e the dominion of Rome covered half the
known earth.) "And this chain about my neck is a sign not of humiliation
but of glorification. This is a symbol of my power, not of my defeat."

Among other historical women was Catherine I, wife of Peter the Great.
Russia and Turkey were at war. Muhammad Pa_sh_a, commander of the Turkish
forces, had defeated Peter and was about to take St. Petersburg. The
Russians were in a most critical position. Catherine, the wife of Peter,
said, "I will arrange this matter." She had an interview with Muhammad
Pa_sh_a, negotiated a treaty of peace and induced him to turn back. She
saved her husband and her nation. This was a great accomplishment.
Afterward she was crowned Empress of Russia and ruled with wisdom until
her death.

The discovery of America by Columbus was during the reign of Isabella of
Spain, to whose intelligence and assistance this wonderful accomplishment
was largely due. In brief, many remarkable women have appeared in the
history of the world, but further mention of them is not necessary.

Today among the Baha'is of Persia there are many women who are the very
pride and envy of the men. They are imbued with all the virtues and
excellences of humanity. They are eloquent; they are poets and scholars
and embody the quintessence of humility. In political ability and acumen
they have been able to cope and compete with representative men. They have
consecrated their lives and forfeited their possessions in martyrdom for
the sake of humanity, and the traces of their glory will last forever. The
pages of the history of Persia are illumined by the lives and records of
these women.

The purpose, in brief, is this: that if woman be fully educated and
granted her rights, she will attain the capacity for wonderful
accomplishments and prove herself the equal of man. She is the coadjutor
of man, his complement and helpmeet. Both are human; both are endowed with
potentialities of intelligence and embody the virtues of humanity. In all
human powers and functions they are partners and coequals. At present in
spheres of human activity woman does not manifest her natal prerogatives,
owing to lack of education and opportunity. Without doubt education will
establish her equality with men. Consider the animal kingdom, where no
distinction is observed between male and female. They are equal in powers
and privileges. Among birds of the air no distinction is evidenced. Their
powers are equal; the