FRIDAY.,
.SEPTEMBER 17, 1875.
NOTICE,
Agents trill please take notice that it is a
great tax upon us to pay express charges upon
small sums, and they will confer a great favor
by remitting to us through money orders or
registered letters.
THE CAMPAIGN.
The political canvass of the State was
begun on the !Gth1nst.,by the opposing
candidates, at Roseburg, and will be
concluded at Canyon City on the 21st of
October. Mr. Warren's popularity In
creases in a manner suggestive of possi
ble triumph. The friends of Mr. Lane,
realizing that vigorous action is neces
sary to save that gentleman from de
feat, are grinding out through their va
rious organs sounds intended to inspire
the Democratic rank and file with valor.
Mr. Whitney, sometimes in the field
and sometimes out, vibrates in such a
manner as to keep bis few supporters in
a state of tantalizing uncertainty, for
which the beggarly vote he will receive
will be but .a doubtful compensation.
Mr. Dimick George Washington like
his illustrious namesake, being unable
to tell a lie, does not pretend to declare
a belief in his own election, and is mor
ally certain of but two votes that of
Brother Turner and George Washington
D. aforesaid. An exchange thus ac
counts for the dazed and uncertain man
ner of the last-named aspirant to Con
gressional honors:
Jlr. Dimick, the temperance candidate, don't
know where to beginras he can joot find the
anti-temperance candidate, and therefore does
not know just who his opponent Is.
.-The Democrats are active and confi
dent, the Republicans somewhat inert,
the Independents stupid, and. the "tem
perance" men bombastic. The fight is
really between the Republ ican and Dem
ocratic nominees, though perhaps the
other two -candidates may draw enough
votes from the former to insure the elec
tion of the latter, which is all they or
the wire-pullers who placed them in
nomination ever hoped or intended to do.
Colonel Thomas H. Cann informs us
that lie was not a member of the con
vention that nominated Mr. Dimick for
the office of Democratic scape-goat. He
(Mr. C.) was and is opposed to the idea
of running a temperance political can
didate, and so far from aiding or abet
ting the silly programme of the Temper
ance Slar, he is thoroughly disgusted
with it
The Salem Mercury is soon to be is
sued as a daily campaign paper in the
interests of Mr. Iiane.
The Salem Statesman is making a
valiant fight for the election of the Re
publican nominee for Congress.
TheSlate Rights Democrat, of Albany,
is jubilant over the fancied prospects of
a Democratic victory.
THE OART BEFORE THE. HORSE.
A correspondent says: "I am astonished that
the New Northwest does not support Mr.
Dimick. Mrs. Dnniway should certainly know
by this time that it Is only through a temper
ance reformation the cause she advocotes can
be advanced and sustained." Our correspond
ent must remember that the custom-house
pays that $2,000 to her "other" half Just for the
support she gives to the Republican party.
Temperance Star.
With the sagacity common to people
of one idea, this "astonished corre
spondent" has placed the cart before the
horse. The truth is, "Mrs. Duniway
certainly knows that it is only through
the success of the cause she advocates
that the temperance reformation can be
advanced and sustained," and she does
not propose to waste time and energy in
the attempt to uproot a tree by lopping
off its topmost branches. Let Brother
Turner and his "astonished correspond
ents" alone for that. As to the rest, a
man who has so frequently sold out
cheap as has the brother mentioned,
quite naturally looks upon $2,000 as a
big thing to receive in exchange for
principle, and remembering this we
cheerfully forgive his very uncharitable
estimate of our motives.
ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.
"A Grangei;:" Acrostic too late for
this week. Haven't found time to read
it yet, but if suitable will appear next
week.
Mrs. JC. P. W., Colfax: Remittance
received. Let us know when you desire
a change. Thanks for promptness and
good wishes.
Mrs. H. L. Mc., Seattle: Glad to hear
that your health is better. Wrote you
just before yours came to hand concern
ing other matters.
Mrs. J. A. J., Salem: Thanks for your
kindly expressions of regard. Your
view of the case is doubtless correct. It
is said you know that
"A llttlfe nonsense now and then
Is relished by the wisest men."
Mrs. C. M. 3?., San Jose: Will be very
glad to have you act as agent In your
beautiful city. Will send j-ou extra
copies to canvass with if desired. Hope
you received the articles sent you by
express. Wrote you privately concern
mg otner matters a lew days since,
Thanks for your interesting communi
cation.
The editor of the Temperance Slarhns
his pledgo "carefully paetedin his scrap
"book," and doubtless hopes, by keeping
it constantly before him, to benbleto
elect Dimick. If ho would place a to-
bacco pledge beside it, and find grace
sufficient to keep the same inviolate, he
would present a much more respectable
figure as a "temperance" man, while
his exhortations to poor weak brethren
to "control their appetites" would be
much more seemly, to say nothing of
the vastly improved condition and ap
pearance of the spittoons in the office
from whence he sends out a paper advo
cating temperance reform.
The Pendleton' Tridune has tempora
rily suspended. Now Jf .the , editor
wishes to-further favor a lobg suffering
people, let him permanently suspend
himself.
EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE.
Dear Head eus or the New Northwest:
The further details promised last week
in this correspondence crowd upon our
memory as we resume our pencil for the
delightful task of continuing the jot
tings and imaginings of a brief pleasure
excursion, ami leave us uncertain where
to begin. Wo have already lingered
somo time about Victoria, giving per
haps but the faintest idea of its quaint
jxnd striking peculiarities and the
wierd beauty of its surroundings.
A drive In the early morning to Es
quimau, three miles from Victoria, dis
closed a cozy and sheltered harbor, upon
whose placid depths, burnished by the
morning sun, rode proudly at anchor a
mammoth man-of-war, surmounted by
the tri-colors of Great Britain, a silent
menace to her foes a potent auxiliary,
If need be, for the maintenance of her
supremacy over these islands of the
Northern Pacific. The sun, that does
not set upon her vast domains, rises on
no fairer picture than the one here dis
closed of sheltered harbor and stately
vessel; of wooded slopes and sparkling
waters; of varied scenery and peaceful
homes. The location here strikes us as
being far more favorable to the com
mercial interests of a great city than
that of Victoria; but instead, we see a
quiet little hamlet, without pretentions
to metropolitan proportions, and seem
ingly void of life. The drive between
the two locations is exceedingly fine,
over a graveled, well-kept road through
a somewhat lonely district, over which
rocks and woods keep sentinel. An oc
casional way-sido inn peeps from be
hind gnarled oaks, with a name
strongly suggestive of Dickens, the sur
roundings conveying the idea that here
may be procured "home-made brown
bread and home-brewed stunning ale,"
while gilt letters invite the wayfarer to
a game of "Skittles."
Returning to Victoria, wo drive .across
James Bay and view the "government
buildings," several pretentious edifices
built of brick, seemingly new, and gor
geous in colors of bright red and chrome
yellow; then oft and around the fa
mous race-course of Beacon Hill, and
back again to the St. George, a well
kept hotel presided over by Mr. Jacobs,
formerly "mine host" of the St. Charles
in Portland, and who, since his sojourn
in British Columbia, has evidently be
come accustomed to supplying the vora
cious demands of hungry tourists.
We were deterred from an attempt at
smuggling something nice from "furrin
parts" by the pathetic story of a lady
who resides at one of the Sound ports,
which here shall be nameless. The
story.as told us by a friend, whovouched
"'pon honor" for its truth, was that,
wandering about town, thi3 lady was
tempted by the crispness and cheapness
of a lustrous piece, of silk, aud further
by the remembrance of a rusty dress at
home, to purchase material for a new
one that should excite the envy of all
beholders. To elude the vigilance of the
inspector, she, though heretofore scorn
ing to disfigure herself in such a man
ner, determined to take advantage of the
prevailing style, and so suspended her
purchase upon a cord and tied the same
around her waist, making thus a "bus
tle" enormous enough to satisfy the
most extravagant demands of fashion.
All would doubtless have gone well, had
not the fabric been so crisp and smooth;
as it was, oue end became loose, and
slipping from its moorings, trailed
upon the deck, and was trodden upon by
the ruthless inspector; the treacherous
string proved unfaithful to its trust, and
twenty-five yards of silk fell with a rus
tle at his feet and were borncaway in
triumph. All the stories of successful
smuggling that were related to us could
not quite counteract the influence of
this one, so we hurried by the shop
windows with scarcely a glance at their
tempting display, and were soon again
on board the "North Pacific," retracing
our way across the Straits of Fuca.
The various Sound ports were in due
time reached and left in the blue and
hazy distance, and nightfall found us at
Seattle, whero we proposed to spend
few days in the society of relatives and
friends. This city, the city, so far as
business is concerned, of Puget Sound,
presents from the bay a most attractive
appearance, and from the dome of the
Territorial University one scarcely
less commanding and lovely. It has an
air of nowuess about it which makes it
seem rather unhome-like; but its
wharves crowded with shipping, and its
business streets swarming with life,
cause it to present a brisk and thrifty
appearance, quite In contrast to other
cities of this inland sea. Some idea of
the present growth of the city may be
formed from the fact that 35,000 feet of
lumber are daily required to supply the
home demand.
In mentioning the activity discerni
ble, we must not omit to note the noisy
breath and shrill whistle of the engine
that conveys the long trains of sooty,
grimy cars, laden with the wealth'of
Seattle coal-fields, from its native bed
to the huge vessels that lie in wait to
convey it to other ports.
Ready for any jaunt that promised
pleasure or contributed to our insatiable
desire to see, we, in company with a
friend, who kindly and most acceptably
acted as pilot, 'Secured a seat upon the
breezy, jaunty little engine, (at least wo
cot a seat and he found standing-room,
while it flew over tho narrow track to
Lake Union, a beautiful body of clear,
fresh water about three miles in length
that nestles In a cup-like hollow of tbe
hills a mile to the northward of Seattle,
Procuring a boat, we enjoyed for an
hour a row across the depths of these
enchanted waters, now gliding along
in the shadows which' the heavily
wooded western shore threw between
the half of the lake and the declining
sun again drawing near the margin In
quest of water-lilies, and catkins "shod
with down," which thrust their brown
spikes from beds of tangled flag,
or landing at the extreme northern bor
der to gather fragrant pennyroyal, and
listen to the gurgling sounds of waters'
which seemed struggling through an
outlet which wo peered in vain into the
dense undergrowth to discover. The
golden glories of sunset were upon one
band, tho quiet shadows of evening upon
the other, as we retraced our way over
the lake tho regular dip, dip, dip of tho
oars falling with sound not inharmoni
ous, and sooir bringing us to tbe point of
embarkation. -The pleasant walk over
the track whence the coal engine had so
speedily borne us was soon terminated,
and after discussing plans for a fishing
excursion on the bay for the morrow, we
retired to dream of Lake Union.
The pages at our side as before, warn
us fo stay our pencil, and compel us to
reserve until another week, mention of
further incidents and observations of
our homeward journey. C. A. C.
Seattle, September 1.
EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE.
Dear Readers op the New Northwest:
Again, after a brief sojourn within
the happy shades of our Portland home;
we find ourself upon the wing. The
glorious, bracing autumn air, cleared of
smoke and dust by the blessed rain-tears
of departing summer, mirrors the
changing landscapes of the Willamette
Valley in vivid loveliness upon our vis
ion, as the east-side train conveys us
Salemward. Vast grain fields, shorn of
their wealth of golden cereals, gaze at
us In lazy restfulness, while occasion
ally here and there we see an enclosure
over which tho standing over-ripened
wheat droops languidly, as if upbraid
ing the tardy reaper for which it waits.
Long lines of freight wagons, their
course defined by clouds of flying dust,
are converging at tbe various depots
from their ablding.-placo in the distant
foothills; stalwart men aud cadaverous,
tobacco-weakened ones, sit a-top of the
wagons, holding well in hand the well
kept teams that move their wealth-pro
ducing loads, while interminable
lengths of winding freight-cars thunder
along the railroad line, dragging their
snaky forms behind the snorting loco
motives, which, with head erect and eye
aflame, disturb the waiting kine that
chew the cud of sweet contentment on
on the massive track.
A company of immigrants occupy one
side of the over-full passenger coach.
They are just out of tbe steerage cabin
of the ocean steamer, and look the per
sonification of a forlorn hope. They
complain bitterly of the steerage accom
modations and tbe high price of cabin
passage which compels them to accept
the former. But a little fresh air re
vives tueir spirits wonderfully, and
finding that, travel-soiled as they are,
we are not afraid to chat with them,
they ask ail sorts of questions about tbe
country and its resources.
The time is thus beguiled till Salem,
city of churches, appears upon the scene,
and we are soon bowling away toward
the home of our good friends, the
Meacbams, where the pilgrim is made
welcome by loving hearts and bands
and voices.
Wo found Mr. Meacham's new book,
'Wigwam and Warpath," to be a Sa
lem sensation to which tbe advent'of
General Sheridan was no comparison
Miss Nellie Meacham had thoroughly
canvassed the town with gratifying re
sults, many scores of citizens becoming
her well-pleased patrons. This bright,
intelligent and modest little canvasser
is sdon to make her appearance in Port
land, where we are sure she will be wel
corned and patronized by hundreds of
our liberal-minded citizens. Of the
merits or demerits of tho book we can
not now speak In detail, but will try to
thoroughly read and review it soon. Its
rapid sale is its surest recommendation,
however, and we do not hesitate to urge
everybody to possess a copy.
Salem is leisurely jogging along in
her old fashion, getting ready for her
annual harvest at the State Fair, pay
ing her way as she goes, and retaining
her deserved reputation for intelligence
and thrift. A sad case of scandal mars
the morals of tbe place just now, bring
ing only another evidence that women
are never protected, against themselves,
by men.
In the case alluded to there is a lesson
taught which all men would do well to
heed. Nearly twenty years ago a man
of forty abducted and married a child of
fourteen. Taking her by stealth from
the fond embrace of her anguish-rent
parents, he tried to atone as best he
might for the great wrong through
many years of devotion to the child-
wife and their growing family. But the
laws of nature were outraged by the
premature marriage of the child, aud
retribution came. The perverted child
grew to perverted womanhood and it
is the old, old story became unfaithful,
Now she is an outcast from society, her
family is broken up, her children are
motherless, and she, poor creature,
more deserving of pity than censure, is
adrift upon tho breakers, going God
only knows where. The Statesman of
this (Saturday) morning contains one of
the most sorrowful t chapters of life
tragedy (a letter from her pen), that we
have ever known. The stricken hus
band, with motives only meant to be
good, publishes tho letter and the
woman's name, thus revealing a confes
sion 6f her shame to the world that will
follow her everywhere, while around
him are the men, equally guilty, who
bid open, unblushing defiance to social
laws, to whom may bo traced her down
fall. We here insert the letter, omit
ting names, as we wish the dishonored
husband had done. We publish it be
cause of the sad, warning lesson It
gives and the eloquent appeal it uncon
sciously makes to woman's forbearanc
and sympathy.
St. Charles Hotel, Portland, Sept. 9,
Dear aud by Dear Children : Oh
bow bad I do feel, now that the time comes for
me to go away; but I will go and be, a good
woman, and I pray God that we may all meet
and be happy yet. I will do everything I can
to bring It around. Take good care of the coil'
'dren they are never out of my mind. . I think
of them all the time, and I pray that they may
not come to any barm till I meet them again
Oh! how I wish Iconic! be placed back one year
ago dow different I would have done. I know
I have done wrong; I beg your forgiveness. Oh !
N ,do bo a good girl, and do not follow in
your mother's footsteps, for she has done wrong.
Let tho men alone, for thero is no dependence
to be put in any of them. I would rather see
you all nuns than do as I have done. It will
blast my life, and I pray God that It will be a
short one. And to think ot the trouble I have
caused that dear husband may I be forgiven
In the next world, if not In this. I feel like a
homeless, houseless wanderer oh tlm face of the
earth, without a friend tocarejwhethertfajlpr
die. O, God j why wos.lt t I feel .so miserable
when I think of tbfftroublelhave caused; but,
little Georgia, Angle, Mellle, Mina, papa.I will
never forget you ail, but will lead a good life for
your sakes; do not rorget your mother, for
she loves you all as well as ever, and will never
forget you, no .difference wherever she may
roam. If Ann does not receive, me this may be
the last you will hear from me. I will be a
stranger In a strange city.no friend in the wide
world; so,- darling ones, good-bye till I write
again. I will write from Astoria if I can get a
letter off. May God bless you all and keep yon
all till we meet again! I send back all a kiss
and tears from your bad mother and untrue
wife.
Verily, "let him who is without sin
cast the first stone" at her.
Saturday evening's train brought us
to Jefferson, too late to fill a lecture en
gagement for that evening, but dear
mother Roland made us welcome in her
little home-nest, where we rested from
our labors through the quiet autumn
Sabbath, meeting a goodly multitude in
evening at the Protestant Methodist
Church, Mr. Longsworth pastor, where
wo discoursed upon the temperance
problem, and where we are to speak to
night (Monday) by request of citizens,
upon "A Week in Salt Lake City.""
This little town, upon the banks of
tbe classic Santiam, is improving
rapidly in its business prospects this
season. Two new ware-nouses, of Im
mense proportions, are being builded,
and a number of new dwellings are
anxiously hoped for by immigrants who
desire to locate here.
This evening, after the lecture, the
citizens are invited to untye with us in
a discussion upon the woman question.
From here we are to go to Junction on
Tuesday, and from thence to Roseburg,
on our way to Marsbfield and Empire
City. A. J. D.
Jefferson, September lo.
LETTER FROM SAN JOSE. "
To the Editor ofthe New Northwest:
When last I wrote you from my
home in Salem I did not dream of
changing my place of residence so soon,
tearing myself from the many friends
whom I had learned to love so dearly,
andtakingup my abode among stran
gersthough the hospitable cbaracterof
the people surrounding me scarcely ren
ders the word applicable.
San Jose is an Eden of loveliness. Its
wide thoroughfares, beautiful parks,
magnificent school-buildings, large
banking-houses, fine residences and
costly churches form an attraction well
worthy its twenty thousand enterprising
population.
I havo taken my first drive through
the city, and havo formed the acquaint
anco of Hon. J. J. Owen, editor of the
Mercury, a gentleman in fact, a writer
of much ability, and a strong Woman
Suffragist, which last assertion is proof
positive of tho first..
I havo had the pleasure of meeting
with the Santa Clara Woman Suffrage
Association, which convened at the ele
gant home of the President, Mrs. S. L.
Knox. I could but observe the fine, in
tellectual face3 of these zealous Suffra
gists, and listened with genuine pride
and pleasure to tbe broad, liberal views
and high moral tono of their delibera
tlon.
Mrs. Knox is a widow of command
ing personal appearance, an abundance
of bank stock, and a wealth of that
much-to-be-deslred but seldom-found
commodity, common sense, which she
displayed at the polls on last Wednes
day by protesting against "taxation
without representation."
"A protest against beingdisfranchised
on account of sex," signed by a number
of the tax-paying ladies of this county,
was presented at tho polling-place, but
not having yet been made citizens of the
United States, their petition was re
jected, and the unrepresented "tax
payers" of this so-called "Republic"
must continue to pay taxes for the sup
port of a government which claims to
derive Its "just powers from the consent
of the governed." Tim Wong,
Chinese resident of the town of Monte
rey, cast a Celestial" vote for Phelps
upon tbe same day. But then Tim was
born and raised in tbe State (so the pa
pers say), speaks Spanish and English
fluently, and, crowning virtue, is of the
masculine persuasion. This is tbe first
case on record, and should be the' last,
while woman, clothed with wisdom and
armed with justice, stands knocking at
the doors of political dogmas, petition-
iriir for "redress in the most humble
terms."
But I mu3t not forget that through
this correspondence I am endeavoring
to condense many promises made "to
write," and that the noble few who are
yet unconverted to the gospel of human
liberty, though strong upon the tern
perance question, may think it a tres
pass upon their time should I descant
farther upon the great issue on which
all other reforms depend,.so I "will leave
its discussion for abler pens, and far bet
ter-natured minds.
August 13th, on board tbe "John L.
Stephens," I found myself seated on the
"upper deck," pencil in hand, endeavor
ing to write in my "journal" what
could not find language to express. The
dear old word "Good-bye" had bsen
spoken, the great steamship was head
ing slowly down the Willamette, the
wavins of hats and handkerchiefs from
the wharf reminding U3 still more that
wo were leavine Orecon, and with it
mnnv nleasant associations wo had
.
learned to cherish fondly.
Almost four- years since I left my
childhood's home, and after a fortnight'
detention In the snow blockade (a
serious' detention to 'us, but one upon
which the plb'neersfbf' Oregon would
smile), I first set foot upon your friendly
shores. The cordial welcome I received,
the pleasant associations I have en-
oyed, and the memory of refreshing
times spent with tho temperance work
ers, nil me with proud satisfaction.
Quite a number of our acquaintances
from Salem and other points up tbe val
ley were on board, who joined in pleas
ant conversation in cabin or on deck,
tho general topics being the Woman
Suffrage movement and the-Jbrtheqm-
ing election.
At eight o'clock in the evening we
halted at Hume's fishery for' tho pur
pose of taking on canned salmon.
Feeling tho need of rest, I sought out
my little regiment of boys and girls and
retired for tbe night. Awoke at six tbe
next morning, to find we were far down
the Columbia, about to halt at another
fishery, the name of which I have for
gotten. A few miles farther down we
topped at Hume's fishery No. 2. We
were delighted with an invitation from
Captain Connor to "go ashore." Quite
number of the ladies availed them
selves of the opportunity.
Here we were somewhat astonished
to meet Charlie Campbell, brother of
our excellent friend and co-worker,
Mrs. McCaslin, of Salem. Charlie has
much improved in health and spirits',
and is engaged In superintending mat
ters about the fishery generally.
After having seen the sights of a
salmon fishery, we strolled up the out
side and back into tho rrreat kitchen.
superintended by an oleaginous knight of
the dish-cloth, and again went onboard,
Astoria-bound, arriving there about one
p. at. Again we were indebted to Can
tain Connor's gallantry for a stroll of
half an hour through the principal
street. Nothing of marked interest
claimed our attention, if we omit those
huge fishes so eloquently described by
Mrs. D. in her correspondence a few
weeks since. The sounding of the gun
reminded us of the necessity of being
'on time," and we hastily retraced our
steps, and with a feeling of sadness
shook the dust of Oregon from our feet,
and "trusted our bark to tho billows of
ocean."
From Portland to Astoria our list of
passengers gradually augmented. Most
of them were1 ladies and gentlemen
from Oakland and San Francisco, seek'
ing upon the beach and away from the
close, hot city an exhilarating sense of
emancipation from all sorts of cares and
responsibilities.
We were among tho honored guests
at Captain Connor's table and were
waited upon in royal style. We were
favored with many pleasant introduc
tions, among them one to Professor
Townsend, of Boston University, out
on a geological tour, and Mrs. Brewer,
of Oakland, Cal., niece of Ex-Governor
Abernetby, of Oregon, who had been
visiting her father, C. S. Abernetby,
near Eureka fishery.
We crossed tho bar about 9 o'clock,
The moon shone brightly. The stately
heave and swell of the ocean's bosom
presented a grand sweep of regular ele
vations and depressions. To tho right
of us one limitless expanse of billowy
ocean, to tho left the tall pine trees,
gazing out upon the sea in mute adrai
ration.
Long ere this time many passengers
had sought their berths from actual ne
cessity, while not a few lingered in the
cabin and on deck. Among these was
our excellent friend and "fellow-travel
er," Mrs. C. K. Brown, of San Francis
co, who had been spending somo weeks
in Oregon visiting relatives in East
Portland and Canemah. This dear old
lady, known by all her friends and ac
quiintauces as "Auntie Brown," is
most delightful traveling companion; is
well versed in ancient as well as modern
literature; abounds in quotations and
native wit; is, in fact, one of those who
have "kept age as an outward thing."
Some one, unmindful of etiquette, inter
rogated her relative to her age, and was
proudly Informed that she was "past
seventy, and expected to live long
enough yet to vote." I devoutly hope
that her words, though perhaps spoken
in jest, may be realized, and that she
may not pass to the inheritance. of
"everlasting youth" until tho "good
time, coming" has truly come, and men
and women will ''meet upon the level
and part upon the square."
Hoping that my lengthy letter has
not trespassed too largely upon your
space, I remain,
Yours in hope of freedom,
Carrie M. Foivtz.
San Jose, Cal., September C, 1875.
SOMETHING ABOUT DIY0R0ES.
TO TnEEDITOK OF TOE NEW NORTHWEST:
Taking up a lato number of tbe Chi
cago Times, ray- attention was arrested
by the decision given in one of our noted
divorce cases. Now, in general, I dis
like the subject of divorces, and dislike
to hear of them; for nothing in my eye3
can be so sacred and binding as the sweet
and solemn marriage vows. Yet, as men
are not always perfect, and women, we
are sorry to own, sometimes conduct
themselves most unseemly, the Gordian
knot must now and then be severed. In
this particular case, which is similar to
hundreds of others, it seems that Mr. B,
sued for a bill of. divorcement upon
charge that Mrs. B. was untrue to the
marriage vow. He obtained the bill by
the aid of doubtful witnesses, and Mrs,
B. was thereby deprived of all right or
dower In the property of which she was
possescd. Shades of. departed Justice
What a law it is that gives man tbe
privilege, if he desires to be rid of his
wife, and is too mean to willingly divide
their property, -of reducing ber to beg
gary if he can but ruin her character !
This law is not only unjust, but un
mercnui; ana ii an our laws were
founded upon tho same principle,
who could feel that he had a firm hold
upon his hard earnings? Only those
who never depart from the straight path
of rectitude. In the majority of cases.
the property has been acquired, by. the
united efforts of both hnsbandand wife,
and a part of it is rightfully the woman's:
yet, if "it can be proven that she has
sinned, then she can be turned from her
home penniless- It is not recognized "as
correct principle that departure from
virtue invalidates a luiau's claim to that
which he rightly possesses, nor could
any proof that he has beeu living an im
pure life prevent him from obtaining
that wheh otherwise could be his. Then
why cast such a ponderous stone at a
woman's. Awoman'sdowerishernVif,
but the most "discreet woman could
scarcely .obtain it, if an unprincipled
husband wished to deprive her of it.
Still, wo would not bo disposed to
grumble so badly, though it is a cruel
and oppressive law, if it were not so en
tirely one-sided. Whoever heard of a
man being-reduced to indigence because
is wife no longer wished to live with
him on account of his incontinence?
Truly, "Consistency thou art a jewel"
of the first water. Madge Bright.
STATE TEACHERS ' INSTITUTE.
To the Editor op the New Northwest :
Thinking that a brief account of the
doings of the State Teachers' Institute
which met at Salem, September 1st, 2d,
and 3d, might not be uninteresting to
your readers, I venture to offer you a
synopsis of the proceedings, begging
that you will pardon me if I become te
dious.
On the last day of August, myself, in
company with half a dozen fellow-teachers
from Washington county, taking
advantage of the half-fare rates, left the
intermediate stations of tbe west side,
and in the evening took the express for
Salem from East Portland.
We reached tbe Capital about dusk,
and, after taking rooms at the Chemek
eta, and making ourselves happy with
a comfortable supper, retired to dream
of tbe pleasures awaiting us in the next
few days, to come.
The morning. session met at 10:30 A.
M. in the Legislative Hall; called to or
der by State Supt. Rowland. After de
votional exercises, the Institute pro
ceeded to organization, which resulted
n the election of D. M. C. Gault of
Hillsboro as President, Mrs. Morso of
Columbia county as Vice President, Rev.
L. J. Powell of Willamette University
as Secretary, and Miss Clara Watt as
Assistant Secretary.
After the appointment of various com
mittees, the Institute adjourned until
1:30 P. M., at which time it was prompt
ly called to order by the President. Op
portunity being given for enrollment of
names, about one hundred were signed
as teachers, to which about fifty were
added during the next two days. Mr.
Stevenson ably discussed the subject of
'Percentage and Interest," and was fol
lowed by E. P.. SmitU anil others.
The Analysis of Sentences and
Phrases" was introduced by Prof. A.
G. Morris; and Professors Meachen,
Johnson, Powell, Simpson, King, Gregg
and others, took part in the discussion
which followed. A resolution was read
and adopted upon the death of the chil
dren of Professor Crawford, of Willam-
mette University. An essay upon "Cas
tle Building," by Miss Ella Scott, of
Forest Grove, was listened to with
marked attention. Fine music, nnder
tbe leadership of Dr. Hall, was inter
spersed with tho other exercises. Rev.
Joseph Emery, critic for the day, gave
a good report.
The Salem Brass Band opened the
evening's entertainment with a fine se
lection. " Professor L. J. Powell, of Sa
lem, then delivered tho welcoming ad
dress", which was certainly very fine,
both in subject matter and manner of
expression. Mr. Bilyeu, ot Linn, ro-
spondedin an able manner. After music,
Rev. Mr. Bailey, of McMInnville, deliv
eredan earnest and instructive lecture on
The Teacher;" an address filled with
practlcalsuggestions. Rev. T.F. Camp
bell, of Monmouth, followed with an
able lecture on tho "Noun," delivered
in his forcible pleasing manner. The
evening's exercices closed with a
vocal solo, by Miss Barker.
The morning session of the second
day was opened by prayer by Rev. Mr.
Bishop, of Brownsville. A little pleas
antry arose as to the title of "Professor,"
some deeming it impolite to give it to
gentlemen teachers, to tho exclusion of
ladies; and really, the point seemed
well taken. Miss Hodgdon, of Portland
High School, opened tho subject of
'Fractions," in a clear, concise manner,
and Messrs. Smith, Emery, Crook,
Simpson, Johnson and Sellwood took
part in tbe discussion which followed.
A poem by Mrs. Calbreatb, of West
Chehalem, was read in a pleasing man
ner by Mis3 Dora Henshaw, of Forest
Grove; the subject was "Oregon .Sun
rise." After the usual openingexercises,Rev.
Mr. Bishop, of Brownsville, opened the
subject of "Constitutional Government
in Schools," in his humorous but deci
sive and logical style. Governor Gra
ver continued the subject, and was much
applauded; but whether it was because
he was Governor, or because of some pe
culiar merit in his speech, I cannot say.
The question whether moral instruc
tion should be a stated exercise, or only
incidentally introduced in our schools,
brought up much interesting discussion;
Mr. Smith principal on affirmative, Mr.
Patton on the negative.
Professor jt W. Johnson, of Port
land High School, ably discoursed upon
tho subject of "Irregular Verbs."
After a solo sung in a beautiful man
ner by Misa Cox, Miss Ella Sabin read
an excellent paper on 'iGeogragby and
Map-drawing," and was followed by Mr.
Knieht and others upon the same
subject.
Miss Ellen Luelling, of Hillsboro, read
a beautifully written essay upon "Life's
Work."
Tho subiect of "Penmanship" was
brought forward by Mr. Crooke, and
Mr. King and others each presented
their peculiar ways of teaching.it.
The evening session wps opened by a
fine instrumental' duet,wuich was fol
lowed by a lecture by Professor Ander-
son, of Jt'ortianu central ocnooi, upmi
tho subject, "Three Days in. California
Public Schools," which was furl of in
terest and valuable suggestions f.r
. . ri i -
teachers.
The Vice President then read one
Charles Dickens' beautiful poems.
Rev. T. Condon; of Forest Grove, en
tertained the audience in his usual In
structive and interesting manner upon
tho subject," Working Forces of tho
School-room Normal and Abnormal."
This lecture was one of the finest things
of the whole session rK
J. R. Buff , critiQ for.the day", fayored(?
the audience with 'a report whicii ho
was an hour in delivering, and in which
he said absolutely nothing that a critic
should have said, or indeed any one else
who pretended to be a gentleman.
The morning session of the last day
was opened by prayer by Dr. Atkinson;
and after a little special business, D. V.
S. Reid, of Albany, spoke upon the sub
ject, "Fundamental Rules of Arithme
tic," .and. Mr. Condon, Mrs. Adair and
others participated iu'the discussion
resulting.
P. S. Knight, of Salem, entertained
the Institute in an acceptable manner
for some time on the subject, "Object
Teaching," illustrating his favorite sci
ence, prnithology.
A discussion upon "Physical Culture
being taught in Schools," was ably "
discussed at some length, and was fol
lowed by a well-written and well-read
essay by Miss. Spaulding, of Portland,
upon the subject, "What Constitutes a
Good Recitation ?"
The afternoon session opened by a rec
itation by .Miss. Carpenter, of Salem,
which was beautifully giveu.
The President . read a well prepared
paper upon "Moods of the Verb," and
some discussion rose .among the mem
bers from tho position he took, Mrs.
Cooke speaking on the subject.
J. T. Gregg, of Salem Public Schools,
read a paper on "School Government,"
fnil of good and practical ideas.
The principal features of the evening
session, were a lecture oy i'roiessor
Warren, of Albany, upon tho subject
"What Next"," and by Rev. J. Emery,
of Corvallis, upon "Moral Culture."
Both were finely written and well
delivered.
After a beautiful anthem, "Wake the
Song of Jubilee," and a little more final
business, the Institute adjourned to the
Cbemcketa, where - social iutercourso
and a good supper claimed the attention
of the guests until a late hour.
Altogether, the Institute was.a grand
success; was well attended by the citi
zens of Salem and other towns, and all
seemed to enjoy themselves.
I apprehend the last delegation would
feel a littlo blue', if it could hear the:
opinion so freely expressed by all the
members and others of the Institute,,
that said Institute was tho most intel
ligent body that ever had met1 or ever
would meet in the Legislative Hall at
Salem. I firmly believe the assertion,
however startling, and only feel sorry
that we as a body did not adopt a resolu
tion to that effect. Number Two.
Forest Grove, September C, 1875.
LETTER PROM SALEM.
To tub; Editor op the New Northwest;
I find, the following extraordfnary
item of congratulation in the local col
umns of the Portland Bulletin of recent
date:
Mr. Tom Johnson, ex-firoman of Columbian
Engine Company No. 3, in this city, but now a.
resident of San Francisco, has threo several
times been made a father, but lo! each time It
was a daughter. He bore up against these af
flictions very' manfully, notwithstanding tho
fact that he was very desirous of. having an
neir. and now the tact reaches us Dyieicgrapu
that his fondest anticipations have "been real
ized, and that he is now the- papa of a fino
young son. ills cup of happiness is full to the
brim, and feeling confident that his quondam
friends will rejoice with him, ho hastens to ap
prise them of the news by telegraph.
From time immemorial, if we are to
believe the records, sacred and profane,
that have come down to us from that
dim, far-distant, shadowy time, woman
has by man been looked upon as a being
created chiefly to pander to man's tastes
and pleasures, and to obey his behests.
And though each recognized tho fact
that woman was for these reasons a very
necessary partin the economy of nature,
yet do tho fathers of daughters almost
universally deploro their advent, and
support tho bitter disappointment of
their Sex only by being upheld by sym
pathy and condolence. How, indeed,
could one help but pity the poor, heir
less father, whose expectant ears had
"several times" been greeted with the
birth-wall of "only a daughter."
Custom has decreed that noue but
sons can transmit the famous name of
"Tom Johnson" to his posterity, hence
if sons perversely fail to bo born, or be
ing born, are so inconsiderate a3 to die,
the name of "Tom Johnson" would per
chance forever to earth be lost.. Tho
birth of his daughters is regarded in.tbe
light of a grievous affliction, which, for
the dignity of his manhood, it is
thought necessary to proclaim that ho
"bore up under manfully." Had death
claimed them at their birth, it is possi
ble a welcome funeral would havo been
given them, and the "affliction" have
been considered remarkably light, but
that girls should ''several times',' usurp
the place that was waiting for tho son
and "heir" was an "affliction" requir
ing extra effort "to bear up under."
"Tom Johnson" is in this particular
not an isolated specimen of fatherhoqd.
No. He receives the earnest sympathy
of a multitude of fathers who regard the
birth of daughters as an affliction, the
birth of sons with pride. Had- fathers
now tho same kind of regard for their
daughters that they have for'their sons,
tho former would bo equal lieirs with
tho latter in alUbings. . .
Hoping. that Mafllicted Torn Johnsons"
in every locality may be enabled by com
mon sense and right and justice to bear
up "manfully" under their&afj.lictions in
future, l am ai ever yours, ; .
Mrs. J. A. Johns.
Salem, September 5, 1875,