The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1886-11-05
WOMAN SUFFRAGE.

Close Of the National Association at Tope-
ka-The Platform and Onicers.
TOPEKA, Oct 29.-Yesterday, the third
and last day of the National W0man's Suf-
frage Association, was one full of comfort
to the members in the interest manifest
both in attention aud In attendance. The
business session was called to order by the
president promptly at 1880. and Mrs. Black
well read the report declaring the platform
of the association. The platform Ii a.
follows:
First-The American woman's Suffrage
Association, at its eighteenth annual meet
ing. demands the ballot for women. not rs q
privilege or aa expedient, but as the ina
Of sex, in a government based upon the con-
sent Of the governed, h0r acknowledgements
being the right of every woman, and its &C.
compiishment the duty of every man.
Secoud-The establishment of representa-
tive government based upon universal eCf-
frage being superior to all other issues, this
association declares itself non-partisin, and
1t appeals to good men of all parties to do
justice to women: and it urges the II ends of
suffrage to work and vote for legislators who
will work and vote for woman's suffrage.
Third-The United States courts having
decided that women are citizens and may
be made voters by appropriate State leeisla
tfon. demand should he made upon State
Legislatures for statutes comforting NUM-
cipal suffrage, Presidential suffrage and all
other forms of suffrage permitted by the r.
spective State constitutions. and subsequent
ly for constitutional amendments aholishing
all political distinctions on account of sex:
also upon Congress for a statute eDfranchs-
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 dsfranchse
the Gentle and non polygamous women OF
Utah. while leaving the ballot in the hands
of the Mormon men. We protest against
\ Furnishing the innocent for a crime they have
mot committed. and we demand one and
the same standard of morals for man and
woman.
Fitih-Suffrage is imperativcly needed to
secure for women the public respect which
is their due; to give them far compensa-
ton for their labor; to overcome the despct-
ism of monopolies by voters too numerous
10 he cOerced or bribel; to- promote temper
aTce: to improve the schools; and to in
crease amenity and public spirit in political
contests.
Siyth-1he advance Of public sentiment
snce lS6. is shown by the establishment of
full woman suffrage in the Territories OF
Wyoming. Utah and Washington, OF school
suffrage for women in twelve States end six
Territories, ana OF municipal suffrage for un-
married women and widows IN Nova Scotia,
New Brunsw elk. ontario and Maui; Ola: by
radical changes in state laws affecting the
personal and property rights of wives.
mothers and widows: by the general cstab-
nshment of co education; ard bv the opening
OF wider industrial and professional careers
to women.
Scvcnth-ln support of our demand We ap-
peal to the justice of men, TO the patriot SIN
and sclf-respect OF women. TO the mutual re
gard and esteem Of each sex for the thoi.
We Affirm that Il government of the people,
must be government of men and women,
and thai; the equal cooperation of the SEXES
Is essential alike TO happy homes and refined
societies and Il free state.
The following National officers were
elected ut the close of The night meeting:
Hon. William Dudley Fouike was reelected
president; Lucy Stone, chairman; Julia
Ward Howe, secretary