A PLAN PROPOSED.

The Duty of American Women to Their Country by Catharine Esther Beecher, is part of the HackerNoon Books Series. You can jump to any chapter in this book here. A PLAN PROPOSED.

A PLAN PROPOSED.

It is the object of what follows, to enable every woman, who wishes to do something for the cause of education and her country, to act immediately, before the interest awakened is absorbed by other pursuits.

The thing to be aimed at is, the employment of female talent and benevolence in educating ignorant and neglected American children.

In order to give an idea of what needs to be done, and of what can be done, some facts will be stated of which the writer of this volume has personal knowledge. There are, in all parts of this country, women of education and benevolence, and some of them possessing wealth, who are longing for something to do, which is more worthy of their cultivated energies than the ordinary pursuits of women of leisure. There is a still greater multitude of women of good sense and benevolence, who, if educated, would make admirable teachers, but who now have no resource but the needle and the manufactory. It is melancholy to see, in all mechanical trades where woman’s labour is available, how many thousands are following pursuits, many of them injurious to health and to morals, and none of them qualifying a woman, in any respect, for future domestic duties.

In the schoolroom, or at domestic service, a woman is learning to train children, and to perform domestic duties properly, but in the workshop and manufactory, she follows a monotonous toil, useful neither to body nor mind, often injurious to both, and forming habits and tastes disqualifying her for future domestic duties.

On the other hand, in all parts of our country, especially at the West, there are multitudes of flourishing towns and villages willing and anxious to have good schools, and able and ready to support them, but unwilling to do anything to sustain the miserable apology for teachers within their reach. And still broader regions are to be found, in every direction, not only without good teachers, but in many cases without any desire for schools of any kind. Our two million destitute children are an appalling proof of this destitution and apathy.

Now, there are hundreds and thousands of enterprising, benevolent, and, many of them, well educated women, who would rejoice to go forth as missionary teachers to these destitute children. Such women, by their influence, not only in their schools, but in the village around them, could do almost as much as a missionary, and at far less expense. For a woman needs support only for herself, a man requires support for himself and a family. And there are multitudes of such women, sighing over our destitute country and wishing to be sent forth on such a service, and yet they know of no way to secure the object of their wishes.

In the Catholic Church, a wisdom is shown on this subject, which Protestants as yet have not exhibited. In that Church, if a lady of wealth and family is led to devote herself to benevolent enterprises, a post is immediately found for her as Lady Abbess, or Lady Patroness, or Lady Superior, where she secures the power, consideration, and rank, which even ambition might covet. There is now a Catholic institution in one of our principal western cities, known to the writer, which is superintended by a lady of rank and family from Belgium, and which is only a branch of a still larger institution in Belgium, over which another titled lady presides. And there are several other ladies of family and fortune from Europe, who are spending their time and wealth in gathering American children into the Catholic Church. Meantime, all women of humbler station have places provided, as Nuns or Sisters of Charity, where they can spend their benevolent energies in honoured activity. The clergy, having no families to occupy their time, devote their whole attention to the extension of their faith by schools as well as by planting churches. To these instrumentalities are added the Jesuit establishment in this country, expressly devoted to the interests of education, with the head Jesuit for the West stationed in Cincinnati, to supervise and promote all plans for education. He is a man of winning manners, great policy, untiring industry, and, so far as human eye can see, honestly and sincerely devoted to the cause he has espoused. Under his watchful eye, no energy, or benevolence, or skill is ever lost, but all is husbanded and skilfully directed.

But among Protestants there is no system or organization instituted, thus to secure and employ the benevolent energies of the female sex in the cause of education. If a woman finds it in her heart to turn missionary and go away from her country to instruct the heathen, in most cases, every facility is provided, and public sentiment urges and encourages her efforts, and she knows to whom to apply for support and encouragement. But let a woman become interested in her own country, and earnestly desire to labour for destitute American children, and no such means, or facilities exist as make it suitable, or practicable to undertake. Among Catholics, let a woman of family and fortune talk of going to the West to teach, and she instantly is lauded as a saint; bishops, priests, and Jesuits are at her side to encourage and aid, and honour in life and canonization at death are her sure reward. But let a Protestant woman of wealth and high standing express a wish and intention to go to the West to teach, and it would be regarded by most of her friends and associates as a mark of oddity—a deficiency of good sense. Family friends would oppose, acquaintances would sneer, a few would faintly approve, no individual and no body of men could be found, whose appropriate business it is to aid, and so many obstacles would oppose, that, in most cases, it would really be Quixotic to encounter them. And women in humbler circumstances find almost as insurmountable obstacles; they know of no place where they can go, it is the business of no one to aid them, they know of no one to whom to apply for assistance, and thus it is that hundreds and hundreds of women, abundantly competent to act as missionary teachers, are pining in secret over wasted energies, which they are longing to spend in the most appropriate duty of women, the training of young minds for usefulness and for Heaven. It may be replied, that in the Catholic Church women take vows of celibacy, which alone can enable them thus to act for the cause of education, and that no such efficient action for education can be anticipated from Protestant women, whose religious faith opposes rather than encourages this sequestration from domestic alliances. A few facts will serve to show the fallacy of this impression. A lady of New-England, who for a number of years conducted a large female institution, furnishes this as the result of her experience. During nine years, four hundred teachers went out from this institution. Of these, eighty-eight went to the West and South. At the end of these nine years, of the eighty-eight who went to the West and South, sixty-four (which is more than three fourths) continued as teachers. Twelve of these continued teachers after marriage. During three years of this time, a society connected with this institution was in operation to aid young women in educating themselves to be teachers. This assistance was in the form of a loan, which at no time was to exceed two hundred dollars to any one individual, and this loan was to be returned whenever it was practicable. The society remitted the debt in cases where it was not. Means were also provided for the appropriate protection and location of these teachers. The number who in three years received aid was forty-three, and the sum of $4340,00 was loaned for this purpose. Twenty-four of these, in the space of eight years from the first loans, refunded from their own earnings all that was loaned. Eight refunded in part. The remainder did not refund within the eight years, but all who were not sick or dead were expecting and aiming so to do.

A clergyman, who for a number of years was a travelling agent for one of our benevolent institutions, and who felt an interest in discovering the results of the above effort, stated it as his conviction, that no college in our country had, in the same period, done more for the cause of education and religion in our land than this institution had done by sending forth its female teachers. Many other similar facts could be stated, showing that there is even a greater chance of permanent results in employing a given sum for the education of female teachers, than for the education of young men for the ministry.

The lady who conducted this institution, and furnished these facts, also stated, that at all times the number of those desirous of qualifying themselves for teachers, and who would gladly have obtained loans for this end, was far beyond the means the society could command, while the demands sent on to this institution for teachers, from the South and West, was altogether more than could be supplied; thus showing that there were places demanding teachers, and teachers seeking for places, and no adequate instrumentality in existence for meeting these reciprocal demands. In the Eastern States, it is the testimony of school committees, and others employed in selecting teachers, that crowds of female applicants are constantly turned aside, not because they are not qualified, but because the number of applicants greatly exceeds that of the vacancies.

Another lady, who had conducted a large female institution in New-England, made an attempt to aid women of education and benevolence, who were anxious to act as teachers, and wished for aid in finding a proper location. The failure of health interrupted her efforts, yet, with a very limited inquiry, more than a hundred women of appropriate spirit and qualifications were immediately found, anxious to avail themselves of such aid; while the rumour of such an effort, for two or three years, brought letters to her from all parts of the country, asking assistance, some of them in the most moving terms.

By the census, it appears that the excess of female population in New-England over that of the other sex is more than 14,000. From extensive inquiries and consultation, the writer believes that one fourth of these women would gladly engage as teachers; that a large part are already qualified, and that the others could be fitted for these duties at an average expense of two hundred dollars each.

Another fact will be mentioned to show the waste of female talent and benevolence for want of some organized agency which secures men whose business it is to attend to the interests of education.

A lady, who had conducted a large female institution in New-England, removed to one of the largest western cities, and, in connexion with several other ladies of experience and reputation, established an institution, which they designed, eventually, should become an institution for the preparation and location of female teachers, with a school connected with it, supported by the citizens, which should serve as a model school. It was hoped that, when the teachers had gained public confidence at the West, as they had done at the East, funds would be furnished, both at the East and West, which would enable these ladies to say to hundreds of their countrywomen interested in the effort, “Here is a resort for you, where you may qualify yourselves to be first-rate teachers, and be aided in finding a location in the many flourishing but destitute towns and villages of the West.”

The school was abundantly patronised, and successfully conducted. The ladies then applied for a fund of some $30,000, given for purposes of education, by a gentleman of that city; and not specifically devoted to any particular object. The trustees of this fund voted to devote it to this enterprise, if the citizens would raise $15,000 for a building. The citizens manifested all appropriate interest, so far as kind words and liberal offers were concerned. Two gentlemen subscribed a thousand dollars each, and several five hundred each, and nothing was needed but a person properly qualified, who should devote himself to the enterprise. The ladies conducting the school, with failing health and many cares, could not carry forward such an effort, and no man could be found to devote himself to it. The result was, that the Catholic bishop bought the building occupied by this school for a Catholic female institution. No other suitable building could be hired. The hard times came on, and funds could not be raised to build one; and thus, with tears of bitter disappointment, the school was given up, and the whole enterprise failed, and simply because it was the business of no person to attend to the general interests of education. Had these ladies turned Catholics, bishops, priests, Jesuits, and all their subordinates, would have been devoted to their cause, and rich funds from foreign lands would have been laid at their feet. As it was, in a wealthy and most liberal Protestant city, where four of the largest establishments in its bounds have been purchased for Catholic institutions of education, and two of them for females, a Protestant institution, conducted by four female teachers of established reputation, passed away for want of suitable accommodations. Meantime, in that same city, the agents of various benevolent societies took up liberal contributions for the heathen, for slaves, for drunkards, for sailors, for convicts, for colleges (both in and out of the city), for the education of young men, for the distribution of Bibles and tracts, and for many other objects; because men are supported, by voluntary contribution, to give their whole time to these objects.

There is no just foundation for the remark not unfrequently made, that the Catholic Church contains more self-denying benevolence than other communions, while sisters of charity and nuns are pointed out as illustrations. There are hundreds and thousands of women in this Protestant land, who, without the mistaken principles, possess all the self-denying benevolence which, in Catholic communities, leads to cloistered vows. The writer, after extensive inquiries in almost all the free states, believes it would be far within the bounds of moderation to assert that, if any responsible persons would pledge the pecuniary means and appropriate protection, five hundred benevolent women could be found in less than one month, with all appropriate qualifications for missionary teachers. Some of these are possessed of wealth, and still more command a pleasant home, with all the comforts of competence and the best society; yet they would joyfully encounter the privations of missionary life in efforts to save their country, could any appropriate method be devised.

These allusions to the aid and encouragement offered to benevolent women in the Catholic Church are not designed to be invidious. Whatever class of religionists conscientiously hold, that there is no safety from eternal ruin but in their church, not only Christian benevolence, but common humanity should impel them to all possible efforts, to gather every human being into their communion. And it is feared that Protestants do not always make sufficient allowance for this consideration.

The wrong lamented is, not that Catholics act consistently with their faith, but that Protestants do not offer the same aid and encouragement to benevolent Protestant women, who are so earnest in their desires to devote time and talents, and, in some cases, wealth, to the salvation of the children of our country.

In view of these facts, it is now proposed to attempt to raise means for educating destitute American children, by the agency of women of education and benevolence, who wish to engage in the work; and for supporting at least one gentleman of suitable character and influence, whose time shall be wholly devoted to this enterprise.

The first thing which will be attempted will be to select, from those who are desirous to engage in such a service, a certain number of those who are best qualified by education, energy, discretion, and self-denying benevolence, and who are willing to be stationed, under the protection of some adjacent clergyman, in places where there are neither churches or schools, assured of nothing more than is allowed to home and foreign missionaries, namely, a proper mode of conveyance and location, and a simple support, secured by some responsible persons.

A small beginning will be made, under the supervision of a committee of six gentlemen, one from each of six different Protestant denominations. The following gentlemen have consented to act as such a committee until more permanent arrangements can be made.

• Rev. Dr. Elliot, Cincinnati.

  
  

• Rev. Dr. Lynd, ditto.

  
  

• Rev. James H. Perkins, ditto.

  
  

• Rev. Dr. M’Guffey, ditto.

  
  

• Rev. Dr. Stowe, ditto.

  
  

• Rev. Bishop Smith, Louisville, Kentucky.

  
  

As soon as means are raised sufficient to support a gentleman who shall devote himself to this object, the above committee will endeavour to organize a Board of Managers, consisting of an equal number of gentlemen from each of the principal Protestant denominations, who are resident in different sections of the country, and possess general confidence. This board will then appoint an Executive Committee, Treasurer, and Secretary, to superintend and perform all the business connected with this enterprise, who shall be located either in New-York or Cincinnati.

In order to aid in raising funds for this object, a method is proposed, which will enable every woman who feels an interest in the effort, to contribute, at least a small sum, to promote it.

Two works are now issued by the largest publishing house in the country, which, it is believed, will prove useful and interesting to every American woman. An account of these works and the terms of the contract will be found at the close of this volume. It will be seen that these terms are very favourable, and involve no hazard of loss. These works will be put into the market and be sold at ordinary prices. Half the profits (after paying a moderate compensation to the author for the time and labour of preparing them, the amount to be decided by the above gentlemen) will be devoted to this object, and as the works are of a kind that will always be useful, a large sale would secure both a present and future income.

Any woman, then, who is desirous to aid in promoting this enterprise, can do so by requesting some bookseller in her vicinity to send for these works, and then purchasing them herself and using her influence to induce her friends to do the same. Still more will be effected by securing notices of these works in newspapers and other periodicals.

Should means be obtained sufficient, to secure the services of a suitable gentleman, the following measures are suggested as what might be attempted.

In the first place, an effort could be made to secure committees of ladies, of each denomination, in all our principal cities, who shall agree to act simultaneously, on some uniform plan, and, if need be, keep up a correspondence in order to secure this result. Such committees might exert themselves in one, or all of the following ways:

They could, firstly, aim to secure the aid and co-operation of the conductors of the periodical press, literary, political, and religious. The gentleman who engages in this enterprise, could write, or cause others to write, articles calculated to arouse the public mind in regard to popular education. These articles could be transmitted to all the affiliated committees in every part of our land, and by their influence, be inserted in most of the newspapers, or other periodicals within their reach. Thus a steady and most powerful influence would be brought to bear on the public mind. The people would be aroused, and through the people, the legislatures might be led to energetic and appropriate action. And then, as fast as schools are formed, female teachers will be in demand.

These committees, if it is deemed proper, might also address private letters to clergymen of their several denominations, asking aid and advice. Next to the press, the pulpit is the most effective engine of moral power, and, happily, the clergy of this nation have ever been among the most ardent and active friends of education, and the warm supporters of almost every benevolent enterprise. An appeal to them for aid must secure happy results.

Another method, which such committees could adopt, would be, to make personal appeals, both to ladies of large means and to those, also, of smaller ability, for subscriptions to aid in educating and locating female missionary teachers. Such subscriptions, however, cannot be successfully sought until some body is organized, consisting of gentlemen of various denominations, who possess public confidence, and who shall be properly authorized to receive and appropriate subscriptions.

Another and most important measure could be prosecuted by these committees. At the East, where there is a superabundance of teachers, and of women who could speedily be qualified to teach, such committees could act in selecting the most suitable women of their own denomination to receive the aid provided; and the number might be regulated by the relative amount of subscriptions in each denomination.

At the West, such committees could aid in providing schools for those sent out, a suitable escort, a proper home, and the advice, sympathy, and aid that would be needed by a stranger in a strange land.

Were such committees known to be in existence at the East, they speedily would be addressed by multitudes of intelligent and benevolent women, seeking aid in their efforts to gain opportunities to impart knowledge and salvation to the perishing heathen children in our own land.

Were such committees in existence at the West, and their eyes directed to the desolate regions of ignorance around them, they would soon find their warmest energies enlisted in gathering outcast lambs into the fold of safety, to be trained and guided to heaven.

To impart a more vivid idea of the wants which are to be met, and of one of the first objects to be aimed at, in the efforts proposed, some incidents in the experience of the writer will be narrated.

In a small village, less than thirty miles from one of the largest cities of the West, the writer once stopped to dine. Several children were playing about, when the following conversation took place:

“Is there any school in this place!”

“No, madam; it is a good while since we have had one. Miss L. came and taught here nearly a year; but she went home, and we have had no school since.”

“How many children are there here who would go to a school if there were one?”

“I should think there are as many as forty or fifty.”

“Do you suppose the parents would like to have a school, and would pay the teacher well?”

“Oh, yes! If we could get a good teacher, she would be well paid for her trouble; but none of us know where to get one, and the men folks are too busy to go and look for one.”

“Have you any clergyman in the place?”

“No, madam.”

“Do the people here ever go to any church?”

“Yes, madam; they sometimes go off a good piece to W., where there is preaching sometimes.”

It was in another village of the West, and one as destitute as this, that a young lady from New-England, who came out under the care of a clergyman, stationed herself to rear up a school. She agreed to teach for a small sum, and to board around with the parents of her pupils.

Most of these parents were from the South, where they were unaccustomed to the notions of comfort and thrift which the young lady possessed.

She not only taught the children at school, but, in each family where she boarded, taught the housekeeper how to make good yeast and good bread. She also taught the young women how to cut dresses and how to braid straw for bonnets.

Her instructions in the day-school and in the Sunday-school, and her influence in the families, were unbounded, and almost transforming. No minister, however well qualified, could have wrought such favourable changes in so short a time.

In another case, known to the writer, a young lady went into such a destitute village. There was no church, and no minister of any sect. She taught the children through the week, and also instituted a Sunday-school. In this she conducted religious worship herself. Gradually the mothers came to attend, then the fathers, until, at last, she found herself in the office both of teacher and clergyman. The last portion of her duties she resigned to a minister, who, by her instrumentality, was settled there.

The writer might mention several other similar cases which have come to her knowledge.

There are hundreds of such destitute places in our land, where a prudent, self-denying, and energetic woman might be instrumental in leading a whole community “out of darkness into marvellous light,” and there are hundreds of such women wishing to go to them.

The writer, when returning to the East, has often been met by young friends with such representations as these: “I have nothing to employ my time which satisfies my conscience. I have education, leisure, and means; can you find me a sphere of usefulness which I can reach with propriety? I cannot go off alone; for, even if I thought it proper, my friends would not consent.”

Again, another friend says, “Why cannot you find something for Miss G. to do? She is well educated, rich, benevolent, and really is suffering for want of something to do. She has thought of going on a foreign mission, but surely there is enough for her to do in her own country.”

Yes, surely, there is enough to do in our own country. When will the wise, and the influential, and the benevolent awake to this subject, and devise the proper mode of meeting such wants?

Those who are interested in the project presented in this work by no means assume that this is the best way. They only feel that something ought to be attempted; and that, if this effort does no other good, it may put in train influences that will develop a better way.

The writer of this volume also presents this enterprise, not as the plan of an individual, but as a project devised, by consultation, among many ladies of influence and benevolence, who are interested in securing its success. And if it is effected, it is hoped that it will be by such simultaneous interest and efforts, that no one will be conspicuous, either as originator or leader in the enterprise.

The views presented in this work are those held in common by a large number of intelligent ladies in all parts of our land; and, though one has been selected and requested to write this work, it should be regarded, not as the opinions of an individual, but as a wreath of benevolence, woven, indeed, by one hand, but gathered from many noble and benevolent minds.

The following extracts from letters received from gentlemen of high standing in various parts of our nation, will serve to corroborate the views expressed in the preceding pages:

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