The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1874-10-30
A WOMAN'S OPINION OF CERTAIN
LEGISLATORS,

To THE EDITOR OF THE NEW NORTHWEST:
With Indignation 1 read of the Flip
pancy and ridicuIe with which the
Woman Suffrage bill was treated in
the House, with the few exceptions no.
ticed in its favor, to whom be all honor
accorded. What weak argument was
attempted by the man Chambers. He
says the proper relations of the sexes
were established by the Almighty. /
hope to be pardoned any irreverence
when say that the Almighty must be
amazed at the manner in which some
men accept that view of it and conform
accordingly. l wish that ''merit-ignOr-
ing'' member would define those rela-
tions, define woman's duty. Perhaps
he could analyze it and save US a world
of trouble. Is it that our plans are to
be forever frustrated our judgments at
any time laughed at in derision, or an
swered with eontemptuous sniff? Is
it that we are to ignore the faculties so
bountifully bestowed upon our sex, and
to be continually reminded that we are
but auxiliaries, and subject too often to
those who are ignorant of even the
smallest rights due to women? We
have no distinctive rights in our homes;
and yet we must be answerable for
every consequence. What lofty notions
of masculine authority this man must
have 1 Iwonder if he is not compelled
to have an occasional domestic outburst
to act as u safety valve to let off the ac-
cumulations of his exaeting disposition.
Some of the other members try to
fiatter us by indulging in sentiment.
That is all very nice. We like it in
moderate quantities, but if we have to
take so little fair play with it, we will
be content to dispense with it and take a
little more of the latter. This mascu-
/ line sentiment does many funny things.
1t will stand up in all complacency and
place just half as much pay in wom-
ans hand rs it does in the mans for the
same amount of work; at the same time
mentally admitting that hers was done
the most satisfactorily. Other members
disgust us with their ridicule. 1t only
makes us realize more vividly what we
have often felt before, that it is impos-
sible for woman to present her wrongs
and have them met in the right spirit.
They will answer with Difference with
out contradicting, which is insulting to
fpn fft- will fr.rr 10 81
with ridicule, but rarely meet US on
equal grounds. They will tell us that
the mental, moral and physical welfare
of all within the sphere of our homes, de-
wife. Although they will invest u:
with these serious and weighty respo1,
sibilities, they are not willing that W.
shall be responsible agents with the
over which we are placed to govern
Some of them may intend to be just
but seem to be ignorant of what justice
is. We hope to show men yet that w
may be trusted in all things. Wome1
began very low in the estimation o
/ men, but year after year brings us still
higher, and as we continue to rise W,
!, will prove that we are all the happie
, and better for our elevation. If womal
; in this struggle for right encounter
anything unsuited to her capacity, sh
will be the one to find it out. Iset us d.
what we can; the world will be the bet
ter for our efforts.
feel that l could write volumes Of
, this subject, but fear that this alread
lengthy letter may trespass upon you
time. 1 did not at the beginning inten
> this for publication, but you are wei
e come to do with it as you please.
E just felt as if wanted to give tina
Chambers a punch in the ribs, but nc
being near enough to him to do that,
: though L would do the next most graft
flying anything, give vent to my iudil
nation on paper. 1 want him to kno'
}. that he has reused the ire of one Por
/ land woman. / wish 1 was in SaleI
IS now. My other half and myself wi
y probably go up about next Wednesda
e or Thursday. In the meantime / al
t yours for FAIR PLAY.
d Portland, October 9Th.