The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1886-11-04
WOMAN SUFFRAGE.

Close of the National Association at Tope-
ka-The Platform and Officers.
TOPEKA. Oct 29.-Yesterday, the third
and last day of the National Woman's Suf-
frage Association, was one full of comfort
to the members in the interest manifest,
both in attention and in attendance. The
business session was called 10 order By the
president promptly at 10 80, and Mrs. Black
well read the report declaring the platform
OF the association. The platform is as
follows:
First-The American woman's Suffrage
Association, at it's eighteenth annual meet
ing demands the ballot for women, not rs a
privilege or aR eXpedient, but as the ina
lienable right of every citizen, irrespective
of sex, in a government based upon the con-
sent of the governed, hor acknowledgements
being the right of every woman, ana its &C.
complishment the duty of every man.
Second-The establishment of a representa-
tive government based upon universal sCf-
frage being superior TO all other issues, this
association declares itself n0n-partisan. and
ii appeals to good men of all parties 10 Go
justice to women: and it urges the fl ends OF
Suffrage to work and vote for legislators who
will work and vote for womans suffrage.
Third-The United States courts having
decided that women are citizens and may
be made voters by appropriate State lczisia-
tion," demand should be made upon state
Legislatures for statutes comforting MUM
cipal suffrage, Pres dental suffrage and all
other forms OF suffrage permitted by the rt
spectiYe State constitutions. and subsequent
ly for constitut. Cnal amendments RbOlIshIns
All pO!Iucul distinctions on account Of sex.
also upon Congress for 4 statute enfranchIS-
ing women in the Territories, and for
sixteenth amendment to the Federal consti-
tuition.
Fourth-We rejoice in the defeat of the Ed
munds bill. which proposed to disfranchse
the Gentle and nOn-pOlygamOus women or
Utah, While leaving the ballot IN the hands
of the Mormon men. We protest against
Furnishing the innocent for a crime they have
not committed, and We demand one and
the same standard OF mOrIiS FOR man and
woman.
Fiith-SuTraEe is imperativcly needed 70
secure for women the public respect which
II their due; 10 give them Il FAR cCmpenSa-
ton for their labor; to overcome the dcSVOt-
ism Of mOnopClies by voters too numerous
10 be cOerccd or bribed; to promote temper
aHce; TO improve the schools; and To in
crease amenity and public spirit in political
contests.
Sixth-The advance Of public sentiment
since 1861 is shown 10y the establishment OF
fun woman suffrage in the Territories OF
Wyoming, Utah and Washington. Of school
suffrage EOr women in twelve states and six
Territories, ana OF municipal suffrage for I'm
married women ana WIDOWS IN Nova scotia,
New DrunSw Ok. Ontario and Manitoba; by
radical changes in state laws affecting the
personal and property rights o: wives
mothers and widows: 10y the general c>tab
lSnment Of cC-cGucatiOn; ard by the opening
Of wider industrial and professional careers
10 women.
Sevcn:h-ln support of our demand we ap-
peal 10 the Justice OF men, 10 the patriot SIN
and SciG-rcsVcct of women. 10 the mutual re
gard and esteem Of each sex for the other.
We affirm that government Of the people.
must 5c a government OF men and women.
and that the equal cooperation Of the sexes
i essential alike to happy homes and refined
Societies and free state.
The following National officers were
elected at the close of lie night meeting:
Hon. William Dudley Foulke was re-elected
president; Lucy Stone. chairman; Julia
Ward Howe, secretary.