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Show Slnvos of the Harem. As for tho women who were, or are still, slaves by purchase in Persia, the bondage Is of the nominal character. They can by no possibility be separated from their husbands, while if, as usually happens, they become concubines of theii masters and" have children bj him, they practically become wives and share similar privileges of the wives of the second grade. Often they become favorite wives and the mothers moth-ers of -men of rank. If slaves of the shah, the child elevates tho mother to the position, posi-tion, perhaps, of queen dowager. It should be considered, in regard to the servitude of Persian or Turkish women who enter the harem by purchase, that they would have but little choice if they married by free will, not knowing their husbands previously, and if their dowry is small they must marry poor men and work bard all their lives; whereas, if they : are purchased. It would naturally be by men of means, and they would have an' excellent chance of reaching a higher position po-sition and greater lnvury under his roof . than as the wives oC peusants.-S. G. W. j Benjamin. |