The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1876-10-27
LETTER FROM SALEM.


structures in the NEW NORTHWEST upon
the position of some gentlemen of the
House of Representatives relative to
House Joint Resolution No. 10 propos-
ing to submit to the people an amend
ment to Sec. 2, Art. 2, Constitution of
Oregon, removing any disqualification
of sex for the elective franchise. We
regret not having seen the article or ar
ticles embodying the aforementioned
structures. So we shall be obliged to
pass over them for the time being and
ask space in the interest of fairness, for
long statement defining accurately the
positions of the members of the House
in regard to the resolution in question.
The resolution was reported to the
House from the Judiciary Committee
with a unanimous recommendation for
adoption. The members of that COM
mittee were Lawrence of Baker, Fen
ton of Yamhill, Haines of Baker, Good
sell of Multnomah, and Mcbride of
Columbia. Two members of that COM
mittee, Fenton and Lawrence, we be-
lieve, urged the referring of the resolu-
tion to the same thatit might be passed
as question of law.
The resolution was discussed in the
House Monday evening, October 2, and
Tuesday morning, October 8, it being
made special order of business. Prior
to the discussion a motion for indefinite
postponement was lost by vote of So to
8. Fenton and Ferguson of Yamhill
strenuously opposed the postponement.
Straight of Clackamas Democrat
moved unsuccessfully to refer to the
"Third House."
We regret to have lost the order of the
remarks made in discussion, so will
briefly epitomize without any reference
to regularity.
Fenton of Yamhill (Democrat) urged
the adoption of the resolution as a meas
ure justly meeting the demands of peti
tioners, whose rights should always b.
respected in a free government such al
ours. The petitioners in this case asl
in behalf of equal suffrage only tn,
choice of the people, choice which
must properly determine every institu
tion of this government. Mr.. Fentol
f defined himself as opposed to Woman
Suffrage for reasons which the occasion
did not require him to explain.
l Mr.. Ferguson of Yamhill Democrat
took Mr.. Fenton's position in regard t
the resolution, urging the direct choic
of the people upon any important put
= lie measure. He declined to be ranke
with Woman Suffragists, unless negr
: suffrage could be exchanged for Woma
! Suffrage. Mr.. Ferguson expressed hin
t self willing to abide by the decision (
b the people. He also claimed to discovt
Y more advantages, theoretically, at leas
in impartial suffrage than some col
cede. He desired to meet the issue il
volved in this question fairly and speet
lily, believing that it must be met ar
hoping that its settlement would SUI
press further agitation.
Mr.. FidIer of Josephine (Democra
opposed the resolution in a very elab
:, rate and sentimental essay upon woma
considered as an angel, sometimes
light, sometimes of darkness. Mr.. Fl
Ter was certain that woman once a Gil
zen would cease to be an angel. He W
in favor of continuing the present ciN
% status of "weak-minded" women and
-, colouizing the strong-minded ones
- Alaska.
- - Mr.. Benjamin Republican) favor
the resolution.
= Mr.. kirkpatrick of Douglas (Repub
cam opposed the resolution.
y: - DR.. Peyton of Marion (Repubica
"a declared himself a Woman SufTrag
" and advocated the resolution.
y Mr.. Gault of Washington (Repub
" ~ cam was in favor of the resolution, b
.,3 @ not of Woman Suffrage.
~ ~ Mr.. Tozier of Washington (Repub
~ ~ cam announced himself as Won
- - Suffragist, and, of course, supported t
of resolution. He objected to Mr.. Fidle
- "aDgelic woman"
-. Mr.. Lawrence of Baker DemOcr
:. advocated the resolution. He rep
~ sented himself in doubt upon equal 81
~ frage, but anticipated his ultimate &C
.oS viction of its justice and feasibility.
a. Mr.. Chambers of Benton (RepubIics
considered himself obliged by the pu
of lie sentiment of Benton county to V,
de for the resolution, but denied any in
vidual convictions upon the subje
NJ He was in favor of Woman Suffra
nv provided it is desired by majority
the population of the State, or even
majority of the women. He was S
fled that such is not the case.
Mr.. Staat of Linn Democrat) oppo
the resolution. He insisted that the
! culiarities of "woman's sphere" p
ate cluded the desirability and practical
G. ity of equal suffrage.
on Mr.. Cheesman of Lake Democ1
Mt, vigorously urged the passage of the ]
Der olution. He advocated the removal
in all disqualifications of sex as striC
ng demanded by the spirit of the Consti
lp- ton of the United States, the Decla
tiOn of TndeDendence. and the dOctr