The North Star (Rochester)/1848/01/07/The Anti-Slavery Bazaar at Minerva Hall
THE ANTI-SLAVERY BAZAAR AT MINERVA HALL.
Notwithstanding the "white mantle" with which dame nature greeted the anti-slavery women of Western New York on the morning of the l7th ult., they were at their post in Minerva Hall, ready and willing to aid, by their every effort, the cause of bleeding humanity.
Too much credit cannot be awarded to this noble band of women, who have, during the past months, been engaged "in and out of season," plying the needle and taxing their ingenuity in fabricating saleable articles for the Fair. Their nimble foot have perambulated the highways and by-ways of our good city, in quest of contributions of money and commodities, as the convenience or benevolence of friends could bestow. In some cases their hearts have been made glad by a generous response, (smallest favors being gratefully received,) and in others, alas! cold looks, unyielding purse strings, and repelling voice and actions, have chilled, but, thank God, could not dishearten them; for, with that perseverance so characteristic of woman when engaged on a mission of love, one defeat only served to inspire them with courage for fresh victories.
The distinguished American historian, Bancroft, at a Pilgrim celebration on Plymouth Rock, in a most eloquent tribute, eulogized the women passengers in the May Flower, and though he would not disparage the "courage of Standish, the wisdom of Carver, the enduring prudence of Bradford, yet the highest meed of glory belonged to woman, who, in addition to these noble traits of character, displayed a nobler heroism, and achieved a higher triumph, in conquering, not man only, but winter and the wilderness." So, too, with the anti-slavery women of the present day. Their efforts and sacrifices are far from being appreciated as their merits deserve.
The men have their share of labor and toil, and most willingly do they dedicate themselves to the work; yet the cause does not owe to a single influence more than to the self-denying, self devoted exertions of woman.
This is, indeed, an appropriate sphere for woman; for their sisters at the South are the greatest sufferers by the infernal system of slavery. The very fact that they arc under the absolute control of licentious and profligate owners, furnishes a key by when to unlock those recesses of darkness and vice, to which the Spanish inquisition bore no parallel.
Then let woman be free to carry forward the great work of regenerating public sentiment, by her sewing circles and fairs,—her presence, influence and voice at meetings. Impose upon her no restrictions—clip not the wings of her lofty aspirations for liberty. But let her do for her country and the world what seemeth to her good, and the thanks of millions will yet be to all a reward for well doing.
When the Pretender, Charles Stuart, was flying from his pursuers in the wilds of Scotland, his firmest friends and most devoted adherents were women. To their care and hazardous exertion he often owed his life. The American slave now claims the sympathy of American women. Why should not the anti-slavery women of this republic stand side by side with the daughters of Scottish nobles?
The last day and evening, the 18th, was an auspicious one. The spacious hall was well filled—the ladies all vieing with each other in "ways and means" to induce visitors to "come, buy—come, buy." Two bands, at intervals, discoursed "Liberty Notes." William C. Bloss, Esq., and Frederick Douglass occupied the rostrum to the hearty acceptance of all; and every countenance seemed to indicate a new pledge for future exertions to break the yoke, and redeem America from the shame and sin of slavery. May each heart feel renewed by the scenes and associations at Minerva Hall. In the language of Frederika Bremer—"Who that has striven ardently and labored honestly, has lived in vain, if it be only for a brief morning hour? They may work out no whole, but the spark which proceeds warms and enlightens the night of many a mortal. The work is prepared for others, and this also is good and gratifying. Our little life—how short it is! Let us be useful to each other, and it will be immortal even upon earth."—W. C. N.