The morning call., 1890-11-28
THE MISSION OF THE REPUBLIC

What Senator G. F. Honr TIL nks of the
Woman's Suffrage Association.
The following are the expressed views of
Senator George F. Hear of Massachusetts
in relation to the Woman's Suffrage Asso-
citation:
l think the Woman Suffrage Ass ociation
is to lie congratulated. because it is the only
one which has in charge the defense of the
principles of republicanism. Among the
associations for political ends in this coun-
try, this and kindred associations are the
only ones which have the full logical right
TO take to themselves the august name of
republican.
We have driven our leading opponents
from one position to another, until at last
there is not thoughtful opponent of
woman suffrage to be found who is not
obliged so deny the ductrine-which is af-
frmed in our Declaration of Independence,
in our matt onal Constitution, and in every
bill of rights on the American continent-Of
the natural equality of human beings.
The State is to be the expression Of the
deliberate choice of the whole people, count
ing their votes head for head, with the eX-
ception of persons disqualified by nature.
Does woman come within any exception to
the general proposition? Is there anything
in the nature of woman which units her
for share in the government OF the re-
public?
A person to be entitled to share In the
government of the State or country ought to
love the State, ought to desire its welfare,
and ought TO be capable OF judging of the
characteristics of the persons presented for
their suffrdge. and of the wisdom or folly Of
the measures which are prop Sed from time
to time before the people. Can you think of
any other qualification. than interest in the
republic, love OF the republic, capacity to
choose its servants and capacity to judge of
the measures upon which its welfare Is to
depend? Now, is there any one of these
qualifications that oman does not possess?
1t used 10 be said OF candidate for office
Nho was man of properly that he had
stake" in the country. Is there any stake
i'll the country like that OF the mothors in
terest in her children? Do not the mothers.
the wives, the sisters, love the republic as
well as their hus Stands, or sons, or brothers?
Is there any doubt about that?
Then in regard to the capacity to Judge OF
character. Is not that wuman's peculiar
forte and characteristic and trait? How
often does 1t happen that the husband re-
ceives his word Of warning from the wife,
or the brother from the sister, in regard to
the character of person in whom he is
likely to place undue confidence.
Then the final consideration: the capacity
to judge OF the measures which are for the
advancement and welfare of the republic.
Well, now, in order to consider that, we
ought to bring before our minds an adequate
conception OF what the republic itself is
for What is the purpose and object for
which the nation exists, and for which all
these vast forces are created? What is
nation for?
The object of the republic is not strength,
not wealth, not glory, not empire-iti Is the
aggregate worth Of the people. 1t is per-
sOnal, not material. You value your neigh
Dor not for bis money. not for his physical
strength, not for his genius, but for the
unnlifipS nf ppnerOsitv- love bunOr
truth; and you value your State just so FAR
as it Is an aggregate OF persons possessing
these qualities. and just so tar as 1t IS the
means to promote and Increase them. Now
will any body deny that it is women on
whom we depend to educate and foster the
moral qualities of children? 1t is the mother
who iDstlls these qualities into the child.
viii anybody deny that she is equally ca
pabe with the husband and father OF de-
terminlng what measures and what policy
in the State will result In the increase ana
promotion of these qualities in the aggre-
gate of families and individuals that go to
make up the republic?
So l say, judging by these tests--and no
other or better test has ever been stated by
philosopher, statesman or jurist-ihat the
w0manhcod of America should have its
choice recognized and weighed, just as that
of the manhood of America is recognized and
weighed in governing the State.
1t is said that there are many offices in the
State for which woman Is unfit; IL this be
so, all sou have to do is not to elect her to
them when she has the ballot.
No, my friends, this is prejudice and not
reason with which we are contending We
must carry out our Republicanism to its
logical results Women must stand by your
side in the church equals, or the church must
go back to the time of the inquisition. She
must stand by your side in The family, or
you must go back to the times when she was
a companion only. She must stand by your
al.
20 back, Or, what is worse than going back,
YOU must remain where YOU are.