ABSTRACT
CO N NUB I A L accord is the peaceful and seemly relation in the home. It is also the foundation of peace in the nation. It is basic to the great principles of morality.
National integrity rests upon it. Unless connubial accord is first established within the home it would be as useless to attempt to maintain correct morals or foster national prosperity as it would be foolish to turn the shafts to the west when we desire to journey to the east, or to angle for fish in the top of a tree. The decadent manners and customs of Gyoka and Kodai 1 rapidly corrupted the people. Conditions in the modern age also tend to distract and pervert women old and young and entice them into evil habits. Such tendencies are apparent to-day. Led astray by them they frequently forget the true nature of their duty. Depending upon powerful and wealthy men they flaunt their arrogance in the face of society. Like a tiger freed in its native haunts or a bird released from a cage they joyously disport themselves and act in a wholly self-centred and inconsiderate manner. Unrestrained by common-sense they act like demented persons. Such lamentable tendencies are all too common. This is the inevitable detriment which accompanies a rapid development of new culture. Nevertheless, is it not our plain duty to restrict this loss as far as may be? With the growing complexities of modern society each individual life becomes more difficult and complicated. Furthermore, each country has its own peculiar nationality and its citizens their predilections. In like manner men and women differ widely in ability and capacity. Masculine talent is manifested in efficiency, courage, and determination. Feminine gifts are revealed in humility, endurance, and submission. The two parties by union and mutual support produce the true connubial relation. Thus they
CONNUBIAL ACCORD 89 give birth to their thousands and establish firmly their family organisations. Upon this basis also is the nation established. Thus do they set up their happy homes and achieve an ideal existence. In such service to the state and in such contribution to the welfare of society both masculine and feminine qualities must be regarded as of equal importance and as inseparable. Each party must devote itself to cultivating natural gifts and talents. Each must avoid infringement of the other's proper sphere. Strenuous competition between the sexes is injurious to the best interests of society. It is destructive to the social order and becomes the origin of dissension in the family. There is no greater misfortune in the world than this.
