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THE CONGRESS OF WOMEN.
ease and idleness can hardly be expected to see as clearly that her husband has no right to dictate her actions or opinions as the woman who supports herself. The woman with a definite industrial position of her own is not likely to marry for mercenary reasons, she may therefore be expected to see the rights, duties and obligations of wife and mother from quite a different standpoint from one who marries for her support.
As another has expressed it, this nineteenth century is sweeping grandly on to its close, “ carrying with it mighty movements that can no more be staid by the hand of man than the rushing waters of Niagara or the tides of the ocean.” Of woman’s mission in this field of human progress we would repeat the Divine command, “ Give her of the fruit of her hands and let her own works praise her within the gates.” And she who is to be the product of these future conditions of absolute freedom for woman— she who is to come? Will be—
“A woman in so far as she beholdeth Her one Beloved’s face;
A mother—with a great heart that enfoldeth The children of her race.
A body free and strong, with that high beauty That comes of perfect use, is built thereof;
A mind where reason ruleth over duty,
And justice reigns with love;
A self-poised royal soul, brave, wise and tender,
No longer blind and dumb;
A human being of an unknown splendor,
Is she who is to come! ”