The Press., 1894-06-07
proposed in government change which, when made, can never be undone.

E when made, can never be undone.
 The delight of doing appeals powerfully to human nature. Enthusiasm goes to meetings, while Deliberation sits in her solitary corner. Enthusiasm marches, while Deliberation stands still In many cases Enthusiasm has the best of it, and, {, even with 8 wrong start, has retraced her steps and set off on the right track before Deliberation has bestirred herself. Yet, when we stand face to face with an un- changeable decision, Deliberation is the safer counsellor.
 The extension of the suffrage is irlevo- cable. When we speak of it as an expert nse7et, we give false impression of & movement as uncomfortable as an ava- lanche, which, once started, must inevita- ply sweep women on to equal responsi- bility with men in all the functions of government. Twenty years is not too long to weigh the arguments for and against so mighty change. A considerable number of the present petitioners would be as much disturbed as surprised if the word "male," as an adjective qualifying voter, should be at once struck out from the constitution. They wish only to put themselves on record as, in general way, l favoring equal rights for women, and they believe that the agitation started now will have no definite results before the meet ing of the next convention. But no one can guard against an answer to prayer, and it is quite within the possibilities that the present convention may make the proposed amendment. The question, then, becomes a vital one, whether the times are propitious for social and po- litical upheaval; there is force in the point made by the nti-suffragists that they deprecate revolutionary legislation at period when the state is struggling with so many difficulties and dangers. When it is so hard to deal with known factors, are we wise in seeking to intro duce, at critical time, an element un- known and unknowable?
 | If the voting of women does not alter re-
  cerned, is simply the further encumbering of an already too cumbersome machinery. If it may fairly be expected to work changes, it rests with those who favor the extension to prove that those changes will justify what every one recognizes as, in itself, an evil-the doubling of the number of voters. It may be that the broadening of women's intellectual hori. zon, the deeper sense of responsibility fol common veal, will prove compensatine advantages, though think we may fairly count upon these in the process of evolu tion, with or without the ballot.
 WeAmericans share the delusion which Matthew Arnold attributes to his fellow eoantrymen, that .sthe having 8 vote, iks the having large family, or a large busi ness, or large muscles, has in itself some edifying and perfecting effect upon human nature." But, granting the subjective of the ballot, it is still question whether the majority of women desire it, and since the privilege assumed by some be- comes duty practically obligatory upor all, it is only fair that time enough should be granted for full and free expression of opinion.
 l Universal suffrage is so natural an out growth of democracy, and we are all st confident that democracy is the idea form of government, that the ballot il the hands of women is probably to b' reckoned among the forces of the future | Whether it is to be blessing or curs may depend upon the calmness, the wis dom, and the moderation with which it il introduced, and the educational tests ant other safeguards with which it is hedget about. It is hopeful sign that our bes citizens, both men and women, are think ing earnestly and dispassionately ove this movement, which they recognize & part of great current which cannot b arrested, but may be directed.
 Achilles ponders in his tint
 The kings of modern thought are dumb Silent they are, but not content,
 And soGit to see the future come.