Staunton Vindicator

For long, it was the common opinion among the Lords of Creation that women were destitute of the capacity to master the occult sciences, and that the avenues to any attainments beyond the purely ornamental were completely closed against them. Indeed, so fixed had become this sentiment, that even the poor dear darlings themselves were in some degree contaminated by the heresy, and were beginning to think themselves a set of mere grumps. But the history of the present century has dispelled the illusion, and we bow with reverence before the illustrious memory of the author of Corinne, the gifted daughter of Neckar, and offer unbought homage to the names of Blessington and Hemans and Sigourney and Lomax and L. E. L., and a hundred others who have contributed to rescue their sex from the degrading charge of inferiority, under which they had so long and so unjustly suffered.

We do not expect or desire that our women should become statesmen or jurists, but we do wish to see them prepared to take the position, that so well becomes them, of guides and teachers to future Senators.--The energetic efforts of our friends of the Methodist-Episcopal Church, have almost brought to perfection the system of female education. The chemical and philosophical apparatus which they propose to add, during the year, to the already unusual facilities which they now possess, will compare with those of most of the male colleges in the State, and as we learn that the finances of the school are in the most flourishing condition, we take it for granted that no expense will be spared to render everything complete. In testimony of this we will state that the services of Dr. H. Anderson, a graduate of the University of Virginia, and of course a finished scholar, weekly lectures on the important subjects of Physiology and Hygeine. Nor are the politer branches of education neglected in the meantime. Professor Turner will continue to give instruction in Piano music, and sweet sounds generally, but as his attainments are so well known to the public, we will only say that he deserves his reputation. The fact is,that Staunton is, of all places in Virginia, the best suited for female schools. Geographically it is near the centre of the State; the cars,stages and telegraph reach here from all sections; the health of the whole surrounding country is undoubted, and the morality of the population unimpeached.--Added to these numerous advantages, the Methodist school is now being presided over by a gentleman most eminently fitted for the high responsibility, combining all the gentleness of the parent with the figure of the teacher. In short, Mr. Arbogast is a finished scholar and gentleman, and being these, we can ask for nothing more.

"Why should we, who do not own a negro in the world, disquiet our souls about the status and rights of slave property, if those whom it most nearly concerns are willing to compromise it away?"