The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1873-02-22
WOMAN SUFFRAGE. faE
How 1t Works in Wyoming.

How 1t Works in Wyoming.
The following letter, in reply to
one addressed to the writer by the
Pennsylvania Woman Suffrage AS
sociation, asking for information in
relation to the working of the new
law of Woman Suffrage in Wyo-
ming, has been forwarded to us
for publication j al
LARAMIE CRY, WYoMINa TERRtToRY,
December 26, 1872. {
To the Pennsylvania Woman Suf-
Trace Association: 4
It is now three years since the
act was passed giving woman the
right of suffrage, and the right to
hold Office, in this Territory, in all
respects the same as other electors,
Under this law they have been
elected and appointed to various
Offices, and have acted as jurors
and Justices of the peace. They
have very generally voted at all our
elections, and have taken some part
in making the nominations; and al
though there are some among us
who do not approve of it as a prin-
ciple, I think there is no one who
will deny that it has had a marked
influence in elevsting our elections
and making them quiet and order
ly; and in enabling the courts to
punish classes of crimes where
convictions could not be obtained
without their aid. ..a
For instance, when the Terrific
ry was first organized, almost every
one carried loaded revolver on
his person; and, as q matter Of
course, alterations generally re-
suited in using them. I do not re-
member single instance where a
jury of men has convicted either
patty for shooting at each other,
evdh in q crowded room, if no one
was killed; or for killing any one if
the victim had been armed. But
with two or three women on the
jury, they have, never failed to fol
low the Instructions of the court.
Again: The courts have been
nearly powerless, with only men
for jurors, in enforcing the laws
against drunkenness, gambling,
houses of i'll fame, and debauchery
in any of its forms. Neither grand
nor petit juries could be relied on:
but few women on either panel
changed the face of things at once;
and from that day that kind of vice
has trembled before the law and
hidden itself from sight, where for
merly it stalked abroad with shame.
less foot and brazen confidence in
| protection from punishment.
There are comparatively, so few
women here, and those are SO gen,
orally kept at home by domestic
duties that the courts have been
unable to obtain as many of them
for jurors as was desirable. But
those who have served uniformly
acquitted themselves with great
credit. Not a single verdict, civi
or criminal, has been set asid.
where women have composed &
partsof the jury. This has NO.
been the case, by any means, wher
they have not been present. The,
have given better attention thar
the men have to the progress o
the trials; have paid more heed t,
the charges of the courts; hav,
been less influenced by busines,
relations and outside consideration,
and have exhibited q keener con
scientiousness in the honest dis
charge of responsibility. And
have heard of no instance where
they have incurred any odium, o.
M-will, or want of respect from
having served as jurors. On til,
contrary 1 am quite sure that il
every instance they have been NOR
highly respected and more gener
ally appreciated in consequence
Of it.
There is one other influence tina
has grown out of the presence o
women in the court room, both q
jurors and bailiffa, that has beer
most apparent and. valcome.a n /,