The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1894-09-07
A PLAIN STATEMENT.
Women and the Republican Party-In-
dignsnt Arrsignment of Convention.

| MOm ana tno ftcpuDtlcAn FArty-ln-
dignant Arrangement of Convention.
EDITORS HERALD:- 1T did not require
very accurate observer to see the shade
of disappointment on the countenances
of the women on the platform at the Re-
publican convention last night. To
those, however, who are familiar with
the attitude of that party toward women
it was not unexpected. The surprise
was rather that woman in that party
should have as many votes as Mrs. Gal
pin received.
1t happened that most Of the women
OF advanced thought and ability at the
time of the late war were sympathizers
with the policy Of the Republican party,
and they used their ability as public
speakers to forward it's interests. Being
under the mistaken impression that the
impelling motive in carrying on the war
with the south, and in the enfranchise-
ment of the colored man, was an innate
love of justice, these women did not
doubt that as soon as the questions OF
reconstruction were disposed of woman's
petition for political recognition would
receive immediate attention and a
favorable answer. But alas, alas;
their hopes being based on false premi-
SOS they were doomed to disappoint-
ment. 1t soon became evident that
that party had not been actusted by
love of justice when enfranchising the
emancipated slave, or by devotion to
the foundation principles OF the govern
ment of these United States; but, first
to defest their enemies, and then to get
an elephant off their hands. Year
after year the political rights OF women
were ignored by Republican legislators
and congressman. No longer was heard
in political speeches the demand for
merly so enthusiastically and continu-
ously made, that taxation and repreeen-
tation should go hand in hand. No
longer was it urged that, "unless we are
represented We are savee.' The petit
tons of women for a recognition of the
right of suffrage, upon which were the
names of those who had faithfully
worked for the Republican party in it's
hour OF need, were again and again ig-
nored. Once only, in the long years.
did that party show any signs of relent-
ing, and again exciting hope for the fu-
ture. That was soon after the
close of the war, when, fearing defeat,
and again needing womsn's assistance
in thecampaign, they resolved: That
the demands of women for political
recognition receive respectful con-
sideration." Again were women
hopeful, and again did those women
who unparalleled with the measures of
the Republican party devote their time
and ability to further its interests.
Again were they doomed to disappoint-
ment. Their victory won, their object
accomplished, and even the promise of
respectful consideration of woman's
claims was expunged from the platform,
and henceforth the political interests OF
woman found no place in the platform
OF the z. o. tp. And not only did that
party cease to show any consideration
for women, but when, some years ago,
forgetful of Republican ingratitude and
injustice, Republican women formed
themselves into Republican clubs for
Republican interests, they were forbid
den by that party to discuss the ques-
tien OF their acknowledgements.
With such record of ingratitude and
disloyalty to women, how could it reas-
onably be supposed that the Republican
county convention yesterday would in
dorse woman for any office, even that
| of superintendent of schools? The cause
for surprise really ia that Mrs. Galpin
received the vote she did. There seemed
to be some prospect of her nomination
in the afternoon, but ring rule prevailed
and O recess was taken, and tho ring
came to the rescue and defeated the hon.
est men of the convention.
1t is true that at the state Republican
convention few weeks ago platform
with a woman suffrage plank was
adopted; but why and how was it done?
Some years ago the good men OF the
Prohibition party declared in favor OF
woman suffrage by putting woman
| r,lo in THAR Nl1t nd
they have proven their sincerity by &C.
cording to women in their parry an
equal voice in its affairs. At
its birth the Peoples party OF California
took its stand for justice for women,
and its first platform contained wo-
man suffrage plank. Nor was it forced
on the convention by any bossis N, but
received the most hearty demonstrations
of approval on the part OF the delegates.
Nor is it to any extent dead letter.
Since the last campaign the far-seeing
politicians of the Republican party have
been saying to each other: "We Repub-
licans made great mistake in not
| taking up this woman question" And
| doubtless, the truth of that statement
has, of late, become 30 apparent that
it was determined by the bosses that,
| by some means, woman suffrage
plank must be gotten into their plat
form. But as was the case with much
OF the new principles copied from other
parties and incorporated in the Repub-
lican platform, it could not receive the
endorsement of that conventions and
| if discussion were permitted defeat
would be sure. Subsequently the whole
platform was rushed through as
whole without waiting to see if the
convention was ready for vote.
party that has to resort to such de-
vices to keep alive is in critical condi-
ton. Evidently the Republican party
hrs served it's purpose, has done ts
work, and its existence can only be pro-
loDged by rings and bossism. whether
its work has been good one it is not
necessary for the writer to cay. Let the
inquirer inform himself as to the tend
enciss OF the past 20 or 80 years and
their elimination in the present un-
fortunate conditions of today.)
In the foregoing remarks am speak
ing OF the party as a party and not of
the individuals IN it. There are many
| oc0d man who are Ranuhlicaun We