The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1880-06-10
WOMAE'S WORK AND WORTH IN
THE NORTHWEST.


Hon. J. J. Owen, editor OF the San
Jose Mercury, who recently spent sew
eral weeks in Oregon, has written to the
W0maH's Journal the following account
Of the progress Of the Woman Suffrage
movement In the Northwest, inter
spersed with complimentary notices Of
some Of the workers:
EDIroIs JOURNAL :-Having just returned
from months sojourn in Portland, Oregon,
the chief commercial city OF the great North
west, and the home OF that gifted and unfiring
worker in the cause OF woman's enfranehise-
ment, Mrs. A. $. Duniway, have thought a
few words thereof might not prove uninterest-
ing T. your readers.
Portland is situated one hundred and six
miles inland from Astoria. on the Willamstte
River, twelve miles from its intersection with
the Columbia River. and six hundred and
eighty-three (by seal distant from san Fran
cisco. 1t is a city Of about twenty thousand
Inhabitants. and is approachabIe at all seasons
by ocean steamers and vessels OF ordinary
dram. a trip up the mighty Columbia-the
grandest river OF the Pacific slOpe-is an event
to be remembered by all who appreciate the
beautiful and grand in nature.
After many years OF arduous labor, both in
the lecture field and through her paper, the
NEW NORTHWEST, Mrs. Dunivay has lived 20
see the women OF Oregon admitted 10 the
elective franchise in all matters relating 10
public schools. This is a grand step gained.
and viii doubtless speedily lead 10 the re-
movaI OF all sex disabilities 10 complete eiti-
zenship. She has striyen against prejudice,
nowhere more crystaIlized and crusted over
with Indifferent bigotry and conservatism than
in oregon, until she has commanded a respect
ful hearing. With truth on her side, and
armed with a most trenchant and, II need be-
caustic pen, woe betide the unlucky scribbler
who seeks 10 belittle her or her cause. And
yet in honorable controversy she is a graceful
and chivalrIc opponent She is ably supported
in her good work by her husband; also by
their two eldest sons, who attend TO the me-
chanical and business management OF the pa
per, and who are developing journalistic abil-
ity Of a high order.
Mrs. Duniway belongs 10 a family OF literary
athletes. Her brother, Mr.. Scott, editor OF the
"Oregonian,r the leading daily OF the North
west, is a recognized leader in his profession.
Her sister, Mrs Coburn, editor OF the Portland
"Daily Bee" is also a writer OF excellent abil-
ity. We had the pleasure OF meeting with
these, and other literary, religious and proies-
sional notables OF Portland, at a grand literary
and press reunion given by Mrs. Duniway on
the eve OF our departure from Portland. Her
elegant parlors were thronged with representa-
lives Of the various literary classes, and the
occasion was one OF rare pleasure and profit
Portland contains number OF able women
champions Of their cause-who would grace
any political position in life for which men are
supposed TO be ftted. Among these We are
pleased 10 mention Mrs. Sarah A. Damon, a
lady of wealth and culture, and beneath all a
good solid stratum OF hard sense. She is a
host in the grand army Of political progress.
Also Mrs. Thompson, a vigorous thinker and
speaker, who ought 10 be kept continually in
the field.
on the whole, the cause in the Northwest is
in most capable hands, and Oregon and Wash
ingtou Territory will not be far behind In
swinging into line with their sister States OF
the East In the grand march toward equality
before the law. Yours for the war, J. J. o.
san Jose, Cal, April D, lSS0