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fl . 434 SOCIAL CONFLICT. VOL. VII. i !( tiling as absolute knowledge. Why does a nmn spend a lifetime in study upon a single question? Because ho cannot sat isfy himself with uncertainties, and he knows that once reduced to absolute knowledge, it is fixed forever, stamped with his signature; and to enlighten the world and write his name high in the temple of fame alone satisfies his ambi. tion. But a few years ago, man was thought to bo the only creature in the uni verse capable of taking any part directly in the intellectual progress of the nation. Strange as it may seem, we are descend, ants of a nation who thought it a disgrace for woman to be educated. A pretty face and modest air among the aristocracy, and a compctaut, economical housekeeper among the laboring class, were the chief accomplishments of a lady, and the only object of her existence was marriage. Modesty has never ceased to be a virtue, and beauty will never lose its charm, but civilized man has awakened to the knowledge thai surface beauty fades. A good housewife is still deemed a treasure, but men are tired of marrying dumb wait ers The reserve power of our nation which has lived back of a pretty face and will, ing hand for so many ages in a Mute of in activity is now exerting an influence throughout the world. We weed not look far into the future to see a nation ruled by men and women equal each to each. Even though her voice should nevor be heard in the Senate Chamber, or bur name enrolled as a voter, her power indi rcotly will produce as grout a result. Every position, with this one exception, is ready for her when she chooses to fill it. False modesty is gradually disap pearing, and the clear rays of reason lead her from an aimless existence to noble womanhood Willi this doubling of our nation's power what general rusulls wo may hope for. It would seem that nothing is possible for the future to reveal. Yet thero is a limit lo human knowledge. There arc some tilings which cannot be reduced to sci ence, and which wo cannot be content to believe and hope for. Pollock thus vivid, ly descripes (lie tlight of the mind after the hidden mysteries of eternitv. " rhllorophy, to climb With nil her vigour tolled from ago to age; l'roin ngo to nge. Theology with nil Her vigor tolled; and vngrnnt Fnncy tollod. Not uenk nnd foollMi only, hut tho wise. I'ntlout, courngeoui, ctout. cound-honded man Of proper discipline, ofuxcollcut mind, And Htrongoflntollcctiinl limb, tolled hmd; And oft above the reach of common oye, Aeccnded fur mid roomed well nigh tho top; Aboto them rose, till Kiddy grown nnd mad With gnziug Hi these dnngerotiM hulghtH of (tod. They tumbled down, and in their raving said, They o'er tho pummll haw: nnd emno bolleted; llelleved n lie; for never mnu on earth That mountnln cro-ced, or enw it farther tide," And as in the past so in the future will attempts to fathom the tinrevacled booK of eternity prove a failure. For when time is all past, when clouds which now overshadow our pathway have been cleared away, and the nations of the earth have reached their utmost limit, there will still remain a field of mysteries o'er the gateway of which must bo written Unknown. K. G. II. SOCIAL CONFLICT. Within tills great oyolc of human af fairs, tlioro aro many stages, duplicated, and wilh conflicting conditions and pi in ciples; a practicable reconciliation of tlioir claims is impossible, and yet all are cssontial to the consummation of that one gioal end progress. Thus creating a wonderful complication of interests, de sires and occupations; necessitating a dissimilitude of thought among men; hence, leading to tho conception of justice; then to it- administration; finally establishing and at last maintaining the vi tal condition of social existence. load vertatitly have these stops been made, as the claims to life and pioperty, were roc