The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1870-06-20
. Ladies' Have Too Much Good Sense TO
Ask for the BaiIot.v


Mr.. EDIToR:-The arguments offered by
the opponents OF Female suffrage during the
late discussion of the subject in this city, seem
10 me worth recording as a specimen OF the
logic that sensible men will sometimes use on
subjects which they have examined only upon
one side, and that, the side first suggested by
their preconceived opinions.
One of the declarations most frequently
urged, was, that Il e agitation of this subject
originated with a few "strong minded women
and weak minded men," and that the ladies
of this country have too much good sense to
desire the right OF suffrage and have not asked
for it. 1t is true their acknowledged good
sense and modesty as class. when brought
within the same field of vision with the dis
graceful clamorng for political favors too often
witnessed among men, present picture of
superlative incongruities. But, that eminent
good sense on their part should be urged as a
reason for not removing the legal barriers
which we have erected between this class of
citizens and the ballot box, "the bulwark Of
our liberties" is certainly a refreshing ilustra-
tion of the boasted magnanimity of some of
the lords of creation, POLITICALLY speaking)
The possession Of such qualities op their part
would seem to be one of the strongest reasons
why they should not only be permitted, but
| enrdiaily invited To exercise that right. For
surely any of our political organizations will
bear very liberal infusion of that element.
without damage or danger to any one except
unworthy ofice-seekers and professional wire
pullers.
Again we were. told, by the same speakers,
That ladies, (of so much good sense,) it allowed
10 participate in the affairs of government,
would be unsexed, and neglecting their do.
mestlc duties, would be rushing to Augusta
every winter demanding offices, and conse-
quently our whole domestic and social life
would be completely revoutionizedw
A frightful picture, truely. But trust the
ladies would still retain good sense enough to
appreciate the compliment.
Again these defenders ofimen's rights. claim
that nature, or as some express it, "the God of
nature has wisely constituted men, the natural
protectors OF woman and her representative in
the government" and that she is thereby re-
lieved of all political duties and responsible
ties" and then to fortify their position, they
proceeded to expatiate upon the ludicrous
scenes that would result from the proposed re-
form, if successful.
Fashionable uptown ladies, together with
Bridget and Biddie, would be seen hieing off
to the ward room, to elbow their way through
crowds of smoking and splitting clodhoppers:
lnsulted by the impudent gaze and rbald Jokes
OF better dressed --p And all this of
course under the eye of their natural pro.ec
tors. Brave souls!
Should the ladies generally, on mature con-
sideration, see it to be their right and du,y to
ask for the ballot, which l hope and trust they
will, it for no other purpose than to hold it in
terrorem over the heads of unprincipled DEM
agogues, who often out general if not out vote
the honest yeomanry, trust they will do it in
full possession and exercise of their acknowl-
edged good sense and modesty. And I hope
modicum OF good sense will be found in their
natural protectors, and the request be grant
ed. And l would have them go to the polls,
once at least, though under all the above dis
advantages, putting on for the occasion old
clothes that they can afford to burn up, on
their return, If spoiled by smoke and tobacco
juice. And trust they will have to cast their
votes for candidates for city officers, whether
from their own numbers or their protectors,
who will be sure to provide suitable places for
the reception Of their votes, without further
annoyance. EFF.
DOUBLE DEAD HEAD.-Rev. DR.. Price,
one of the British delegation lately in this
country, was somewhat astonished at tie
dead head habits of our railroads, hotels, ETC.,
but seems to have taken to them yerv kindly
At meeting in London since his return he
spoke as follows of his experiences here:
Ministers and editors travel at halt price.
stopping ON one occasion at a junction he
went 10 the hotel close by and had an excel
lent dinner. After ward. going into the clerks
office, he entered his name: :" Thomas Price,
Baptist minister, Aberdare."
10, sir,', said he, II guess you're minis
ter"
81 guess so, too" said |.
"WeII,1 he said. ."you have only half to paw.
The dinner is eighty cents: if you paw forty
YOU get free of the other forty"
ION what principle is tbat?" said |.
He said, I'VE give fifty per cent off to min.
listers and editors"
"Iudeed," said; 81 happen to be an editor.
too" o'''i'
editor of what?"
"Of Sertn Cymru'
Don't know the paper; where is it publish
"In Wales"
you?" "'e
"Yes, / am"
well, guess we are about square exactly"
said: u really think that I'll come again
on those terms"
Come whenever you like, and we will
treat you on those terms.n
WHAT the Ettrick shepard said of his dog
Hector is now going the rounds: st is guide
sign OF dows, SIR" says Hogg, "when his
face grows like his masters. Hector got sac
like me, afore he deed that I rennnp,bor .hon