Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 46.djvu/644

626 developed too; but oh! the spirit indicated by that title. That the mother, as a member of society and the guide of future generations, can do more than any other woman to meet these dangers and counteract them, is the conviction which I believe will be born of a just valuation of her powers. In considering the growth of opportunity for women, it is natural that we should give special attention to the needs of our daughters and to the development of which they are capable. But our sons are no less important "seed fields." Even viewing woman's higher development as it affects herself individually, there is need for an influence upon the man of the future, which will awaken in him a spirit of helpful sympathy with the earnest woman who is trying to dignify and broaden her life and work. And considering this increasing earnestness in woman in its wide-reaching effect upon all mankind, it is evident that, without a kindly fellowship and encouragement from men, which will make the working together possible, the future will not bring the great results which are hoped for. Would it not be well to infuse some of this spirit into our sons while their natures are still plastic material?

In writing recently of woman's work. Miss Agnes Repplier said with admirable force, "Now as in the past character is the base upon which all true advancement rests secure," a truth which must commend itself especially to every conscientious mother. It is through a better physical and mental development, it is true, but mainly through them as leading up to a growth in character, that we must look for the best results. If there is to be a "new woman," let us have her by evolution, not revolution.

Let us free our daughters from the unwholesome physical restraints which unnecessary conventionalities would impose, and educate them as human beings, with all ordinary possibilities latent, besides those womanly qualities which set them apart. Let us cultivate in them all that is strongest and most forceful, all that is sweetest and best and most womanly; and then, with the realization that neither marriage nor a career is the essential, "the destined end," there will come to them a growth in strength and goodness which will enable them to do any work in life better than they have done it in the past. It is certainly not incredible that such women should be able to counteract every retarding influence, and hand in hand with broad-minded men as husbands, brothers, or co-workers, demonstrate the beauty and strength of united force.

Is it too much to hope that in the near future there will arise in the minds and hearts of mothers a whole army of thoughts and inspirations with which they may do battle for that high development, that noble expansion, which we are pleased to call "the advancement of woman"?