The Daily clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1866-1888, 1880-02-12
The Married Woman Question
Property Rights.

| REMARKS OF HON. J. NJ. HARDIN, oN-CHAPTER
OF REVISED CODE
Mr.. SPEAKER With feelings of extreme
dlfhdence do attempt to offer few thoughts
on this most important subject Especially is
it embarrassing to me when | find that to ex-
press my views | must follow the able and
learned Judge, (Hon. j. A. P. Campbell,) who
has just taken his seat. 1t is with much reluc-
lance that | antagonize the views of one for
whom have SO exalted an opinion and in
whose judgment have almost unbounded con-
fdence.
Now, sir, with due Difference to the opinions
of distinguished gentlemen upon this floor,
and to the opinions of the eminent Judge who
inaugurated this idea, or who has sought to
engraft it into the Code of laws of this State,
cannot refrain from expressing my astonish-
ment that they should advocate the passage of
such law as that contemplated in this section
am surprised to hear such sentiments ex-
pressed by gentlemen of giant minds, tower
ering intellects and profound patriotiotism.
We're there Laura Fair, DR.. Mary Walker,
an Anna Dickinson or Victoria G. Woodruff,
upon the floor of this House, uttering ouch sem
timents should experience no alarm, but
when these, some of the first men of our State,
advocate the subversion ofthe natural order
Of things in the family circle, nnotdisguise
the fact that do experience feelings of pro-
found concern. The ladies of our Sunny South
have demanded no such enactment. The amia-
BILE wives and fair daughters of Mississippi ask
nosuch innovation. | regret to hear gentle
men stigmatiZe the law, which seeks to inspire
unity of feeling, and a community of inter-
ests. between husband and wife, as a relic Of
barbarism. Especially do l regret to hear this
idea advanced when l recall the fact that this
so-called barbarism, this alleged terrorism
over the wife, was inaugurated by the Advise
God, the Creator and the Preserver of us all.
tits claimed sir, that the law as it now exists
leaves heproperty of the wife an easy prev
to the evil designs of the husband, but this
law, sought to be passed to-day, does not cure
this alleged evil, but only adds to this, by al
lowing her under the advice of a third party to
perform an act without consulting her 6us-
band that would probably result In great detri-
ment to her husband and herself
No, Mr.. Speaker, let US allow her to still
maintain her natural and chosen position. Let
her continue to feel her dependence upon him
whom she has chosen asher protector. Let her
still cling to him for advice, support and COM
fort. Let her still seek protection, sympathy
and safety under the strong arm of her hns-
band. Either do this, Mr.. Speaker, or make mar
riage purely civil contract or partne rship to
be dissolved at pleasure. let us recollect Mr..
Speaker, that the Sacred Scriptures say that,
as Chist is the head of the Church, so is man
the head of the woman. Let us enact such laws
will tend to more closely cement husband and
ls wife in bond ofunion and affection, and do
nothing that would tend to produce discord
and o want Of harmony in this most sacred re-
lation. With these views Mr.. Speaker sup
port the amendment proposed by the gentle
man from YaZoo