Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-02-06
Hearing Ola Vvoman's SufIra ge.

Repre- enta.ives' Hall was filled last evening
by ladies and gentlemen interested in the dis
| cussioa before the judiciary committee of the
question Of submitting 10 the vote of the PEG.
pie a change in the constitution of the State
| extending to women the right of suffrage.
Mrs. Margaret w. Campbell Of Boston,
appeared before The committee, being intro
duced by ". Z. Whitehouse, Esq, of this
city.
Mrs. Campbell said she should offer two
reasons why the constitution should be alter
| ed to allow women to vote. First, as an act
of justice. Was glad that the laws had been
improved, but still injustice is suffered The
change only asks that the way shall be open
ed that women may exercise the right of suf-
ifagc, if they choose to do 30. We only ask
you 70 concede the right Of self government
Referred to the wrong Of slavery 10 show that
an error was incorporated in the constitution
| Of the ecu ntry, and argued that the govern
ment is still inconsistent in declaring that it
is a government Of the peoples Our fathers
declared that taxation without representation
| no representation.
One of the corner stones OF the govern
| ment, is that tho consent of the governed is
necessary 10 the perpetuity of the govern
ment. The women are governed, but have
no part in its administration. The govern
ment does not recognize US as a people
govern us, try US, and hang US without our
consent. Should this question be decided
upon principles of justice, women would be
granted the full rights of suffrage. 1t is the
inherent right of every citizen of sound mind
TO vote. The ballot is said to be the great
educator; then women ought to have it.
Secondly, one reason why the constitution
should be amended, is that women are need
ed. We do not ask TO change places with
men in the government; but if women are
needed in the church, in the family, they are
| needed in politics. You tell US that politics
are so corrupt that women must not mix in
them. That is the very reason why women
should vote-to purify politics.
They would assist in removing the great
evils that exist in high places. She felt more
than anxious that Maine SHOULD be the first
to adopt the grand measure. Thought that
the women of the State desired the ballot.
Women want the right of suffrage as a pow
er. She gave illustrations showing the differ
ence between the right OF petition and the
right to vote.
After Mrs. Campbell's address, some ques-
| tons were asked by members of the commit
tee, and promptly answered by the lady.
| Among them were these:
Question-Why is it that so many ladies
refuse to cooperate IN this measure?
| Answer-Some do not come up at once
and press forward for right to vote, but af-
ter being enlightened they express themselves
glad of the privilege. Some refuse. because
TO refuse pleases the gentlemen. No motive
or inducement has heretofore been offered
women to study the question.
Question-Would not the privilege create
discussions between husband and wife:
Answer-You can settle that yourselves.
Every man knows whether there will be a
row in his family, should his wife vote con-
trary to his wishes. A man would be apt TO
be kind to his wife, for little while at least
| if he wished to gain her vote for his side.
Some other questions were answered in a
| like happy manner.
The matter was then laid upon the table
for further consideration, and the meeting
adjourned