ABSTRACT
It would be almost impossible for a wife to get evidence which. would" control" the habitual drunkard of a husband; but it would be quite easy for the husband, who has :prejudice, authority, and money on his side to get his wife condemned by the easily persuaded medical man. The greedy heirs who see a sick old lady take a glass of wine may soon get her placed in confinement, and then, with their boon companions, can riot with her money; but, though legislation by men alone may effect this, it will never save the wretched wife from the 'kicks and blows she will receive when, as now, she ventures to the public-house to entreat her "lord" to come home, or to give her sixpence t.o buy bread for ';he chilch·en. Let women seriously look at the fact that legislation which affects t.hem in their homes, their affections, and their daily needs is now more rife than ever; and then let them ask themselves whether they can, in justice to themselves and to other women, submit to laws which are made without their concurrence. If no othel· instance were wanting, this "habitual drunkard" proposed legislation should awake us to insist, with all the power we have, that no more Acts to coerce women shall be passed until, by the possession of the suffrage, they can co-operate in the suggested reforms. C. E. B.
