The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-09-10
MutterinEs Against Marriage.

To THE EDITOR OF The SUN-Sir: The COM
munieation by Alice Stone Blackwell which
appeared In THE Sun. Aug. ~. on the subject
OF Rights OF Ones Children, presents an array
OF facts on this i'm portant m after which should
receive moro than passing notice. 1t sug-
Rests certain results which must inevitably
follow the continuance for any considerable
length OF time OF the present legal status OF
married women.
In this communication It 10 stated that In
only eight States in the Union fathers and
mothers are Joint guardians OF their children
by law as they are by nature. In all the re-
naming States 1t 10 literally true that mar
ried mother. so long as she lives with her hus-
band, has no more legal right to her child than
a COW has to her calf. The husband has the
sole control and disposal OF the children. He
may separate them from their mother entirely:
may place them In charge Of the person most
unit to bring them up. and may even send
them where the mother will never see them"
The fact will doubtless DO observed that the
only children to which mothers may lay legal
claim are those brought forth outside tho
bonds OF lawful wedlock. The object OF this
communication is to point out some OF the
results which will naturally follow continu-
ance Of exclusive male legisl alton In matters
pertaining to the marriage relation.
All over this country. as result OF their in
creased opportunities for normal Develop
strength. in INDEPENDENCE OF purpose, and in
the courage to defend their natural rights.
Under these conditions one 10 constrained to
ask, How long time will Dc required before
the intelligent women OF free America (O will
refuse to submit to the existing laws regulat-
ing marriage Does any ono wonder that al
ready hundreds. yes thousands. of our bright
est and most intelligent young women are
signifying their intention to remain single
II so. the above facts ought to furnish q suf-
fcient explanation to their conduct.
No one doubts but there are many happy
marriages. but there are enough faflures 10
warrant the demand OF women for juster and
moro equitable laws-laws on which the
thoughts. feelings and ideas peculiar to the
female mental constitution are represented.
The fact should be borne in mind that
marriage laws arc not enacted for the benefit
selves inharmoniously mated. Women be-
cause OF their physical conditions need legal
protection far moro than do men. but. strange
to relate. the reverse Is the case In actual
p actice.
desire the position OF wife or mother. she win
| hesitate before accepting the humiliating con-
ditions imposed on her by our present one
sided marriage system. Already we not I'M
frequently hear the remark that marriage 10
not an enyiable position for q self respecting
see in wifehood only humiliation and rank in
In view OF the above facts. It does not REQUIRE
the wisdom OF a prophet to foreses the results.
namely, that ere long only the ignorant. un-
| educated classes will be left to propagate the
will follow the continuance o. a system In
which. so FAR as women are concerned, every
principle OF Justice and honor Is ignored.
ELIZA BURT GAMBLE.