all.

The wife may mortgage or convey her separate property without the
husband's signature. He may do this but can not impair her dower right
to one-third.

A married woman may act as executor, administrator or guardian. She
may also sue and be sued and make contracts in her own name.

A married woman can control her earnings by becoming a sole trader
through the necessary legal process. She thus makes herself
responsible for the maintenance of her children.

The father, if living, or if not, the mother, while she remains
unmarried and if suitable, is entitled to the guardianship of minor
children. In case of divorce, other things being equal, if the child
be of tender years, it is given to the mother, and if of an age to
require education and preparation for business, then to the father.

By the code of 1895 the husband is required to furnish support for the
family as far as he is able, and the wife must help if necessary. Her
personal property is subject to debts incurred for family expenses.
Even though divorce be denied, the court may award maintenance to wife
and children.

Montana is one of three States which make 18 years the legal age for
the marriage of girls. In all others it ranges from 12 to 16 years.

In 1887, on petition of women, the "age of protection" for girls was
raised from 10 to 15 years, and in 1895 to 16. The penalty is
imprisonment not less than five years.

SUFFRAGE: Women may vote for school trustees on the same terms as men,
but not for other school officers. They had this privilege under
Territorial government. Those possessing property may vote also on all
questions submitted to taxpayers. These privileges were incorporated
in the first State constitution.

OFFICE HOLDING: Women may serve as county superintendents or hold any
school district office.

In 1884 there were two women county superintendents; now every county
in the State has a woman in this office. The superintendent of the
Helena schools is a woman. The Rev. Alice S. N. Barnes held the
position of school trustee as early as 1888. Dr. Maria M. Dean has
been elected three times in succession as a trustee in Helena. She is
chairman of the board and has been influential in many progressive
measures.

Women have served on library boards and been city librarians. Miss Lou
Guthrie has been for a number of years librarian of the State Law
Library, and Mrs. Laura E. Howey fills this position in the State
Historical Library