Another notable feature of the message is its outspoken and
manly call for a reformation in our laws concerning the
property rights of married women. Here as in other points it
is a model message. The governor's experience as a lawyer
has brought him often face to face with this disgraceful
one-sidedness of our laws on this subject, and in some terse
sentences he shows up the injustice more effectively than
has ever been done in any of the so-called women's rights
conventions.[164]

The following editorial from the _Springfield Republican_, gives
a good digest of the new law passed upon Governor Hubbard's
recommendation:

Connecticut has taken a great leap forward in the reform of
the property relations of married persons. The law had been
long neglected in that State, the obvious right of a married
woman to property acquired before marriage, which is now
secured in most States by constitutional provision, having
been there denied. In Massachusetts, the modification of the
former inequalities has gone on by piecemeal, till it is
said that in some respects the woman is now the more favored
party.

The new Connecticut statute also puts the burden of the
family maintenance on the man, as under most circumstances
the real bread-winner. It simply lays down the principle of
absolute equality in the rights and privileges of the
husband and wife, with the above exception. In all marriages
hereafter contracted, neither husband nor wife shall acquire
any right to or interest in any property of the other,
whether held before the marriage or acquired after the
marriage, except as provided in this law. The separate
earnings of the wife shall be her sole property. She shall
have the same right to make contracts with third persons as
if she were not married, and to convey her real and personal
estate. Her property is liable for her debts and not for
his; his is not liable for her debts, except those
contracted for the support of the family. Purchases made by
either party shall be presumed to be on the private account
of the party, but both shall be liable where any article