[Sidenote:  When husband or wife deserts family.]

When a husband has deserted his family, the wife may prosecute or defend in his name any action which he might have prosecuted or defended, and shall have the same powers and rights therein as he might have had; and under like circumstances the same right shall apply to the husband upon the desertion of the wife. [Sec.3769.]

[Sidenote:  Evidence.  Husband and wife.]

Neither the husband nor wife shall in any case, be a witness against the other, except in a criminal prosecution for a crime committed one against the other, or in a civil action or proceeding one against the other; but they may in all civil and criminal cases, be witness for each other. [Sec.4891.] In prosecutions for adultery or bigamy the husband or wife, as the case may be, is a competent witness against the other.

[Sidenote:  Communications between husband and wife.]

Neither husband nor wife can be examined in any case as to any communication made by one to the other while married, nor shall they after the marriage relation ceases, be permitted to reveal in testimony any such communication made while the marriage subsisted. [Sec.4892.]

[Sidenote:  Women eligible to office.]

Women are eligible to all school offices in the state, including those of county superintendent and school director. [Sec.Sec.2828, 2829.]

No person shall be disqualified for holding the office of county recorder on account of sex. [Sec.471.]

[Sidenote:  Police matrons.]

Mayors of all cities having a population of twenty-five thousand or more, are authorized, by act of the Twenty-fifth General Assembly to appoint police matrons to take charge of all women and children confined at police stations.  They are to search the persons of such women and children, accompany them to court, and “give them such comfort as may be in their power.”  No woman is eligible to this office who is under thirty years of age.  She must be of good moral character, and sound physical health.  Her application must be endorsed by at least ten women of good standing and residents of the city in which such appointment is made.  When appointed she shall hold office until removed by death, resignation or discharge, but she can be dismissed only after charges have been made against her conduct and such charges have been investigated.  She has the right to enter work houses where women are confined, at all times.  She shall be subject to the board of police or to the chief of police.  Her salary shall not be less than the minimum paid to patrolmen.

[Sidenote:  Right of suffrage.]

In any election hereafter held in any city, incorporated town, or school district, for the purpose of issuing any bonds for municipal or school purposes, or for the purpose of borrowing money, or for the purpose of increasing the tax levy, the right of any citizen to vote shall not be denied or abridged on account of sex, and women may vote at such elections, the same as men, under the same qualifications and restrictions. [Act of the Twenty-fifth General Assembly.]