of ten thousand dollars, then the whole thereof shall
descend to and rest in the surviving husband or wife as his
or her absolute estate. Dower and the tenancy by the curtesy
are abolished.

The school law also provides:

SEC. 9. In the employment of teachers no discrimination
shall be made, in the question of pay, on account of sex,
when the persons are equally qualified.

Such are some of the radical enactments of the first legislature
of Wyoming territory in reference to woman's rights; and to a
person who has grown up under the common law and the usages of
English-speaking people, they undoubtedly appear extravagant if
not revolutionary, and well calculated to disturb or overthrow
the very foundations of social order. Experience has not,
however, justified any such apprehensions. The people of Wyoming
have prospered under these laws, and are growing to like them
better and better, and adapt themselves more and more to their
provisions. The object of this sketch is to trace the progress
and development of this new legislation, and gather up some of
its consequences as they have been observed in our social and
political relations.

The territory of Wyoming was first organized in May, 1869. The
Union Pacific railroad was completed on the 9th of the month, and
the transcontinental route opened to the public. There were but
few people in the territory at that time, except such as had been
brought hither in connection with the building of that road, and
while some of them were good people, well-educated, and came to
stay, many were reckless, wicked and wandering. The first
election was held in September, 1869, for the election of a
delegate in congress, and members of the Council and House of
Representatives for the first territorial legislature. There was
a good deal of party feeling developed, and election day
witnessed a sharp and vigorous struggle. The candidates and their
friends spent money freely, and every liquor shop was thrown open
to all who would drink. I was about to say that any one could
imagine the consequences; but in fact I do not believe that any
one could picture to himself the mad follies, and frightful
scenes of that drunken election. Peaceful people did not dare to
walk the str