The Progress., 1893-04-29

gN9 by a cultured lady. who very
.ob approye. Mrs. Davis line of ar
gument; ,,.........
90 daughter OF the celebrated Gancr-
>, uosby. recently wrote to Mrs. JEFF
ION Davis orhcr opinion on the duca-
.ior ofwoman's suffrage, and ha, receiv-
"a the following reply:
~ can only say that my opinion will
,ot probably' influence anyone of the
..ro nartie, who are for and against
,ronan's suffrage. But as you are good
a,oncb to attach value 10 the express
ion Of il. can only acknowledge that
nv duties nave always been more num-
.rous and arduous than could satisfac-
,orilv perform. hence | do not desire to
assume new responsibilities
Iike Jean Ingelow, prefer privi-
,eoes to rights and cannot see in what
ranner the suffrage would benefit our
ex Certainly there is a great elc-
mont of danger in the introduction into
,be family circle of q new subject of
discord. as one 50 grave as a political
difference would soon become. II is
avery woman's duty to qualify herself
70 teach her children their rights under
the Constitution and urge their unfal-
,erinc maintenance Of them a. a para
mount duty to the next generation. Ev-
cry woman, with few exceptions, would
thus be potential in moulding the fu-
mre policy of parties. And if she per-
forms this duty faithfully and intelli-
gently she will have no time to canvass
the beats Of her precincts or for any
other relectioueering effort.
III has been urged that women with
out protectors and holding property are
taxed without representation. This is
certainly an infringement of theirrights
vet tits very difficult TO fix up plan of
discrimination between them and those
who have male voters to protect their
right and property. 1t isa subject on
which, Ihaye thought withoutarriving at
any satisfactory conclusion. Would it not
seem that when woman appropriates
the rights of man she should also as
sumo his duties? Could she defend the
polls or country by force of arms, would
she consider herself a subject for en-
pressment? Neither physically nor
mentally are we fitted for such contest.
"History does not furnish a single in
stance Of band of AmazOns, who,
though ever so patriotic, did not become
blood-thirsty and un5eXed in this un-
natural role.
''The sense of superior strength u
will not say, in the light of these lat
terdays, superior mental powersl makes
men indulgent and forbearing. But If
women debated with them at home, ell
bowed them at the polls, coDtroverted
them by stump speeches, leveled abuse
az them amid the shouts of the eX-
cited listeners, do you think men would
preserve toward them their attitude of
moderation and protection?
Suffrage once conferred could not
be withdrawn and | shudder to think
Of the consequences of the experiment.
Women have higher and holier sphere
within their he mes and that apportion-
ment Of duty which has answered the
needs OF humanity for centuries and
which was recognized by
our Lord seems to me ap-
proved by experience and worthy
to be maintined and respected forever.
These are the individual opinions OF an
old-fashioned woman and are TO be
taken for what they are worth"
Mrs. Davis is revered and cultured
lady of the ''Old South" Protected ard
shielded within q comfortable home, by
anample fortune, she but pounderstands
the life "behind the scenes" the dali
iy heart struggles, of the working wom-
enoft New South. Women love justice
but for themselves would always prefer
privileges to 'rights" in the sense
that Mrs Davis uses the latter word,
and 1t is perfectly safe TO say that if all
women had their privileges, very few,
not enough for aquorum, could be found
TO advocate women's Rights" If a
woman take any interest at all in the
Affairs of her country she is certainly
going to discuss politics at her fireside
with the vim and energy of her convic-
lions, whether she be candidate or
not.
And If she can live happily with
husband of a different religious faith,
II seems to me possible that she might
De at variance with him upon the less
vital question of politics and still be
happy. That women do bear the bur-
dens, and assume the duties of men is
IL.