The morning call., 1891-04-17

would be of incalculahle advantage to our
common country. These provisions were
among the first formulated by the con-
vention.
PERMIT ME- TO CALL YOUR ATTENTION
Briefly to some of the provisions contained
in the Wyoming constitution Accepting
the doctrine of the Constitution OF the Unlted
States, which has been so often aihrmed by
the highest courts of our land, that woman
is citizen of the United States, you VIII
readily understand the provisions to which L
refer The constitution reads: The rights
of the citizens of the State of Wyoming to
vote and hold Office shall not be denied or
abridged on account of SEX" Absolute po-
littcal equality between man and woman is
here guaranteed. Both male and female
citizens of the State" it is declared, shall
equally enjoy all civil rights"
While | would not make invdious diStinc-
tions by giving the names of those in both
branches of Congress who favored NyOm-
ing's admission, | wish to say that l was
agreeably surprised to find many of the
ablest men in Congress, both In public and
private conversation, disclose the fact that
they firmly believed the time would come
when women would be permitted to exer-
else full political rights throughout the
United States. They rejoiced that an OPP
portunity had presented itself by which
they could show they had no prejudice or
opposition in their hearts to women eXercis-
ing the rights of citizenship. Each depart
ment of the Government now recognizes
the doctrine chat every State has the right
under the Federal Constitution, to give wo-
men the elective franchise. The decision Of
the Supreme Court, obtained through the
perseverance of Mrs. Minor, has been DOW
erful argument in the hands of those who
favor wnman'S emancipation.
If we examine sacred and prOfane history
we must conclude that woman, from the
earliest dawn OF civilization, has been held to
AN INFERIOR POSITION.
She has been denied from the beginning
equal opportunities for culture, for the de-
velopment and growth accorded to her more
favored brother; yet man, from the very
nature OF things, has never risen above her
level, and by reason of their association they
hold the positions which they relatively &C.
cupy If equal opportunities in the race of
life had been afforded her there is no reason
to doubt that in tnany directions, especially
in the science of government, she would be
now considered his equal.
The Government under which we live to-
day is far more liberal than the one founded
under the articles OF confederation, and
broadened by the constitution that went into
effect in 1899. 1t may be truly said to have
been progressive govern ment. The peo-
pie, previous to its foundation, were edu-
Gated TO a condition favorable 10 its eS!ab-
llShment; and in the same way people are
being educated to-day to maintain higher
order OF government IN the future. Inc
United States at presents far stronger than
it was in the beginning OF its history. and a
greater percentage of its inhabitants par
ticipate in the administration of its affairs
Suffrage has become more general. 1t has
been conferred upon classes not contem-
plated in the early days of the republic.
With 1t other reforms have taken place, aud
at this time more interest is manifested in
the question of citizenship and pure ballot
than ever before i'll tae history of the coun-
try.