626 THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



developed too ; but oh ! the spirit indicated by that title. That 

 the mother, as a member of society and the guide of future gen- 

 erations, can do more than any other woman to meet these dangers 

 and counteract them, is the conviction which I believe will be 

 born of a just valuation of her powers. In considering the growth 

 of opportunity for women, it is natural that we should give special 

 attention to the needs of our daughters and to the development of 

 which they are capable. But our sons are no less important 

 " seed fields." Even viewing woman's higher development as it 

 affects herself individually, there is need for an influence ujDon 

 the man of the future, which will awaken in him a spirit of help- 

 ful sympathy with the earnest woman who is trying to dignify 

 and broaden her life and work. And considering this increasing 

 earnestness in woman in its wide-reaching effect upon all man- 

 kind, it is evident that, without a kindly fellowship and encour- 

 agement from men, which will make the working together pos- 

 sible, the future will not bring the great results which are hoped 

 for. Would it not be well to infuse some of this spirit into our 

 sons while their natures are still plastic material ? 



In writing recently of woman's work. Miss Agnes Repplier 

 said with admirable force, " Now as in the past character is the 

 base upon which all true advancement rests secure," a truth which 

 must commend itself especially to every conscientious mother. It 

 is through a better physical and mental development, it is true, 

 but mainly through them as leading up to a growth in character, 

 that we must look for the best results. If there is to be a " new 

 woman," let us have her by evolution, not revolution. 



Let us free our daughters from the unwholesome physical re- 

 straints which unnecessary conventionalities would impose, and 

 educate them as liuman beings, with all ordinary possibilities 

 latent, besides those womanly qualities which set them apart. 

 Let us cultivate in them all that is strongest and most forceful, all 

 that is sweetest and best and most womanly ; and then, with the 

 realization that neither marriage nor a career is the essential, 

 " the destined end," there will come to them a growth in strength 

 and goodness which will enable them to do any work in life better 

 than they have done it in the past. It is certainly not incredible 

 tliat such women should be able to counteract every retarding in- 

 fluence, and hand in hand with broad-minded men as husbands, 

 brothers, or co-workers, demonstrate the beauty and strength of 

 united force. 



Is it too much to hope that in the near future there will arise 

 in the minds and hearts of mothers a whole army of thoughts 

 and inspirations with which they may do battle for that high 

 development, that noble expansion, which we are pleased to call 

 " the advancement of woman " ? 



