USA > Illinois > Cook County > Chicago > The Congress of Women : held in the Woman's building, World's Columbian exposition, Chicago, U.S.A., 1893 : with portraits, biographies and addresses > Part 9
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The first Indian woman physician was thus educated, and is now an honored gov- ernment physician and Christian worker among her own people. The achievements of some of these Indian patriots among their own people would read like epics could they be written.
We can here cite but one case: One who followed the wild, free life of an Indian boy-happily remote from vicious rough white borderers-till fourteen years of age, when, hearing from beloved lips the story of the Christ, and being won, he followed his Divine star to an Indian school one hundred and fifty miles distant; finished his course there, entered and graduated from college, achieved a three years' medical education, again graduated with honor, and to the persuasions of white fellow-stu- dents to stay east and get rich he made answer: "Do you suppose that I have studied here seven years to stay and make money? No. I go to help my people." And back to barbarians, to isolation, to hardships, but to noble service, he returned, expos- ing life again and again in the emergencies of his consecrated labor.
In the fifteen years given to work for this race, and in visits to tribes in every state and territory of the Union but three, it has been my happy lot to meet not a few men and women, sometimes in blanket, paint and feathers, who were jewel souls by nature, richly worth the effort of any patriot to save and uplift them into noble man- hood and womanhood; and some of these have by God's grace become jewels in Christ's crown and consecrated workers in His kingdom. Some of them have heard of Him for the first time in dying hours and have said, "Now I am not afraid," and have with the last breath asked the Divine light for their people. Reproaches that can never be forgotten have fallen from some dying lips for a gospel withheld from be- loved ones; from many tribes now come earnest pleadings for schools and for Chris- tian teachers.
Among the many noble endeavors of today, what is nobler than redemptive work among these native Americans, to whom we are under so great and so lasting obliga- tion? There are still needed forty mission stations in order to bring the Divine light to all these native tribes, and the presence and effort of a consecrated pair of friends - and helpers in each tribe would discover the jewels worth polishing; would detect and go far to remedy wrongs among them; would foster all good impulses; would evolve and strengthen manhood and womanhood, and would inspire toward industry, patriotism and Christian living the worthy men and women of the tribe. With forty- four states it should be easy to provide these needed missions; and, rich in mental, moral and spiritual power, it should be easy for American Christian women to finish the solution of the Indian question.
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WOMAN'S SPHERE FROM A WOMAN'S STANDPOINT.
By MRS. LAURA DE FORCE GORDON.
One of the most noted features of the whole woman question is the zeal and persistence with which men of all classes and conditions have from time immemorial been defining and explaining woman's natural sphere. Eloquent divines, grave jurists and profound states- men have all added their quota to the ponderous literature that has accumulated for ages, in which woman's place in nature has been set forth in extenso from a masculine standpoint. The fact that it has been found necessary in each generation for the past six thousand years, more or less, to repeat and reiter- ate this definition of woman's sphere-her legitimate sphere in life-is proof that woman is a most rebel- lious subject, or that men have not yet reached a point where they can successfully locate all women. Those who . are so much concerned about women remaining in a certain sphere which they have been at such pains to define, and so earnest in their appeals and demands that she should accept, ought to learn something from experience. It is becoming more and more evident that women-most of them-are not satisfied to remain in a state of innocuous desuc- tude, or to submissively follow indicated paths along life's highways, for they are continually breaking MRS. LAURA DE FORCE GORDON. over the lines drawn by masculine authorities, and are most unruly subjects. Today there are thousands of women everywhere in open organized rebellion against the social and political despotism which denies woman the right to choose her own vocation, or those who should rule over her. Woman is no longer content to remain a subject. The spirit of "divine unrest" which enwraps the century has her in its embrace.
This persistent effort by one-half the human race to mark out a line of thought, a rule of action, or sphere of life for the other half, and seek to compel adhesion thereto, is such a wanton disregard for the rights of man, so palpable a violation of the inherent principles of justice from which the love of liberty is born, that nature herself rebels against it, and everywhere we find evidences of her emphatic protests by the placing of masculine brains-if power and capacity of intellect is to be the criterion of sex-into feminine craniums.
The rational man evolved from savagery could not estimate worth save by use. This environment made war a necessity, and prowess in arms was his whole standard of merit or superiority. Hence woman, the mother of the race, the builder of the home, was the conservator of peace, and perforce, was relegated to the position of an
Mrs. Laura de Force Gordon was born in Erie County, Pa. Her parents were Abram de Force and Catherine Doolittle Allen de Force, also of Pennsylvania. She was graduated in the public schools of Erie County, Pa., and ('hau- tauqua County, New York. She has traveled extensively in the United States, British Provinces and Mexico. She married Capt. C. H. Gordon, of the 3d R. I. Cavalry, but has been a widow for seventeen years. Her special work has been in advancing the interests of women. Her principal literary works are the "Great Geysers of California," a hand-book for tourists, and the publication of a daily and weekly newspaper. Her profession is attorney at law. She has attained great distinction, both in civil and criminal practice. She was officially engaged in the World's Columbian Exposition as a Juror of Awards. Her postoffice address is Lodi. Cal.
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inferior; but with the advance of civilization, the diffusion of enlightenment, there is no excuse for this relic of barbarism to exist. Starting in the iron age, with the assumption that woman was an inferior, man has found it hard to acknowledge the value of brain power, of intellectual capacity, of inventive genius and artistic skill, unless coupled with brute or physical force. Having assigned woman an inferior place in a lower civilization, all the training, instruction, discipline and education which have since been accorded her have been carefully shaped and permeated by a spirit of authority which would tend to keep her there.
All through the ages there has been a system of repression, suppression and oppression practiced toward women that is incomprehensible. Often the little girl, who dares to express an opinion in opposition to her brother's view of some juvenile sport, is met with the exasperating and insulting reminder of her inferiority, imperiously expressed, "Well, you are a girl. What do you know about it?" Should a girl in the youthful buoyancy of health, and full of latent life and energy, give expression to her exuberant spirits by gymnastic exercises or athletic sports, she suffers a sort of social outlawry, and is stigmatized as a "tomboy," a hoyden, a romp, etc. Even in the family circle, if the conversation is turned upon educational or political topics, in which the young maiden takes great delight, and she ventures a remark or asks a question, she is politely, but none the less insultingly, assured, "Little girls are to be seen and not heard." Under such adverse conditions have women been reared for generations. The repression and suppression of all her natural aspirations toward a healthy, intellectual womanhood have gone on and on, and when the woman ques- tion is under discussion, we are gravely told that woman is by nature wholly unfitted for, and incapable of occupying, a broader or more intellectual field of thought or action. What an outrage to common sense.
Both law and gospel have combined against woman to render her position in life unnatural and subservient. From her first hour of consciousness she has been cau- tioned, repressed, and finally oppressed by invidious distinctions and unjust discrim- inations against her. Up to within a few years colleges and universities have been closed against her; society has sneered at learned women; and if one possessed of inventive genius fashioned a new and useful device, even her nearest male relatives and friends advised her to patent it in the name of some man, as it would not be com- patible with womanly modesty to attain such notoriety as a patent to herself would bring.
Think of the opposition to women entering the ministry and the medical profes- sion, two vocations that one would think the whole world would accord her the right to enter, and hail with delight her administrations in such Divine work. Instead, how- ever, of encouragement, the pioneers in these fields of labor have had to struggle against fearful odds, meeting insult, derision and always the sneers and ridicule of tyrannical public opinion.
In my chosen profession of the law, the statutes of California, as in most states at that time (fifteen years ago), denied women the right of admission to the bar; and after a long and wearying contest with determined and able opponents, we secured an amendment removing the unjust discrimination. The Hastings College of Law, the Law Department of the State University, etc., closed their doors in our faces because we were women. Again, after a long and expensive legal contest, another victory was won for the women of California. But this experience only accentuates the fact that women everywhere have most unequal and disadvantageous opportunities in any given direction.
But some will say, "Those women who have distinguished themselves, who have evidenced great mental capacity, are exceptional cases." We might reply: The number of men who have become noted for their brilliant intellectual attainments are but a fraction compared with the whole number of men in the world. But what a con- trast between the educational facilities and other advantages accorded to men and those that are extended (permitted would better express it) to women. The boy is taught
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that all life can yield is his; that he must aim high; must aspire to greatness. He has the fond encouragement of his parents, friends and society, and the whole world approves his efforts and applauds his success. But the girl-alas! the case is far different.
I have only touched upon some of the innumerable discouragements that the ambitious girl, striving to cultivate and develop the mental or intellectual force with which God has endowed her, has always had to contend; but what chapters, ayc, vol- umes, could be written of the wasted lives, disappointed hopes and blighted ambitions that have fallen to the lot of women through all time. Some may say, "Such has been the sad experience of men also." Yes; but men have failed or fallen in spite of all the encouragement, all the privileges, all the superior advantages and all the aids to success which have been so cordially extended to him, while woman has faltered and failed because of discouragements. If she has succeeded at all in accomplishing anything outside the nursery, the kitchen or church work, it has been as a warrior battling for his rights against fearful odds. Constantly assured that she has not the natural ability or capacity to compete with man in the learned pro- fessions or in scholastic attainments; that she is by the designs of the Almighty wholly unfitted for any work or mission that requires more than the veriest modicum of common sense, and that even to aspire to anything more is to fly in the face of Divinity, as was once said of the invention of the lightning-rod.
The conservative, repressive training of the home has been supplemented and emphasized by the religious teachings of the church. In law she has always been a ward, first of her father, and second and always of her husband. Occupying an inferior place in her family, what wonder that her children have grown up with an idea of woman's weakness. Theology has held her morally responsible for sin in the world, and its partner in authority, the law, has decreed that she should not be trusted to manage her own interests financially, and denied her the right to the cus- tody of her own offspring. Such has been the condition of woman for thousands of years, in the sphere which law and gospel, state and church have assigned to her. But a new era has dawned. She has discovered for herself (what man did long ago) that she has a mind of her own, and that such mind, or brain through which it works, is just as capable of expansion, cultivation and development to the highest degree of intellectual power as if it were perched upon masculine shoulders. She has learned that maternity is something more than a mere physical function, and that motherhood implies responsibilities and duties that only the most intelligent can faithfully per- form, and to have good mothers there must first be wise women. She begins to realize that men who have constituted themselves her protectors, and claim to have legislated in her behaif and the best interests of her children, are not to be unquestionably relied on, and that it is just as well to investigate such claims and look after the interest of her offspring herself. She entertains some doubts about this government deriving its power from the consent of the governed. The woman of today has become a discov- erer! The great Christopher, whom we are all honoring above all men, discovered a new world in the fifteenth century, but behold, a greater than Columbus is here. The woman of the nineteenth century has discovered herself. She has discovered that she has a distinct objective existence. This magnificent building, planned by women, designed by a woman, filled to repletion with woman's handiwork and brain work along all lines of human activity, from the primeval domestic wares of the stone age to that beautiful picture (in the exhibit of Spain) of the first woman lawyer admitted to practice that learned profession in her royal kingdom; all these, and the magnifi- cent work done, and active participation of women in all the wondrous exhibits of this beautiful " White City," demonstrate the fact that henceforth and forever "woman's sphere " in life will be defined and determined by herself alone. Her place in nature, no longer fixed by masculine dogmatism, shall be as broad and multifarious in scope as God shall decree her capacity and ability to accomplish.
. A TALK.
By MISS KATE FIELD.
Mrs. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen: Some weeks ago I received a communi- cation from the Board of Lady Managers. I have a great respect for the American eagle, particularly when it screams for my sex in the gracious person of Mrs. Eagle, the Governor of Arkan- sas, or at least the wife of the Governor. When Mrs. Eagle asked me to appear at some future time in the Woman's Building I replied that if I were in Chicago I should be happy to comply with her request. At the same time, when asked to give the subject of my address, I replied that that would be impossible, and that calling it an address was quite contrary to my desire, as I should depend entirely on inspiration. It is really too hard work to sit down and write a paper. In fact, I think that too many people are now being read to instead of being talked at. The little I have to say is said on the spur of the moment, and if you don't get your money's worth you must remember that I never promised anything.
What am I here for? I came first to deliver a talk before the Press Congress. It so happened that at this talk last Friday night an interesting incident occurred which if it had been planned could not have been better done, as far as dramatic effect is con- MISS KATE FIELD. cerned. I heard Miss Anthony was in the audience, and asking her to come to the platform gave in my adhesion to woman's suffrage. She has labored long for her cause, which is now beginning to be recognized. I said that I never believed in woman's suffrage. I never opposed it, but occupied neutral ground, because I did not believe in universal suffrage. That is highly unpopular, I expect; but I do not believe in it, and as this country is free, I suppose I am entitled to my opinion, however unpopular it may be. Not believing in universal suffrage for men I certainly do not for women. But I have always advocated, and always shall advocate, although I never expect to get it, a restricted suffrage founded on education and character regardless of sex. That is what we can not get; and why? Because of the politicians. It doesn't make the slightest difference which party it is-one is as good and one is as bad as the other.
Only a few days ago I read what a Republican convention did in Louisville. They said that the Republican party needed new blood, and with that I surely agree. Much more important was the proposed revision of the naturalization laws. As we are on this subject of immigration I want to state that if we leave the doors open in the East then we should leave them open in the West; and I don't believe in either. The other day in California I was called upon to address a large assembly made up of
Miss Kate Field is a native of the United States. She was born in St. Louis, Mo. Her parents were Eliza Riddle and Joseph M. Field. As editor of Kate Field's Washington, published in Washington, D. C., she has made a reputa- tion for great brilliancy and executive ability. Miss Field addressed one of the largest audiences that assembled at the Woman's Building Congresses. Her speech, however, was wholly impromptu, and it is regretted that Miss Field-having filled many similar engagements during the Columbian Exposition-was unable to furnish even a brief synopsis for this publication, hence the newspaper report of the address is given. Miss Field's postoffice address is Washington, D. C.
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the middle class-made up of neither rich nor poor. This audience was made up of the better middle class. I said I failed to see the virtue of opening our arms to the scum of Europe and of closing them to the Chinese, who never get drunk, who do their work and don't vote, and ask nothing in return except to live. The audience was so enthusiastic that I thought it would tear the benches up. This most infamous Geary Bill, opposed to every principle of liberty, was the work of politicians.
One of the congressmen who had supported this bill in Washington asked me what I thought of his speech. I said to him: "Do you want to come back to Con- gress?" He said: "No." "Very well," I said, "why don't you tell the truth, for you know that it is a lie." He said: " I don't want to come back, but I want to have the pleasure of refusing the renomination." So in order to get a possible renomination he lied about the whole Chinese race. I do not expect any applause for what I am saying-[applause ]-I dare say Californians here do not agree with me, but if they are women they feel as I do, because they know that without the Chinese servants they will have to do their own work.
But to return to Louisville. I said that the only new departure the Republican party advocated was woman's suffrage. Seeing it is utterly impossible to get a restricted suffrage I said to Miss Anthony last Friday night that from this time forth I should advocate woman's suffrage, because I was tired of being classed with crim- inals, idiots and children, and I did not want politicians to make the laws for me if I could help it. So Miss Anthony came upon the platform and accepted me into the fold.
What am I here for today? I am here not to celebrate myself, but to celebrate the World's Fair. Do you know what this means? It means the dawn of a new cra for woman. For the first time in the history of the world women have been officially recognized in a world's exposition. You have this wonderful Woman's Build- ing, designed by a woman, managed by women, and filled with the work of women; and if you don't take your new departure from 1893, women of America, it is your own fault. You have the chance and you should take advantage of it.
I am here today to endeavor, if possible, to get from this audience expressions of opinion as to the best way to make the World's Fair popular. I am not only an editor of a national review, but I am here as a contributor to one of the leading papers of Chicago. I want to be a friendly critic. I think I fully appreciate the greatness of this Exposition. The idea of criticism of many Eastern writers is the noble art of finding fault. It is not noble; it is ignoble. What I want to do with this fair is to popularize it. Now the question arises: "How shall we do this?" If there are per- sons in this audience who have an idea of what they think would be an advantage to the World's Fair I wish they would get up and speak to me about it. I hear that Dr. Swing is present. Is he here? Evidently not; and I am afraid that not one of you has courage enough to speak. I will tell you what I think.
But just here a woman's voice piped up from a front seat:
" It the railroads would reduce the fare I know hundreds of people who would be here."
Miss Field repeated her remark for the benefit of the audience, and then a Wyoming woman made a remark about the cost of living, on which Miss Field com- mented:
A lady from the splendid State of Wyoming says that a great many people have staid away because of the increase of prices in board and lodging; that rooms which have been renting for $15 to $20 a month now rent for $65 and $70, and even $100 a month. That is too great a profit. I don't think it is fair. We all know that the com- mercial system of today is quick returns and small profits. We should impress upon those charging too much that it would be a great deal better if we had a great many people here and not so much profit on a few. Is there anything else?
A lady from Logansport, Ind .- Keep the fair closed on Sunday.
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Ladies and gentlemen, it is but right that I should be the mouthpiece of the lady from Indiana, but I thoroughly oppose the closing of the fair Sunday.
A lady from Milwaukee-Keep the fair open Sunday.
I do not believe in closing the fair. I think it is a retrograde movement. I came out last Sunday and worshiped here all day, and the sermon I listened to with all my eyes was such a sermon as has not been preached to me out of the Bible in all my life. I looked around and saw well-dressed people conducting themselves in a well-dressed way, and I remembered how many of those people the Sunday before had clamored at the gates and had not been permitted to come in. I also know, what perhaps you may not, where a good many of those same people went afterward. It was not to church. Therefore, as a moral movement, I say that to close the fair Sunday would be most retrograde, and with all my heart, and with all my head, and with all my soul I am going to do everything in my power to keep this fair open Sunday.
It is a matter that does not concern the United States Government. It has no right to dictate on a matter of local right, and I think it will be beaten. Jackson Park belongs to the people, and the people gave the park to the Exposition on the condi- tion that it should be open every day in the week. If vox populi is vox dei, and I fully believe it is, the World's Fair will be open on Sunday from now on until the end of the fair itself.
I think the railroads should reduce their rates. But they have a good argument on their side. They say: "Why should we always be expected to bring down the prices when the hotels are continually raising them?" But there is no use arguing with the public, and it will be money in the pockets of the railroads if transportation is reduced, and we must have it reduced. If everyone of you who knows a railroad man will go to him and buttonhole him and talk to him like a father, I think we can get it. Everyone of us should go out and make everybody else come to the fair, and make everyone a committee of one to advertise the greatest show on earth.
WOMAN, THE NEW FACTOR IN ECONOMICS. By REV. AUGUSTA COOPER BRISTOL.
When a speaker or writer is assigned a theme for elucidation, it is important at the outset to have a clear understanding of the terms of that theme. "He shall be as a god to me who can rightly divide and define," said Plato, and as the world gets older it subscribes more and more to Plato.
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