31]

In case of divorce for fault of the husband the wife may have dower as
if he were dead. If alimony be claimed the dower is waived. If the
divorce is for the fault of the wife, the husband, if entitled to
curtesy, shall have a life estate in the lands of the wife, subject to
such allowance to her, chargeable on the life estate, as the court may
deem proper. In case of separation only, the petitioner may be
assigned a separate maintenance out of the property of the husband or
wife as the case may be.

The father is the legal guardian of the minor children. At his death
the mother is entitled to the guardianship and custody. The mother may
be appointed guardian by the court during the husband's lifetime. If
he is insane or has deserted or neglected his children she is entitled
to full custody.

If the wife is deserted by her husband unjustifiably and not supported
by him, she may receive authority from the court for the custody and
earnings of her minor children, and he may be imprisoned not less than
six months nor more than three years. If he abandon her and is absent
from the State one year or more or is condemned to prison for a year
or more, the court can order the income from his property applied to
the support of his family.

A law of 1896 provided that a wife owning property might contract in
writing for the support of her husband and children, but this was
repealed in three months. She is not required to support them by her
labor or property, as the husband is the legal head of the family.

The most of the above laws have been enacted since 1892.

Until 1889, 10 years was the age for the protection of girls, but then
it was made 14 years, with a penalty of not less than ten years'
imprisonment. In 1894 it was raised to 16 and the penalty made not
more than fifteen years with no minimum number specified. The former
penalty still holds, however, for actual rape.

SUFFRAGE: Women have no form of suffrage. The husband may vote as a
taxpayer by right of his wife's real estate.

OFFICE HOLDING: Eligibility to office is limited by the constitution
to electors. The article referring to school committee (trustees)
merely says, however, that they shall be "residents of the town." In
1872 and '73 the suffrage association procured by direct effort an Act
qualifying women to serve on school committees and many have done so
with distinction. There are sixteen now serving in the State. The city
charter of Pawtucke