ABSTRACT
There are times in the lives of nations, as of individuals, when every year shows such marked increase of strength or size, that even the most indifferent observer cannot remain unconscious of the change. In a nation's life we notice such great landmarks as an important discovery in science or art, the passing of some legislative improvement, or the repeal of some startling abuse, and History only takes note of such great events, and ignores the unobtrusive changes which prepare the way silently for the decisive moment. But these years of silent progress are not less important than the seasons of more rapid growth. As the human frame when it has attained its full height, fills up and broadens out, so a victory which may have been gained over popular prejudice or inertia by a stroke of good fortune, may take years to strengthen and complete itself, and this period is as important to its future success as the more showy hour of triumph. This is particularly the case with any changes affecting the position of women. Their legal incapacities, their social and educational restraints, and their industrial disabilities are often based upon customs which, having grown up with the history of our nation 540require, it may be, generations to sweep away, and thus, even though we may not be able in our yearly record to point to any great victory achieved—such as that which brightened the pages of 1882—there is no reason to feel dissatisfied at the progress that has been made.
