WOMEN IN 1881.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3168, 24 August 1881, Page 4

WOMEN IN 1881.

"Woman's influence, socially and politcally, was never more powerfully felt and move openly recognised in England than it is at present. Why is this? History tells us that as civilisation advances women invariably rise in the social scale. Never were women more powerful than when they taught, philosophy and science to the heroes of ancient Greece, at the time when that great power was at the zenith of her fame and glory. And what followed ? Ruin. Annihilation. Ido not wish to imply that the influence of women is necessarily disastrous and dangerous to the welfare of a nation. But when women come too prominently to the front, it is a proof that the men of their country are degenerating. Individuals and communities, races and nations, find their level sooner or later surely as a stream of water. In families where the nominal head is idle, vicious, or incapable, wasting his substance, or neglecting to earn a livelihood for himself and family, what happens ? Why, in nine cases out of ten, we see the wife comes forward and strains every nerve to supply his place. As she rises he sinks lower and lower, until gradually, having lost all selfrespect, he becomes at length a social pest, often a scourge and terror to those nearest and dearest to him. Rvery day we hear of the steady advance of women, and indeed it is time we put oxir shoulder to the wheel with might and main and assert our right to think and act for ourselves. We may be thankful we have till the best and wisest of the opposite sex upon our side, to give us a helping hand and cheer us on. With but few exceptions it is only tho vast mass of second-rate men, of inferior talent, and the morally depraved, who endeavour to bar our progress. A really great man has nothing to fear, bufc much to be thankful for in our advancement.. Eor Burely a sensible, well-informed woman is a more worthy and desirable Friend and companion for him than a weak, ignorant doll. Can nothing be done to stir up our careless, pleasure seeking men to a sense of their duty to us and their country ? We have no desire to enter into any unbecoming rivalry with them. Let them fight the battle of life for us by all means, if they will ; but we will no longer be the patient, submissive slaves of selfish despots, or incapable idlers. How frequently do we see a girl brought up in ease and luxury, and led to believe Bhe will be cared for and protected all her life, because she is " only a helpless woman." Then suddenly she finds herself adrift. Her father is ruined— possibly by gambling or a long course of careless extravagance. To obtain money easily and spend it lavishly, seems to be the and and aim of men of all classes, and thus universal gambling is the order of the day. >feady perserverance and industry are out of fashion. Professional men are not content with thpir modest, hardly-earned incomes, but must invest what sums they cun spare in purchasing small shares in this or that "ompany, which promises a high rate of interest. Disastrous results often follow.

mall investors seem invariably in the end to lose their money, while in somemysterous way a few favoured millionaires are as invariable successful. The lust for gold and the ••ecldess extravagance of all classes must in r.he end undermine the prosperity of the "ountry. A father no longer sees any shame •n unending all he has, and leaving his children unprovided for. He often sees the necessity for starting his boys in tho world, 'mfc the girls are more often left without a profession and withont means. But. thanks ■o better ediicationnl advantages, and a 'ueerative field for their energies, woman nay now manage to provide for themselves, •dwoys supposing they have the will and Hrains.— The Queen.