The Sun.
London, England, 1870-06-03 00:00:00

RIGHTS. OF WOMEN.

One of the topics discussed at the commencement of the
Columbia College Law School, recently, was " the Legal
Status of Women." The speaker failed perhaps to treat
the subject with that clearness of statement and distinct
array of hard facts which the Tribune brought to bear
upon it some time ago—that indeed was hardly to be ex-
pected—but he did call attention to some peculiarities in
the legal privileges of the sex which, we regret to say,
Miss Anthony and Mrs. Henry B. Stanton are not in the
habit of treating with that engaging frankness
which so well becomes them in other matters.
In many of the States, and especially in the
State of New York, the legal condition of woman
is far better than that of man. If she is single she enjoys
all the rights of property which belong to the other sex.
If she is married she may spend her husband's money, but
he may not spend hers. She may hold, control, and
devise property independently of him. She may sell her
real estate without his consent, but he cannot sell his
without her consent. He is liable for her debts,
but she is not liable for his. If he has money the law will
compel him to share it with her. If she has money and
he has none he may starve and the law will not interfere.
In point of fact the statutes chew marked favouritism to
women, and if men and women were not as a rule a great
deal better than the laws that are made for their govern-
ment, we should call the case of the men an outrageously
hard one.—New York Tribune.

FIFTEENTH AMENDMENT CELEBRATION.
BALTIMORE, May 19.
The coloured citizens of Baltimore celebrated the ratifi-
cation of 15th Amendment by a grand procession and
other suitable demonstrations. The number in the pro-
cession is variously estimated at from 8,000 to 12,000. In
the front carriage of the procession were seated the
Hons. Horace Maynard and William B. Stokes of
Tennessee, and General H. Heath of New-Mexico.
Frederick Douglass was in the second carriage. Most of
the Government officials of the city, the collector, Post-
master, surveyor, naval officer, and internal revenue
officers, were in the line. Among the more prominent
civilians were C. C. Fulton, Esq., and the Hon. W. J.
Albert. Military, civic, and benevolent organisations,
and the different trades and clubs were represented.
Among the military represented were the Butler Zouaxes
and the Boys in Blue, the Pioneer Corps of Washington,
representatives from Excelsior Brigade of Philadelphia,
and large delegations representing organisations from
various parts of the State. A number of portraits of dis-
tinguished men were borne by the different delegations;
including that of Henry Winter Davis, with the motto
" The iron hand that held Maryland to her allegiance ;"
that of William Lloyd Garrison, with the motto " The
liberator has at last been heard ;" and that of Thaddeus
Stevens, with the motto " Ecce Homo." The most perfect
order and quiet prevailed.

ADJOURNMENT OF CONGRESS.
At last we know the worst. The Senate has amended
the concurrent resolution sent from the House, fixing the
day of adjournment for the 15th of July, instead of the
4th, and the House promptly agreed to the alteration.
A motion to reconsider the resolution was subsequently
laid on the table, thus making the decision final—so that
definite calculations can now be made with reference to
the work yet to be done, and the time remaining in which
to do it. Within the next eight weeks both Houses must
bring their deliberations to a close. When we consider
the large amount of unfinished business on the calendar,
and the important consequences to the commercial
interests of the country which are involved, the interval
seems brief ; but it is to be remembered that most of the
leading measures have been thoroughly discussed, and
are as well understood now as they are likely to
be if the whole summer were devoted to them.
If Congress is disposed to address itself to practical busi-
ness, all the esssntial legislation now pending can easily
be disposed of before the middle of July. It is to be hoped
that the warning we have had of the approaching heat
will check the profuse eloquence of garrulous members,
and induce them to expedite matters as much as is con-
sistent with safety. Both houses ought to take up the
most pressing business first, and dispose of it while there
is opportunity for reflection and prudent deliberation. In
this category may be included all the currency and tax
bills, the Georgia Bill, and all legislation directly affecting ,
business industries. These once out of the way, Congress
might spend its unexpired time in miscellaneous work,
and even in quarreling with each other over unsettled
problems in philosophy and religion. We hope to ewe a
greater disposition manifested for good, honest work; now
that the end of the session is no longer among the uncer-
tainties of the future,— New York Time.

A GOOD TIME FOR THE OPERA GOO'S'
After all the flickerings of Italian opera during the laitrt
winter and this spring we are really to have one sli°
season of the genuine article. Our fashionable people °
not to go away to the places of summer resort before thi7e.
have tasted this most delightful of all amusements. I_,,t
company is a sort of combination one, to which the be"
and most popular singers belong. It is under the dire
of Albites ; but that famous tenor, Brignoli, is the het/
and front of it. Brignoli .comes back fresh to New Iticir,
after a successful tour to California, the Sonth and
West. He will uncage his sweet birds at the Aca'.
of Music in " Tiovatore," when he, Mlle. Kellogg, Got
zaniga, Petrili and Fossati will perorm. This cast cann,
fail to fill the Academy. Then on Tuesday eveningn
are to have " Martha," with Brignoli again, and tuft 3
charming, fresh, and popular American prima cl°,4lL-n;
Miss Isabel McCulloch, with a new importation
Europe, Miss Clara Perl, who, it is said, has a sPle
voice. With " Lucia di
;Lammermoor," and a succesbt
of other attractive operatic entertainments afterivaln
the fashionable world of New York ought to be very
thankful.—New York Herald.