Page:The Homes of the New World- Vol. III.djvu/438

Rh To which I will reply, “I am not afraid of that, and less so now than ever. Look at the Society of Friends, and at the small socialist community at this place. All the women in these have the right to speak in the public assemblies, but none avail themselves of the right but they who have talent for it, or who have something very good to say. All participate in the government, but it is done quietly, and evidently for the best interests of the community. Neither does one ever hear of quarrels between the men and women, or of disunion and separation between married couples. With affectionately conceded privileges, the spirit of opposition and disquiet is generally appeased. The power of reason and affection obtain greater power. Thoughtfulness and gentleness are the distinguishing features of these free women.” A case of decision by general vote in the Phalanstery, has just proved in a striking manner, the good influence of the pure spirit and morals of home on the affairs of the community, through its direct influence from the heart and centre of the home.

“The Gauls,” Tacitus tells us, “on important occasions summoned a select assembly of women into their councils, and their voice gave the final decision.”

When the female consciousness of life becomes that which it may be in our time, its influence must be most beneficial in the councils of the community. As it is, this is now deprived of that fructifying life which belongs to the sphere of the mother, and the home does not now educate citizens and citizenesses.

Not that I imagine a new and better state of things would bring forth perfection. Ah! no one can have arrived at fifty without, both from their own shortcomings and those of others, being too well acquainted with human imperfection to believe that everything is to become good upon earth; but somewhat better they will be nevertheless, when they who are the mothers and foster-mothers of the