The national Republican., 1868-12-22
TyIyERsAL FRANCHIsE AssOCIA
TION.

I, Ia understood that tho primal object Of
this association Is the - '"1Hion OF the elec-
tive franchise to Won. assume this TO
he 30. because the great bu. r'rgument and
defamation put forth 1T its ~ rtings, runs In
this direction.
The winter campaign OF this association was
opened some time siure, when Prof Wilcox,
Miss Nettie Pease, Dr. MAyhew, and Others,
advanced to the front and reannounced the
principles upon which the contest was to be
continued. Since then weekly meetings have
been held at Union League Hall, which have
been well attended, and the question has been
earnestly discussed, pro and con-, by various
persons who have been disposed to take part
in the debate, which has been open and free to
all. While the advocates OF women suffrage
have presented the usual arguments common
to these people with much spirit and real, the
opponents Of the measure contested the ground
sharply, and occasionally with a pretty free
hand.
In remarking on this subject we will observe:
whatever our own private opinions may be,
we do not now Intend to attempt any elabor-
ate discussion OF 1t. We mean simply to note
its continued agitation, adding a remark or
two in this connection.
We can readily see how this cause should
look encouraging to Imaginative minds, In.
spired with the supreme Importance OF carry
ing 1t to triumphant issuej but, neverthe-
less, as a practical measure, destined to be
generally accredited and put upon the road
OF speedy success, we do not see enough in
the signs of the times, or in the general tone
Of opinion among the great masses OF either
men or women, to indicate this conclusion.
We are very willing to concede that there 10
quite respectable and cultivated circle
among educated minds and idealists who ad-
vocste this measure with earnestness and
ability; but when compared to the great mass
of influences that are either indolent or ag.
gressive in opposition, II is quite patent 10
our vision that victory is atill afar of.
We know there will be earnest hearts and
keen minds harnessed for the strife, and
within certain limited circles OF association
will seem to be waging good hght for tn,
cause; but judging from our observation, 1
will not reach the masses to any great extent
From this outlook we do not see very muc
to encourage. However, this 10 now q fre
country, especially since Grant is elected
There 10 no limit to speech, except With
those reasonable bounds which all conced
The friends of woman suffrage can agitate
their hearts content, and make the most
their opportunity. Let 1t be discussed, II 20
please. This will be harmless. Public opli
ion Will take care OIL itseli. Inc Woriu WI
move on, and possibly, II not probably, 1t ms
at last ooneede the ground. We shall wa
and see; that is, II our life is not cut short b
fore that time shall come.
The end Of ideas is certainly not nov
Speculation docs not sleep, nor Is the huma
mind Theoretically sealed against all ne
thoughts; and whatever the result, we hsve q
fears of anarchy, or new hope of a milleniur
Society is no more likely to become a chaC
than a paradise. We have no doubt its grei
interests will be secured in permanent sen,
ments in some form, and civilization will sti
go forward, for progress is as qucnchless
thought and as certain as time.