The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-02-24
sPxRxT OF THE PRESS.
Editorial Opinions Of tho Leading Journals
Upon Current Topics-COmpiled EverV
Day for the Evening Telegraph
no THE WoMEN ASK FOR sUTFRAGE2


From the Piasburg Commercial
Woman suffrage is favorably regarded in
Some parts of the country. In the West,
espeoiallv. considerable numbers of the poll
ticians seem inclined to bring the question
TO the test of actual trial. In the Illinois
Constitutional Convention a resolution was
lately introduced which instructed the appro-
pirate committee to report on the propriety
of submitting the question whether or not
women shall be allowed to vote, to the women
of the State. This measure appears well
adapted to settle one highly important point
in the agitation of this momentous subject.
Not only by rigid, old-fashioned conservatives,
but by some male refermers of decidedly
radical tendencies, it is confidently affirmed
that comparatively few women really
desire to enjoy the privilege so highly
valued by the other sex. Perhaps good
many of them might be gratified by the CON
cession of the right, as a recognition OF their
perfect human equality, and also as placing
them in position from which an occasional
advantage might accrue to them-buts 1t is
alleged that even these would be generally
content in the knowledge that they could vote
if they pleased to do SO, without any wish to
make their influence felt in that way. To
ladies of the genus technically designated as
the ''strong minded" this indifference seems
very contemplate. In denunciation of such
pitiful pusillanimity their rhetoric glows and
sparkles, and there is, no doubt, a consuming
force in their illusions to prisoners who shrink
from the light, and to slaves who hug their
chains. Indeed, it is possible to admire the
persistent zeal and fiery energy with which
many of these champions of female eman-
cipation carry on the agitation of their
cause. Not in q beautiful but in striking
manner they refute the maligner of their
kind who denied character to women, as
being constituted of ''matter too soft last
ing mark to bear, and best distinguished by
black, brown, or fair" Yet, after all, it is
not doubtful, but certain, that these sublime
and stormful agitators exhibit not only a less
refined and delicate, but a less lofty and saga
cious appreciation of feminine ambition and
its spheres than is entertained by their quieter
and, as it seems, meeker sisters. Woman has
thus far governed the world by means of the
very qualities of which these reformers are
blindly striving to divest her. A clear percep-
tion of these truths is, we see, prompting
thoughtful members of the sisterhood to
resist the innovation. We learn that anti
w0uan's rights associations have been
formed in some places. Cogent arguments
against female suffrage have appeared from
the hands of women. The recent movement
in Washington ought perhaps to be regarded
as the most significant and important indica-
tion of the antagonism to which we allude. A
number of ladies, some of them wives and
reported to have appeared before committee
of the Senate for the purpose of giving their
views in opposition to the concession of suf-
frage to their sex. On account of the central
position and high social relations of the par
ties, this action may be the beginning of an
agitation destined to become cOextensive with
the agitation to which it is opposed.
THE REPUBLICAN PARTY AND CUBA.
From the NJ Y Horld.
When will the Republican party adjust mat
ters in respect to Cuba? When will the com
motion in Congress in respect to belligerent
recognition cease? When will the revolters
On the island know what they are to expect
from the political organization which reigns
supreme in every nook and corner of the
Federal Government? When will Spain be
able to appreciate correctly whether Grant
his administration, and his Republican parti-
sans in the two houses of Congress are to aci
in respect to Cuba in fair or an unfair spirit
Is there to be no caucus of Republican Sena
tors and congressman to decide what rules o.
public policy shall govern party and Govern
ment action in this grave matter? Is the re
public of Cuba, as it now exists, a thing t.
be recognized by this Government as eithe
a dc fdct0 or an Independent nation? L
the fact that this republic of Cuba
so called, is carrying on warfare, regular o.
guerilla, belIo-geTere, sufficient to warrant thi
Government in declaring it de fdct0 powe
now outside the control of Spain? In sucl
matters are we to look to see if whoeve
solicits of us such recognition has a govern
ment, and holds, or is likely to hold securely
well-defned territory under that government
with which it is for our interest to have pol
tical or commercial relations, or are we onl
to inquire whether fighting is carried on
Is it not enough for this Government, whe
celebrating whether it will proclaim a neV
power in the dominions of foreign nation
to know that such power is large enough {
have sustained itself in arms against tn
present Government for more than yea
and half I?
Has not the Republican party in Congres
sufficient brain and nerve to decide sue
questions? Has Grant no conviction
thereon, or, having them, can he not infuenC
Congress to come to a conclusion? Is he
political eunuch? Can he neither propagat
nor disseminate his ideas in Congress-? {
has he none?
The Republican party is mistaken if
thinks there is safety for its organization
continuing to sit astride the fence in respe
to this Cuban question. 1t will find in IL
end that there is no more of safety in sue
an attitude than there is Of honor. we a
aware that its leaders fancy that their prese
policy of acting one way and talking anoth
will escape censure. Grant, it is true, b
occupied both sides of the Cuban issu
From the beginning, up to the 1st Of Sc
tember, his words, and in fact his deeds, we
of character to satisfy the most arrant fl
buster. Since then he has gone over to t
other side, and in conversation pleads pers
nal sympathy for the Cuban cause, but su
gests restraint exercised by certain membe
of his Cabinet. In the meantime he is d