Art and Handcraft in the Woman's Building
of the World's Columbian Exposition

IN THE WOMAN’S BUILDING. 241 It is with the deepest feeling of joy and pride that I call atten- tion to the influence of our sex in this great evolution. Nearly all the schools for girls are actually placed under the control of female teachers; normal schools for women are amply supported or pro- tected by the national authorities; large and beautiful buildings, that in some cities are true palaces, have been erected for educa- tional purposes; and hundreds of foreign professors are being con- tinually brought from their native countries to the hospitable and promising homes of Spanish America. The majority of female teachers are native girls, who have obtained reliable credentials ; and it can be confidently asserted that there will be in the future no lack or deficiency in the supply of intelligent direction for all public schools. This has been the first authorized step of the Spanish-Ameri- can woman’s career beyond the limits of domestic life. Another important movement, attained by a strength of will and moral courage of which no one unacquainted with Spanish countries can even form an idea, is the admission lately granted to female students to the curriculum of the regular universities. To duly appreciate this success it will be necessary to remember certain circumstances peculiar to several of the Spanish-American countries which formed an almost impassable barrier against so great an innovation. For many generations woman had been regarded in every Spanish community as a being deprived by nature of every condition of mind and character fit for any sober or serious purpose. She could be but a comfort and an ornament in the home of her proud and indolent master. On the other hand, with the exception of legal and military affairs, labor in whatever form was sincerely despised by the nobility, or governing class, of the country. Even such professions as medicine, architecture, and engineering (as it existed at the time) were carried on by individuals of the colored race, and not infrequently by slaves. Contempt for labor had thus become in all classes of society a habit, an instinct, a deeply rooted feeling, that even to this day shows its vitality in spite of foreign intercourse and advanced education. Daily expe- rience, with its eloquent teachings, has to a certain extent under- mined that ancient prejudice. Still, what remains of the old spirit is enough to shake the most resolute courage. It might therefore be said in all truth that the Spanish-Ameri- can woman has carried the position by storm, and she may justly be proud of her new victory. Although in very limited numbers, there are at present lawyers, 16