The Delta independent., 1894-06-20
WHAT SHALL WE DO WITH OUR
CITIZENSHIP:

l ". u. 1. u.
| Southwestern Colorado District, on May 10th. and
published at the request of the Delta County
| Prohibition League.l
1t is inevitable that all privileges we
enjoy are accompanied by responsible
tics. In whatever field men and women
have wrought, they have found this to
be true. In purely intellectual pursuits,
the attainment Of learning may not be
used solely for the selfish pleasure of
the possessor. The scientist would not
be considered worthy his name, if he
lock up the result of his research and
experiment, and deny to his fellowmen
the benefit OF his discovery. All study,
all scholarly attainment, bring respon-
sibility.
Whom the gift of the ballot reached
| tho fair, outstreched hand Of the wo
men OF Colorado, with it came respon-
sibility, and to every thoughtful woman
tho question, What shall we do with
our citizenship This privilege, with
its weight, comes to us at time in our
upon it's proper usage. There is a state
OF unrest such as was never known,
vexed questions are filing the popular
mind, and new exigincies arising which
stagger the executive abilities of our
ablest statesmen. The press is del
uged with tales OF distress; our affairs Of
state and nation arc ono mass of Ba-
bylonish confusion.
1t is little wonder that the mind OF
the average woman is bewildered at the
Prospect OF trying TO bring about order.
1t has frequently been suggested that il
women were allowed to vote, they would
almost invariably vote as their fathers
husbands and brothers advised. This
theory might have held shadow Of
| truth fifty, or even twenty five, years
ago, but woman of to-day think more
independently. If equal suffrage was
| general throughout the United States,
we would anticipate a national house
cleaning, such as this country has never
| beheld. But wars are waged battle at
| time, and sisters OF Colorado, brought
face to face with the duties OF citizen
ship, we must realize that struggle is
at hand.
There must be cooperative, system!
attic work down in the various lines Of
politics. We must become interested in
the political questions OF the day, under.
stand the issues which make the differ
ent parties, and study the matter as the
Bereans studied the scriptures, not be-
lieving without inquiry, but searching
for ourselves, and voting as sound,
thinking, intelligent citizens.
In regard to some reform move
ment with which men have been crap.
pling, or rather compromising. such as
the liquor traffic, the world is specula
ting as to whether or not women will
likewise compromise, Or at once make n
swift, decisive stroke which will leave
King Alcohol" quivering in his own
mire. The liquor dealers were opposed
to equal suffrage. They must have felt
wherein their life breath exists. They
do not expect support at the fair hands
of woman. How could they dare?
Nations are looking to Colorado on
this point. God has called, Jehovah is
his name He has set the battle in
array! Hasten women of Colorado; sleep
not; spare no arrows, nation is sinking!
Awake! ye staunch. proud sons of Col
orado, "most glorious city of your soul
How long will you continue to pave her
streets with human hearts and souls!
Christians, ministers OF the gospel, it's
with chagrin we ask, Are you about
your Fathers business? Are you com.
ing up to the battle Of the Lord who
has delivered you on every side? II so,
your vote is your ammunition, and not
your hollow prayers. 90 stale they are
an abomination to the Lord and stumb.
ling block to perishing world, which is
pointing to the banner under which you
are marching, and upon the folds of
which in years gone by was inscribed
the beautiful, tender and soul stirring
words. ASK what ye will in my name
and it shall be given you;" "If yo have
faith as grain Of mustard seed 70 shall
remove mountains" "Ye are my wit
nesses'' etc. If you continue to be de.
serter of the ranks Fear and the pit
and the snare shall bo upon you, thus
saith the Lord"
But lately our president pardoned a
criminal who committed an otfense
while drunk, on condition that he alb
stain from intoxicants for five years
We license the traffic to make criminals,
and pardon them IL they will keep out OF
the trap licensed to catch them. 1t is
indeed deplorable that We, calling our
selves Christian nation, have so much
political uncleanliness and misery
abroad in our land. and such vile cor
ruption OF its laws.
IL. .,n he. lc.,., ri.x