ends and is
subject to distribution according to law in like manner as if she had
died intestate. This latter clause does not apply to a divorced man.

In June, 1895, through the legislative committee of the State W. S.
A., Mrs. Lucretia L. Blankenburg, chairman, and with the co-operation
of other women's organizations, the following law, championed by
Representative Frank Riter, was secured:

A married woman who contributes by the efforts of her own labor
or otherwise toward the support, maintenance and education of her
minor child, shall have the same and equal power, control and
authority over her said child, and the same and equal right to
the custody and services, as are now possessed by her husband who
is the father of such minor child.

The best legal authorities are undecided as to whether labor within
the household entitles the mother to this equal guardianship or
whether it must be performed outside the home. The father is held to
be the only person entitled to sue for the earnings of a minor child,
and as no legal means are provided for enforcing the above law it is
practically of no effect.

The law says, "As her baron or lord, the husband is bound to provide
his wife with shelter, food, clothing and medicine;" also:

If any husband or father neglect to maintain his wife or
children, it is lawful for any alderman, justice of the peace or
magistrate, upon information made before him, under oath or
affirmation, by the wife or children, or by any other person, to
issue his warrant for the arrest of the man, and bind him over
with one sufficient surety to appear at the next Court of Quarter
Sessions, there to answer the said charge.

If he is found to be of sufficient ability to pay such sum as the
court thinks reasonable and proper, it makes an order for the
comfortable support of wife or children, or both, the sum not to
exceed the amount of $100 per month. The man is to be committed
to jail until he complies with the order of the court, or gives
security for the payment of the sum. After three months'
imprisonment, if the court find him unable to pay or give
security, it may discharge him.

In 1887 the "age of protection" for girls was raised from 10 to 16
years. The penalty is a fine not exceeding $1,000, and imprisonment by
separate and solitary confinement at labor, or simple imprisonment,
not