Page:The Green Bag (1889–1914), Volume 07.pdf/251

 222

nents of the equality of woman ideas. She voted intelligently for the best results. In some other States women are given the elective franchise so far as municipal affairs are concerned. The latest State to concede this much, Michigan, spoiled the effect of its concession, like a schoolboy who, with a grimace, concedes his unjust attitude, by adding an educational test. If the women of Michigan refuse to accept this legislative concession, it will not be remark able. For many years the right to vote at school elections and to be eligible to such offices has been conceded to women. Will it be claimed for a moment that our school system has been harmed because of this? On the contrary many good results may be shown where women have had a voice in the official management of schools. The people of Detroit, Michigan, are proud of the women members of its Board of Education. The intelligent effort of these women is acknowledged to be a great help in the administration of school affairs in that city. And the statement is made upon such good authority as the " Cincinnati Times Star," that wherever women have been allowed the control of schools, as they have been in many towns of Pennsylvania, the results have been highly satisfactory both to parents and pupils. To be sure some fault was found with the work, or rather that nothing was done to bring about a revolution in the system of public education of the city of New York, by the few women appointed on the school boards by Mayor Hewitt.

The cause, they were in a hopeless mi nority, and bitterly opposed by the majority. Was it at all surprising that they could ac complish nothing? Had these women been given full control many of the abuses which afflicted the public school system of New York would certainly have enjoyed a short life under their administration. But they do not seek full control. Woman in her high est and broadest development should occupy the place of helpmate and counsel to her husband, upon equal footing. Anything more is undesired. Anything less is unjust. Her most noble work, of course, is seen in the happy home. A daily sustenance of the husbahd in his labors, the encourage ment of high endeavor, to maintain the best standard of honor and duty, to stimulate, encourage and uplift, which from the be ginning of civilization has been the high est, noblest work of women. And may she not better fill this place in our lives when unfettered by degrading distinctions? She may not choose to try her unpinioned wings, being by nature easily contented, but give to her this liberty so that she may know her complete social and political equality. If, with the gradual removal of prejudice and change of sentiment, the enlarged liber ty of action conceded to woman has- proved her worthy of the trust imposed in her in telligence and goodness, then it is but just to go a step further and receive her into full fellowship. Beyond any doubt women as a body have been improved by their enlarged sphere of existence, and they have helped to improve the great body of society.