Ralph Waldo Emerson, in a Phi Beta Kappa oration on "The Progress of Culture," recounts the gains of the reform movement as follows:—
Observe the marked ethical quality of the innovations urged or adopted. The new claim of woman to a political status is itself an honorable testimony to the civilization which has given her a civil status new in history. Now that by the increased humanity of law she controls her property she inevitably takes the next step to her share in power.
Again, in the "Essay on Civilization," he says:—
Right position of woman in the state is another index. Place the sexes in the right relations of mutual respect, and a severe morality gives that essential charm to woman which educates all that is delicate, poetic and self sacrificing; breeds courtesy and learning, conversation and wit, in her rough mate, so that I have thought a sufficient measure of civilization is the influence of good women.
