rprises. In the name of the feudal law and as heads of
families they administered affairs, exercising rights that were elsewhere
denied to women.

SWEDEN

Total population: 5,377,213.
Women: 2,751,257.
Men: 2,626,456.

Swedish Association of Women's Clubs.
Woman's Suffrage Society.

In Sweden the woman's rights movement is closely connected with that of
the United States. The founder of the Swedish woman's rights movement was
Frederika Bremer, who in 1845 visited the United States, studying the
conditions of the women there. Upon her return she encouraged the Swedish
women through her novel _Hertha_ to emancipate themselves. This took place
in 1856. The government, being unable to disregard the free traditions of
the past, was thoroughly in favor of the demands of the woman's rights
movement. As early as 1700, women owning property exercised the right of
voting in the election of ministers. In 1843 this right had been extended
to all women taxpayers. In 1845 the daughter's right of inheritance had
been made equal to that of the son's. In 1853 was begun the custom of
appointing women teachers in the small rural schools; in 1859 women were
admitted as teachers in all public institutions of learning. Since 1861
women have been eligible as dentists, regimental surgeons, and organists
(but not as preachers). In 1862 every unmarried woman or widow over
twenty-one years of age, and paying a tax of 500 crowns (about $135), was
granted active suffrage in municipal affairs. The municipal electors,
inasmuch as they elect the members of the _Landsthing_ (county council)
and the members of the town councils, exercise a political influence, for
the members of the _Landsthing_ and the town councils elect the members of
the two Chambers of the _Riksdag_, the national legislative body. On
February 10, 1909, all taxpaying women (unmarried, widowed, and married)
were granted the _passive_ suffrage (except for the office of county
councillor). Here is a curious fact,--married women that do _not_ possess
the right to vote in municipal affairs can still hold office!

In 1866 the art academies were opened to women, in 1870, the universities;
later women were permitted to enter the postal and telegraph service. In
peculiar contrast to these reforms are the old regulations concerning the
guardianship of women,[57] which has been especially supported by the
nobility and conservatives, and has been used c