The high birth-rate of former times will not return nor is it desirable, for the decreased death-rate among infants will tend to maintain numbers. But while in the past children were accepted without question, and parents never thought of the possibility of limiting the size of their families, in the future the human will will play an ever increasing part. Whether the guiding motive in restricting the birth-rate will be a worthy one, or one to be deprecated will depend upon those social institutions which are responsible for the production of individuals’ ideals.
FOOTNOTES:
[86] McLennan, Studies in Ancient History, pp. 81-2, 2nd Series.
[87] Westermarck.
[88] Phelps, A Statistical Study of Infant Mortality, p. 268. Quarterly Publication of The American Statistical Association.
[89] Commander, The American Idea, p. 18.
[90] Webb, Physical Degeneracy or Race Suicide. Popular Science Monthly, Dec. 1906, pp. 515-6.
[91] Annual Report for 1906, p. 10. American Journal of Sociology, March, 1909. Doctor Morrow says, “A large proportion of sterile marriages, contrary to the popular view, is from incapacity and not of choice.” p. 626.
[92] Thorndyke, Decrease in the Size of American Families. Popular Science Monthly, May, 1903, p. 69.
[93] Department of Commerce and Labor, Emigration to the U. S. 1904, pp. 105, 112.