Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1870-05-05

d
companion possessing sub-femenine
character. A experimenting intellect
VIII make equally as grave mistake in
becoming fettered to a companion possess
ing sub-masculine elements. But the
most fatal mistake that can be made by a
member of the masculine or femenine
types, is to seek and win a companion
possessing the ambiguous or hybrid ma
ture.
For proof of these assertions no extended
range of observation is necessary.
They belong to that class Of fact while
though its expression in words may be
new to the eye and ear, yet its substance
is familiar to the consciousness through
the whole range of its experience. OF
the truth of these assertions every COM
munity affords the most direct and posi-
tive evidence, as every lawyer who has
had experience in that field of legal enter
prise technically known as ''divorce prac-
tice" will testify.
Thus a complete perfect which is form
ed in natural union of the sexes of diff
ferential elements, occupying widely diff
fering spheres of action, the union cement
ed by the bond of mutual dependence
and interest, and the stronger one of pas
sion.
From this point of view it will be clear
ly seen that correct chates natural sys-
tenn of society. will be characterized by
the predominence of the super-masculine
and femenine virtues, while a diseased
vicious one will chiefly exhibit the degen-
crate, intermediate hybrid element.
From this point of view we may also
naturally and pertinantly inquire, do not
the differential elements in the intellect
ual constitution of the sexes perfectly cor
respond with the varying capacities with
which we have seen that nature has en-
dowed their physical systems
In view of these facts, can an unpreju-
diced, discriminating, candid mind assume
with Mr.. Garrison that there are no mani
fest natural differences, physical and men
tai, between the sexes Such assump-
ton founded upon such loose generalities
and cheap witticisms, and made by one
whose character possesses both weight
| and influence, certainly merits rebuke.
Thus the vital and capital topic of. the
present female suffrage movement is
shown to have no foundation in fact what
ever.
The topic that for the reason that wom-
an is taxed she ought to receive the bal
lot, was, next to the one just considered,
the most important one that engaged the
attention of the recent convention.
| 1t was amusing to observe the play of
words, minus the fact, that was spent up
on this feature of the subject.
| What I" exclaims an intellect of the
| hybrid type, neighbor of mine, " must l
! be taxed taxed on real estate, taxed on
personal property-and not be allowed to
vote Must 1 pay roundly for the pro-
lection of my property and not be permit
ted to have voice in determining what
shall be the nature and character of that
protection Z"
Madam. I answer, you say you ought
to vote because you are taxed, is that your
position "Of course it is, and respect
able, enlightened society to-day regards
it as the only tenable one" she retorts,
| looking enviously at nay beard pantaloons
and boots. Madam, | answer, you say
you ought to vote because You are taxed,
and you are taxed because you possess
property; and now, if the right of voting
grows out of the possession of property, it
is the property that votes, and not its
| possessor.
Allow me to illustrate. During the de-
alterations of the convention out of which
sprang the Constitution of our country,
it was proposed by some of the members
that there should be property qualifica-
ton attached to the elective franchise.
This feature was evidently popular, and
there was danger of it's being incorporated
in the Constitution, when Benjamin
Franklin made this inquiry, or its sub
stance. Said he: " If you make the pro-
! E T.. - =
ten pounds sterling, and man owns a
jackass worth that sum, he can vote; ii
| he don't own such iackass, he cannot vote.
And now I would enquire under such cir
cumstanoes which it is that notes.-the
man or the iackass ?" This practical,
common sense, logical hit demolished the
measure at blow. And now, would
enquire of you, Madam, if you obtain the
right to vote because you possess property,
won't it be after all good old Ben Frank
Inns iackass that will do the voting rather
than yourself?
| Taking leave of madam let us pause
! for a few moments to inquire ON what
prinnipla the elective franchise rests In q
government like ours. 1t is not in itself
an inherent right, but { right purchased
by certain qualifications.
The ends to be attained by govern
ment are two: external defence and in
ternal protection the former regarding
the invader and the latter the criminal.
A republican form of government of ne
cessity holds that every naturalized mem
Der within its limits that is capable of re-
polling an invader or arresting a criminal
is a constituent part of itself; and it also
reasonably and Justly holds that its con-
stituent parts only shall determine its
mode of action. 1t is necessary that these
two features-that the qualifications of
the voter shall consist in the capacity to
administer the government, repel an in
vador and arrest criminal, and that only
the constituent parts of itself shall deter
mine it's mode of action-should be boldly
and clearly defined in government like
ours.
| For instance, Il man owns property In
two States, in one of which he resides,
and in which he ia subject to civil and
military duty. Now, although each
State annually makes laws that may af-
feet the value of his property, still, he can
sides, in which he is subject to civil and
military duty.
In this instance the qualifications of
| the voter are clearly and broadly defined.
The case of woman is identical with this
instance, resting on the same broad prin-
ciple Before woman can Justly claim
the ballot, she must of necessity demon
strate masculine capacity, intellectually
and physically, to administer the govern
ment, arrest the criminal, WELD the sabre
and lead the charge on the field of battle.
Anything short of this would establish
the elective franchise on property quail
fcation, which cannot exist in a form of
government like ours. Hence if woman
receives the ballot, she must of necessity
assume civil duties-must enter the army
and navy--or the movement in this direc-
ton is obviously an attempt to sap the
foundation of republican institutions.
These conclusions are inevitable. As the
fabrication and perpetuation of a form
of government is the grand basic
element, supporting all the rest that ma
ture designed the provident intellect OF
the male to supply, it is evident that the