read every few years his
twelve or fifteen greatest productions.
And then how relishable and fresh
are his four greatest poems. If
i've a week longer / will consider
Bulwer with more elaboration than
that given above. He richly merits
4 more extended consideration, espe-
cially at time when a flood of fiction
so much of it poor, according to
the best critics--is sweeping out the
solid and greatest works and the mil
lion is feeding upon froth and whip
ped syllabub.
1t was very we'll for the South that
its people had been SO thoroughly
aroused before the greatest war of
modern times, upon the very import
ant subject of female education. If
they had not been so awakened with
the wide and almost universal pow
erty which the long, wasting. exhaust
ing struggle had entailed upon us. it
might have been impossible to devise
noble plans and execute them fully
for the girls as we'll as for the boys.
Fortunately there had been a goodly
number of high schools and colleges
put in successful operation, at which
the daughters could pass through
their curriculum, and thereby lay the
foundation for a sound education.
The time has long since passed, never
to return again in our land, when
it Will be regarded that females have
acquired q sufficient mental training
when they understand the elementary
branches only. the languages and
sciences and philosophy being only
adapted to the intellectual calibre
and the actual necessities of the ruder
sex. That idea once prevailed widely.
but like frost work III the sun, it has
melted away under the eliminating
rays of better information and more
enlightened views. Happily for our
mankind at large, that
idea is completely defunct. 1t is now
deemed not only that the understand
ing of woman is capable of high de-
velopment, but that an extensive and
thorough acquaintance with most of
the branches of human learning is
possible, is actually requisite in order
that she may adorn the true sphere
Of her life, and exercise to the full
development those winning and pleas
ing graces which encircle her with so
beautiful q halo. The refined and
educated woman always exercises an
influence, potential for good or evil.
and in a degree but little less than
that which the thoughtful. cultivated
man exerts. 1t Is true her arena IL
different, at least in our dear old
South as yet. but there are signs and
omens that there may come to the
front Abby Folsoms and Lucy
stones and Fanny Ferns. as yet un-
known quantities in our civilization.
The unwoman1y creatures, who arc
pot satisfied with the power which
he gentler sex exert in the home
it be kept ever sacred
md pure and intact!--but are ever
aspiring to be mans rival in his legi-
innate and chosen department. In
he South as yet ii is very rare that
'ou hear Of brazen-faced, bloomer-
dressed. ranting women spouting from
'oStrums, and advocating offensive
iogmas, and even viler sentiments III
free love meetings" as has hap
)ened in the North. The South has
uttered but rarely from such vista
ions and infections. IT is perhaps
rue that such unseemly exh billions
AVE only found fitting assemblies in
ne AInenS OF America the duD
# the Universe. The South has had |
10 such disreputable women fiaunt- |
ng before the public as those in the |
Worth within few weeks.
The proper sphere of the true vo-
nan ia III the domestic circle--around |
he hallowed hearthstone. 1t is at |
lome that woman is seen in all her |
oyeliness, where by her graceful |
'earing. winning smiles, serene tenn |
Ter and busy life she exerts all of |
hose fascinating influences which |
make her a blessing, and which at |
ract and enthrall. 1t is no wonder |
hat man. who is to make his bread |
" the Sweat of his face" should |
urn from the treadmill duties and |
and exacting toll of |
lis daily life. to the blessed home i'll |
which presides her who commands I
lis true and respectful love. and who
lids his life with the charms of her |
wn endearing companionship. L |
ave said that it was very fortunate |
hat the Southern whites appreciated |
he necessity of well educating the |
emale mind--that the real manhood |
ejoiced in seeing their wives and |
aughters well trained and accurate
Y informed, SO that they command
he respect and affection of the gen
rous, the cultivated and the refined.