New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1872-11-02

"A
THE LEADERS INJURING THE CAUSE OF WOMAN
SUFFRAGE THEIR ALLIANCE WITH THE
PARTY OF CORRUPTION SHOWS THEM UNFIT
TO WELD POLITICAL POWER.
70 the Editor Of The Tribune.
SIR: l have for some time past been O
sympathzer with the OF Woman Suffrage, having
been converted to it chiefly by the arguments OF its OPP
nonents. But could 1 believe that Miss Anthony and
her co-workers who claim to represent the feminine
cause in America did truly represent the views OF those
among our most intelligent woman who demand for
women equal citizenship 1 should be disposed to
acouiesce in the Judgment Of our forefathers on this
question for think the action Of this socaed Womans
party has gone far Justify those who acge her unfit
meas for rule And as many States numerical superb
orty would make the feminine element dominant one
IL is serious question whether or not that element
manifests such qualities make 1t safe that they snail
control the physical force which they do not WELD III
has been said that feminine influence IN politics VIII
purify and elevate them; will make corruption less an
instrument and the advancement ofprvae or corporate
interests ess an object than they have hitherto BEEN
that whisky and greenbacks will lose in purchasing
pover rings and wIrepullers In their influence on the
destnies Of the country, and that moral ideas VIII be-
come moro and the levers OF political action also
believe that this will be the case though probably not at
first Woman, like the negro requires to DO elevated
and educated by the exercise Of political rights after
the many centuries during which inferior position
has debased her mind
But the present action OF this party win stand in her
wav rs striking testimony that her adyersaries were
right and her friends mistaken and that she viii mani
fest the faults OF masculine rulers added to those de-
cieneies more peculiarly her own Women are expected
TO show themselves less open TO corruption. Yet they
have ranged themselves the side where corruption
has been so fragrant that the most Jealous friends OF the
Administration can only sur 1t and promise I'M
for the future resort to the ordinary ergu
ment Of those weak in and intelect-a tuqnoque
IL Is fragrant that great numbers OF the purer and
ofter minds have left in disgust party to which every
tie every remembrance would otherwise nave bound
them They have fraternized with uncongenial asso-
oiaes linked themselves with abhorrent memories and
arenated lifelong friends and felow-workers. because
they coud not swalowthe Grow presented TO them, and
their sous onged for the dose Of purity and peace Yet
Woman the innocent babe in politics, seems born blind,
like kittens OF puppies. and swallows without hnchng
this black DOSE consideration OF the very small sweet
neat held 10 her nose. WOmans influence should purify
politics Yet We find the feminine party at once asso-
dating itself with that which the Government by
the worst political machinery; which holds power now,
and strives to retain IT, In defiance OF the popular WILL
by all those arts which have made the name OF politician
reproach In this country by tampering with the bal
lot; purchasing ntmIdatng the Legislature by rings
and lobbying by muctlng ocehoders OF the pay they
have earned that may be used TO corrupt and falsy
the suffrage. Not only is this woman's first step In
poltics under these leaders, but what Is Its movet
THAT ignoring all national Issues all questions OF the
common good she makes herself with this band OF
administrative politicians In action and spirit She adds
another Ring TO their wheels within wheels and says:
Because you promise TO forward my interests, will
Uphold you through evil report and good report; Will
take you fer better for worse" Like the unhappy can
didate for matrimonial separation fear abe viii find
1t all worse, and no better"
statesman should be clearsghted; able TO separate
the chat presented 70 him from the wheat 70 distin
guish the utterances Of true statesmanship from mere
clap-trap. Hssty Judgment, rushing at conclusions
liability 70 be led away by buncombe and mere assertion
all these are necessarily found ia the rank and file OF
eyeryparty; but when and it in the leaders, that
party must be pronounced unfit for power most com
pete Justification Of the popular hesitation about coz
ferring citizenship women Is unhapply Afforded In
all these respects by socaed leaders OF the Womans
Suffrage party and the women OF America should re-
pudiate them, or deserve the contempt and oblivion
into which their cause Twill fall as soon rs they have
served tho purpose OF those who baited the trap for
them For the plank on which they have mounted TO
cheer President Grant IL tho feebest possible. The
resolution opens with captrap and natery such
talk TO women IN ordinary society 1t becomes extremely
vague in its auson wider fields OF usefulness which
may be interpreted 10 mean occasional admission 20
professions &C. and closes with promising-whati Re-
OF their honest demands for add
tiOnsl rightsl How much Is Implied In thisi Their