Knoxville journal. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1874-1986, 1874-10-01

ence and power united To oppose this
overwhelming evil.
/ Such is an imperfect synopsis OF
this noble and true speech which the
press of Dies Moines reported for its
readers--tiie presses OF towns and
Villages have repeated, until 1t shall
meet the eyes and ears Of the mighty
mass of citizens over which Bishop
Haven in part presides.
The endorsement Of the subject by
majority of the conference WAS an
other Victory for the cause. The
speeches II Mrs. Margaret Campbell,
from Boston. who is now lectuIing
through Iowa, and was in attend
ance on the convention, were full
throughout, Of strong common
sense and argument that could not
be set aside or gainsaid, and chained
the attention Of those who were
so fortunate as to be her listeners.
We commend her to all places inter
ested in this question. Other speak
ers did good and effective service,
and the new President elect gave an
earnest speech at the close Of the two
days meeting, promising her best
efforts to move on the work hoping
for grand awakening Of the people
to the justice and right before this
question is brought tn the polls.
Delegations from other cities and
towns were in attendance from DIFF
ferent parts Of the State, and will
carry home with them renewed
strength for the contlic: Of rs when
this important matter will be sub
hiitted TO tho people.
40 Me peoyieW Who are The
people,? When the census is taken
every man, woman and child Is
counted as one Of 1.-THE people," and
these numbers give your basis OF
representation. Then women are
people. They serve the interests Of
men. When the ax-gatherer passes
around every woman who owns one
dollars worth Of taxable property
becomes one Of the people. She then
serves the interests Of men.
When she commits crime that is
recognized in the criminal courts she
becomes one Of the people, and stands
on an equality with man as a candi-
date for the penitentiary or the gal
lows. Even husband then lets his
wife represent herself, although in
minor otIenses he reprerents her and
pays fine for all her small sins.
But in this great matter that in
wolves her highest and most lasting
interests, and through her the inter
ests of every human soul in Iowa for
centuries to come, will she be con-
sidered one Of the people. Will ONE
half, aye more than one-half Of the
population be ruled out Of the con-
flict, to take their places with luna
tics, idiots, aliens, infants and ami
mails? In old Confederacy times the
free inhabitants OF each of these
States--paupers, vagabonds and flu
gitives from justice excepted, were
allowed TO vote. But In this wise
day and generation the pauper and
vagabond can vote and decide upon
the destiny Of the mothers Of the
wisest statesmen. She who gave
him life. nourished aud guarded and
guided him into youth, educated
him and set his feet upon the plat
form OF manhood is made less
responsible in the affairs Of the gov
eminent than the pauper and the
vagabond.
In accordance with an act passed
by the Legislature of Iowa in its ses-
sions Of ls73-4, the question of grant
ing suffrage to women" is to be
submitted TO the people of the State
in 10. Every paper In Iowa should
open its columns to the subject, and
| If there Is valid reason in the mind
of any man or woman why this right,
SO long withheld, should not be
granted, that reason should be known
an understood of all men.
On the other hand, IL there is an
argument in favor of this largest lib
erty for the women of the State let
every woman know and understand
it, and give her influence accordingly.
FRANCES ID. GAGE.
A Nice RefOrmer.