The Washington herald., 1909-07-13
WOMARS REAL MISSION

IS physically stronger than woman. and
more capable OF prolonged and sustained
effort and endurance
The old saving. that "the hand thai
rocEs the cradle rules the world is r.
garded with q contemptuous smile by
the modern sufragette. as a foolish relic
Of a bygone age. Bat Il Is as true today
as 4 ever has been The influence Of q
wise and intelligent wife, both with her
husband Gad IN the training Of her chil-
dren. IS incalculable and IS infinitely
greater than any she could exert az th3
polling bOOJh, or even on the green
benches al Westminster History AFFORDS
nl1rberless instances Of the debt which
some OF Ehe most distinguished men IN
al ages have owed 10 the advice and
help which they have received from Their
wires Among our greatest stateuen of
the last few decades this fact was CRATE
fully acknowledge by Lord Beacons-
field. the late Marquis of Salisbury. and
by NJ ". z. Gladstone
The fact has frequently been comment
cd on that there e no other social eonci-
ton IN the world IN which women possess
50 much power and authority as amongst
what are called the cultured and leisured
classes OF England to-day in ell matters
pertaining 70 The domestic and family cir-
Gle. IN many OF or nOblest houses. both
IN cown and IN the country. The owner IS
seldom in evidence except when actually
entertaining his guests. and he apparently
abdicates his position almost entirely II
regard 20 AL household matters and ar
lranzeuents. Il IS the wife who gives ths
orders and settles the details for al So
cial entertainments: who visits me ten
ants and cottagers on the estate. and
lanellorates the condition Of those who
su, hrfchcrrE knows
that she IS capable. and BY this system
I OF sharing responsibility with hsr be IS
/ enabled 10 devote his tine and energies
7 20 statesmanship. or 20 whatever special
duty or hobby he may prefer He does
/ not neglect his social or family duties,
and when his Intervention IS necessary he
I is ready 20 act. But his traditions and
habits are opposed 70 and impatient ot
ldetau He shows the same Characters
tics IN relig gion and politics He is toler-
ant in regard % both. and Is willing 70
Ieccept and acquiesce n their natural evo-
luton I'D 10 q certain point But II his
/ tcreed IS attacked OF he considers that the
state and the constitution are menaced.
! ne can throw or IN moment what sp-
pears 10 be a lethargic indifference. and
! devote himself heart and soul 70 the
cause which he believes 10 be right and
just
/ Although perhaps n a less marked de-
1 gree. this position Of woman as a tue
| lhelpueet % her husband is found equally
I IN every social class. and IT'S effect Is 20
! enhance the respectful Difference accord
I sd 70 her by those who come within ths
/ sphere OF her influence. The advocates
Of the advanced movement 20 which
| reference has been made. fail 20 realize
/ that n proportion 20 their success IN
pushing 70 the front IN political and other
] matters they viii weaken and gradually
I destroy the old spirit Of chivalry on the
part OF men toward the gentler sex,
which has been one OF the grandest as
sets OF our national life.
/ II women want the franchise and its
logical consequences. they have & right
10 demand what must sooner or later be
4 granted them But they would Go vel
10 pause before IN their desire 70 attain
an object which win lose much OF its
i charm as soon as II has been acquired
( they cast away the far more VALUABLE
! possession which Is still theirs. viz. the
Iindehnsble but practically illimitable in
/ fuence exercised by the purity. the re-
/ fligious earnestness. and the wise inteIli-
/ Eeoce of those who realize and act up 70
/ the responsibilities OF wifehood and moth
erhOOd. an influence 20 which the great
ness Of our race IS largely due.