Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1894-05-10
WOMAN SUFFRAGE.

The coming fall election will possess
an element of interest never before
presented at any general election in
this state, namely, the vote upon the
question of women suffrage. This is
a question of great Importance and
should be carefully considered. The
Sentinel is opposed to the amendment
for reasons that seem to US to be good
and sufficient, but it is not our inten-
tion at this time to enter into a dis
cussion of the question, but merely to
present the views of few of the most
highly respected and talented ladies
of the country upon this subject. Ella
Wheeler Wilcox, the we'll known writer
says;
l should not vote. My reasons are,
l have only time enough to meet the
demands of nearer duties than nation
al affairs. To keep my family COM
fortably looked after, my home attrac-
tive, to my household and guests
(Which is still part of woman's sphere
Think my literary contracts filled.
and to follow my idea of duty in other
directions, renders it impossible for
me to enter into the subject of suffrage
intelligently. l leave it therefore, for
the present to others who are more
capable or to those who have fewer
obligations of domestic nature.
Mrs. Henry Ward Beecher says:
/ have taken so little interest in
politics during my lifetime that I dc
not feel able to state if the women now
are any more interested in the subject
than they were number of years ago
Certainly I, in my contact with my
sex, do not hear the topic any more
generally discussed. think if it ever
had been necessary for me to go to the
polls should have been obliged to
turn to my husband and say; Henry
which way shall [ vote?" L have never
been opposed to the woman suffrage
movement; only neutral-simply pass
i've as to the outcome of the matter.
anyhow. l have had warm friends
among the active workers of the cause,
but have never cared to go and hear
them speak in public, always enjoying
and admiring them more in private
life. If son has a good fatherN1 feel
that proper principals will be instilled
in him, and that the mother always
has her hands full in caring for the
needs and comforts that must come
under the housewives supervision. 1t
seems to me that -athe wives and
mothers undertake to do to much when
they connect themselves with anything
that is liable to conflict with her first
duties as wife and mother or that is
calculated to make her less companion
able at home.
From Marion Harland:
Under no circumstances would
exercise the right of suffrage were it
possible for me to do SO. l see nc
benifit that would accrue to my sex by
such an act. On the other hand, 1 ses
the harm which might ensue. There
is Il great deal of talk about the refining
influence of women upon politics, but
the coursening effects of politics upor
women are evidently overlooked. No.
no! do not wish to vote, and l hope
the day may be far distant when my
sex is given the lawful right to do so
From Louise Chandler MOulton;
have never desired suffrage fol
women. l think woman has her spert
and man his spere, and that these
spheres are not intercha Dgeable
Nevertheless, if suffrage were given t.
women, fear that 1 should feel it N!
duty to vote. ButI, for one, woult
prefer that no such additional burdel
should be lain upon me.
From Mrs. SouthwOrth:
would not go to the polls and vot'
if suffrage were extended TO women
believe in the justice of the ballot TO
women if the majority of women de
sire it, and when they wish it the.
will get it without trouble.-Junctiol
City Sentinel.