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THE CONGRESS OF WOMEN.

transmission of diseases, the basis of so much misery would be at an end in a genera­tion or two. Or if a candidate for matrimony were obliged to submit to a physical examination, as they do in Brazil, and if found in a proper physical condition a certifi­cate of marriage would be granted, and not otherwise.

Candidates for a life insurance policy are subjected to a rigid physical examina­tion, and if found in an unsound state of health by reason of hereditary taint or vicious habits, the candidate is rejected, as the risk is considered too great for a reputable life insurance company to run. And when we consider the danger to health and even life itself to which innocent and pure girls are exposed when entering the state of matrimony, as many believe in two codes of morals, one for women and the other for men, so long as women will submit to this injustice and indignity, just so long will marriage be a failure. If they will not muster up sufficient moral courage to demand of the man that they expect to marry that he be every whit as pure as they, just so long will disease be propagated and divorce increase. Unprecedented progress in human knowledge characterizes the present century, and has not been wanting in pre­ventive medicine. How much it has operated for the public good, and how much it is gradually imbuing the public mind with modern sanitary knowledge that preven­tion is not only better, but often easier, than cure, that health and happiness may be preserved, that life may be prolonged by the observance of certain simple laws. To have perfection in the adult we must begin our labors with the child. To have per­fection in the child we must begin our labors with the grandfather. We now have the future grandfathers and grandmothers of the nation in our hands. The primary cause of much if not all of the present misery is due to the neglect of the moral and indus­trial training of children at home, and later at school, during the pliable period of youth. It is no easy matter for one to raise the voice against abuses that every one know^s about. Not only the members of school boards, but parents and teachers also become involved in this same conspiracy of silence. Of all places in the world, the public school is least open to sanitary influence. Many valuable lives are lost because no one puts into operation the means that could and w'ould save them. One by one they fall and pass out of sight, because those whose duty it is to speak lack the moral courage to do so, or are so completely engrossed in their business, pleasures and vices that they do not throw out the life-preservers that are at their hand. The state annually spends large sums of money for the protection of the imbeciles and the vicious, but a very small amount in comparison for the thousands that are in perfect health of mind and body, and who not only contribute to their own support, but that of others, and are law-abiding citizens. As a result, the state loses annually by death enough of her best citizens to form of themselves a small city, while the worst element increases and multiplies under the protection afforded them by the state. If women had the oppor­tunity of entering into the field of politics, they could make their power felt in the legislation and correct many of the existing evils.

Physical inspection of children in schools, asylums and reformatories involves several questions of general interest.

“ It is recommended that in all schools and institutions the general health, sight, hearing and teeth of the children should be periodically examined.” Physical exam­ination is useful as a means of selecting cases for special training. A physician would have an opportunity of observing children in various conditions, mental and physical; nervous children with catarrhs and headaches, and partially deaf or blind—conditions without a fatal termination and not preventing a modified and adapted education. Such children should be trained in and along certain lines. Without it they would probably tend to failure and incapacity in after life. There are quite a number of children that are more or less defectively developed in brain and body. If they are not properly trained, there is great probability of mental and moral deterioration.

Putting the bright with those who are mentally deficient, an injury is done to the former by preventing them making the advance they otherwise would, while the latter is not benefited. It was in evident recognition of this principle that a deputation