"The mass of the people commence life with no other capital than the union of head, hearts and hands. To the benefit of this best of capital the wife has no right"

This quote by Ernestine Rose speaks to the unequal power characteristics in between men and women in the 19th century. Rose is highlighting the fact that ladies are not given the same chances as men to prosper in life. She is mentioning that guys are given the advantage of having access to monetary capital, while ladies are just given access to the "union of head, hearts and hands". This is a reference to the truth that females are expected to use their intellect, feelings, and physical labor to earn a living, while males are admitted to financial resources. Rose is highlighting the unfairness of this scenario, as women are not given the same rights to monetary capital as men. She is likewise highlighting the fact that females are not given the same opportunities to succeed in life, as they are not offered the same access to funds. This quote serves as a reminder of the unequal power characteristics in between males and females in the 19th century, and the need for greater equality between the sexes.