The record-union., 1893-03-13
THE CALIFORNIA EEG|SL LATURE.

| senators came upon the floor at the same
time, and were aecosted in a brusque
manner by officers of the House and in
vited to leave the floor. I desire to state
that so far as the House is concerned the
action of the Sergeant-at-Arms was en-
tirely unauthorized. by any resolution of
this House or by any ruling of the Chair.
II make this explanation because of the
fact that the matter has been given so
much publicity in the newspapers that
deem 1t duty that this House should be
set right in the matter, and should dis
claim any intention of showing any DIS
courtesy to Senators, who are at all times
entitled to the privileges of this floor. !
hope, therefore, that the Assistant Ser
geant-at-Arms and gate-keepers will in
the future enforce the rules of the House
with more care and discretion"
The public explanation was evidently
satisfactory to Mr.. Leake, as shortly after
he entered the Assembly chamber
wreathed in smiles.
WOMEN SUFFRAGISTs.
i For many weeks past half a dozen en-
thusiastic little women have been seen
busying themselves around the Capitol.
Last Saturday afternoon their usual eX-
preston ofanxiety was invisible, and their
countenances and demeanor indicated
that they were extremely happy. They
waved their handkerchiefs, clapped their
hands and otherwise manifested their
joy.
The bill designed to give women the
right of suffrage at school elections had
passed the Assembly.
Uncle John" Matthews of San Benito
was an especial champion of the ladies,
and he was but little less enthusiastic
than those most concerned in the victory
DE opened up the argument for the pas
sage of the bill. He said large majority
OF the teachers in the State engaged in
teaching the young idea how to lshoot
are ladies. II people are willing to in
trust their children to the care of these
ladies, he could see no reason why they
Should not be allowed to vote for School
Directors or Trustees. 1t was but an act
of justice to enfranchise women.
NOT GOOD HoUsEKEEPER.
Mathews of Tehama wanted to know
whether if at all general elections the
Superintendent of Public Schools was
not voted for. Women, under the pro-
visions of the bill, could not be prevented
from voting for all the offices on the
ticket, he said Boston had the same ex-
perience once. Women were granted the
right to vote for school officers. At a GER
tain election at which Superintendent
of Schools was to be elected there were
more votes cast for all the officers than
there were registered males. So it would
be if the bill was passed. Mr.. Mathews
was not prepared to vote to allow the
female members of his household to go to
political conventions, make speeches and
the like, while he would have to stay
home to attend to household duties. At
his advanced stage in life he was not will
ing to assume such an immense RESPONSE
bility.
Jacobs of Yolo made one of his char
acteristic speeches. Men go to prize
fights, horse races, carouse and do just as
the feel like. They do not have time to
attend to important school matters. He
would vote to give women a chance
''It might be good idea," said Shana-
han, "for men to stay home and let
women do all the voting"
IMPOSSIBLE.
Sargent remarked that women make
good school superintendents. If the bill
should be passed there would never be a
woman superintendent again. One
woman will not vote for another.
McElroy contended it would be class
legislation. Might as we'll let them vote
on every proposition.
There would be better politics, con-
tended Miller, if women were enfran-
chised. He read from Wyoming paper
showing what good had been done by
giving women the right of suffrage
There is not poorhouse in that State,
and all the prisons are empty.
| Bulla also championed the cause of the
ladies. AS an argument he said the bill
had passed the Senate, and the Assembly
should be no less magnanimous and Just.
He believed it would not hurt many
women if they did stay out all day to
vote-it would be good change for them.
Afford said when women plunge into
politics they lose their independence and
sacrifice the respect of their male COM
panions.
| Quite flowery speech was male by
Mordecai. He had great admiration for
women, but when they enter into the
seething mass of politics they become
contaminated and sacrifice their woman
! hood.
OKeefe was surprised that the two
! last-named speakers should oppose the
bill. He said they are the most hand
some men in the Assembly, and it would
be to their material interest to allow
women to vote.
| BECAUSE HE HAD TO.
Taylor said he was a great admirer of
ladies' He had been assured if he
would tender the ladies his support that
he would not be neglected, and hence he
would vote for the bill
Ifmen have allowed politics to become
so corrupt as had been stated on the floor
of the Assembly, Duckworth sqid there
was every reason why women should be
allowed to vote. He was willing to give
| them the club to protect themselves and
purify politics.
Matthews of San Benito said he always
felt that he was better man when he
was in the company of his wife, daugh-
ters or lady friends. He believed if the
two sexes worked together more there
would be purer politics. The bill under
consideration, he claimed, gave women
the right to vote Oh school matters only.
Mr.. Burke asked the hoary- haired
champion of woman's rights if he was
aware that women would have to swear
to their ages when they went to register.
Everybody laughed.
The roll was called and two calls of the
House took place before enough votes
| could be secured to pass the bill IT was