THE PRESENT POSITION OF WOMEN 97 



brief, which was designed to coerce in fecundity the 

 classes believed to be of the greatest value to the State, 

 inaugurated by the Roman Empire. The divergent 

 methods are at least as instructive as the opposition of 

 the aims, and much might be written about both. It 

 is too early yet to say whether the modern legislation 

 will fail of its purpose as completely as did that of 

 Imperial Rome. During the first half of 1911, in 

 spite of this legislation, the deaths in France were some 

 eighteen thousand in excess of the births ; whereas, 

 twelve months previously, the numerical positions were 

 reversed, the births being then about twenty thousand 

 in excess of the deaths. This is not an encouraging 

 beginning. Like their illustrious forebears, the French 

 are making no attempt so far to grapple with the 

 industrial, economic, and moral causes which lie at 

 the root of the evil ; they are content to palliate the 

 effects only. But the result of their legislation should 

 be watched carefully, for it is certain that, as need arises, 

 other nations will desire to follow in their footsteps. 



We have now to consider the position of women as 

 it is affected by the existence of two classes of persons, 

 both of whom, though of frequent occurrence in our 

 midst, nevertheless constitute an abnormal type. 

 There will always be a certain number of married women 

 who are unfortunately childless, or whose families 

 will be limited naturally to one or two offspring ; and 

 we must also look to have with us a proportion of 

 women, who from force of circumstances will remain 

 unmarried, unless they are prepared like labour which 

 is out of place in one district to migrate to the 

 colonies and other regions where their services are in 



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