Women as Sovereigns.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 4241, 16 November 1886, Page 3

Women as Sovereigns.

Those who believe in tbe necessary and heaven-ordained dominance of mas in thia sublunary sphere must be somewhat puzzled to reconcile with their theory tbe fact that for the last quarter of a century tbe two greatest empires in tbe world have been under female control. Never, save in the days of another great woman-queen, has tbe British Empire flourished so marvellously as in tbe reign of Queen Victoria, and the only phenomenon large enough to be comparable to the expansion of England—the revival of China —has also been accomplished under the asgis of a woman. The Empress-Regent of China, who for more than 20 years has filled the supreme position in the most populous of empires, has, however, decided upon resigning the Regency next February, when the young Emperor, now fifteen years old, will begin tbe administration of affairs. The Chinese woman of fifty, who has impressed everyone with her wisdom, decision, and moderation, will'disappear from her exalted post ; and it remains to be seen whether her successor will demonstrate the truth of the cry of the equality of tbe sexes. That be will prove, tbe superiority of tbe male is hardly to be hoped for, even by such confirmed misogynists as Mrs Lynn Linton herself.