PUBLIC LIFE
The administration of things and whatever other functions the state of the future may have to perform, will of course be jointly conducted by men and women. In the Socialist state sex privilege will be as inconceivable as class privilege. In fact, the political equality of women, one of the present-day demands in the platforms of all Socialist parties, will be one of the corner-stones in the foundation of the new social order. A perfect political democracy will have to be realized before an industrial democracy will become possible. In the Socialist state women will vote on all public questions, will be eligible to all offices, and will enjoy the equal rights and perform the equal duties of unrestricted citizenship. No work for the public good will be regarded as too high or too low to be performed by any citizen suited to the task, be it man or woman.
In the military states of the past public service meant first and foremost to be a soldier and to fight for one's country. The military basis of citizenship was a prime reason for the exclusion of women. When we speak of public service at the present time we think of building hospitals and reforming prisons, of increasing educational facilities, establishing play-grounds, and improving hygienic conditions. We think of all the numerous endeavors to save life and improve life far more than of the one endeavor to destroy life. In the performance of the numerous peaceful ministrations that constitute public service to-day there is room for women; indeed there is a crying need for the labors of women. That is why the most progressive countries of the world are fast admitting their women to equal citizenship.
The fundamental principle of Socialistic society will be universal peace. The greed of gain, the desire to rob one's fellowmen, has been a prime cause of almost all wars past and present. Whether savage tribes fight for the best hunting ground or civilized nations fight for the control of diamond mines, oil wells, desirable harbors, and foreign markets, it is always the greed of gain that impels men to murder one another.
15
