le, or such part as may seem just, _of
her own property_ which she had at marriage. If this is insufficient
for the support of herself and her children the court may decree
alimony from the husband's estate."

The "age of protection" for girls was raised in 1885 from 10 to 12
years; in 1887 from 12 to 15; in 1895 from 15 to 18. The penalty is
imprisonment in the penitentiary not more than twenty nor less than
three years, but the law provides that if such "female child is over
15 and previously unchaste" this penalty shall not be inflicted. For
such the law offers no protection. Nor shall there be conviction for
the crime against a child of any age without other evidence than her
own testimony. (1895.)

SUFFRAGE: In 1869 School Suffrage was conferred on women. In 1875 the
Legislature repealed this law except for widows and spinsters. In 1881
it was again changed, and women since then have voted in school
district matters on the same terms as men; _i. e._, if parents of
children of school age or assessed on property real or personal they
may vote at all elections pertaining to schools. They can not,
however, vote for State or county superintendents or county
supervisors (commissioners). As the last named levy the taxes, and the
other two are the most important officers connected with the schools,
it will be seen that women are deprived of the most valuable school
vote. All efforts, however, to secure an extension of the school
franchise have resulted in failure.

As it requires a majority of the highest number of votes cast at an
election to carry an amendment, it is useless to ask the Legislature
to submit one conferring Full Suffrage upon women.

OFFICE HOLDING: There is nothing in the State constitution or the
statutes making women ineligible to any elective office except
membership in the Legislature.

Although they are not allowed to vote for county superintendents there
are at present sixteen women filling this office, eight of them
serving a second term and three a third, while nineteen are
superintendents or principals of schools. A woman was candidate on the
Fusion ticket for regent of the State University; another has been
registrar since the university opened, and one is at present recorder.

Mrs. Ada M. Bittenbender was candidate for Supreme Judge.

A woman is deputy State auditor. Women are serving or have served as
postmasters and as clerks in both houses of the Legislature, clerk of
the State libr