Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1888-05-17
WOMAN'S DEPARTMENT.
THOUGHTS ON SUFFRAGE.
The Elements Which Would be Introduced
by Its Recognition.

W Ato AeoSoShANOh'
Established principles when subject
to analysis, are sometimes found to be
improperly or imperfectly applied.
Two general ideas seem to pervade
the people as to the foundation princi-
pies of this government One, which
conceives it to be n government found
ed upon the consent of the governed,
with corollary assumption that the
franchise is a natural right. An out
growth of the fallacious reasoning of
Jefferson, upon ideas not original with
him. it has been the favorite of long
line of followers, more or less brilliant.
and is now held in the embrace of those
who clamor for the general enfran-
chisement of woman. 1t is theory
which has ever been productive of un-
wise and harmful action in the nation.
But, to the vast majority of the
thoughtful and well-balanced minds of
the country, a reading of our national
history. of our constitution, and
glance at the emancipation proclama-
ton is demonstration of the fact that
this government rests primarily and
ultimately upon force. These instru-
ments, buttressed by the result of the
civil war, showing this to be the basis
upon which the nation rests in time of
war, they also show it to be the basis
upon which the peaceful, though none
the less important questions of party
and principles, are to be settled. for,
Us has been well said. "the same prin-
ciple underles the ballot box and the
stitution of mathematics for muscle, of
the ballot for the bullet" Such being
the case, those of the nations subjects
whom themselves embody the elements
which constitute national force, may
properly enjoy the privilege of the bal
lot, while those who do not may not
vote
So far the discussion of the question
has often gone, but it is believed that
proper recognition of this principle
of force as underlying representation,
demand the enfranchisement of women
who are the heads of families.
The elements of national being or
force are two: CD Activities and (2)
Resources, or life and property.
Man, when necessary, bears arms
and hazards life in the nations de-
fense. If he possesses property, it
also subserves the national cause, and
if he do not, the possibilities for its
possession are within him, and in
hazarding life he involves all in the
cause. He, therefore, is representa-
tive of national force and should have
the ballot, under such restrictions as
to age, nativity, etc., as may be i'm
posed.
If an unmarried woman possess
property, it bears its part in support
ing the nation, but she can not, except
perhaps in rare instances, hazard life
in its defense. She at best represents
but one of the elements of national
force, and may not vote. The married
woman is, in most instances, even fur
ther disqualified, in that her husband
wields the resources of the family and
bears arms in time of war. But not SO
of the woman who is the head of fam
lily, its resources are in her hands, she
is responsible for its maintenance and
in her children she represents the elc-
ment of activities Being thus rep
resentative of its two elements, activi-
ties and resources, she is an embody-
ment of national or governmental
force and should have voice in the
control of national affairs, and in al
matters submitted to the ballot.
Thus is had clear discrimination il
favor of class whose enfranchisemen
would introduce few if any objectiona
BILE, but many beneficial, elements into
our politics, who would be most likely
wisely and approximately to use the
ballot and to the attainment of non,
but desirable ends. - Vim. E. Miller, i,
Currem