The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1894-01-01

smile that now ana again passes across
and illuminos tho cuuntonancc. The
glory Of her face lies In her eyes. These
are large. gray, lustrous, palmetto IN
their softness and seriousness. Her
hands are dimply, white and infantile.
One ring. a huge sapphire OF deepest
hue, set between two large diamonds Of
limpid purity. is their only ornament.
A little restless clasping n thom az
times Just hints a Nervousness under cx-
ctllont control
Conversation turned upon the salient
features of tho late campaign, and the
little maid of millions spoke up ear
nestly. thoughtfully and valiantly upon
women and the ballot, in words that
should bo carried 10 her sisterhood Of
taxpayers, to tho wives and mothers
who desire the protection of their own
and their ohildren's interests by per-
sonal representation, 10 the women ~
thought and action who by their pens
and deeds have thrown down the bar
riers and opened highways 20 profess
sional life. as well as 10 the feminine
industrial classes upon whom have de-
volved the duties Of breadwinners, ne
cessity created through misfortune,
affection. neglect OF inability upon the
part Of husbands and fathers 20 provide
them with the physical comforts and
requirements Of life.
Il think. " said Helen Gould quietly,
"and am expressing as well the con-
victions of my father, for we We're thor
oughly in consOnance upon this subject.
that il is unreasonable and unjust that
women should not be endowed with the
full rights of a citizen, which include
the ballot. When women in so many
end widely differing spheres Of life and
labor are giving such remarkable evil
dences Of mind, skill and ability, how
can their claims TO consideration be so
disregarded that they are deprived Of
the legal recognition that Is denied
only 10 prisoners, traitors, idiots, China
men or Indians among menu
but what effect would il have upon
woman 70 be accorded a right at the
polls?" was inquired.
1.-THE tendency would be, she an
swered warmly, TO dignity and elevate
her. Ii would broaden her intelligence
and increase her sense Of responsibility.
There is no reason why an understand
ing of politics should make a woman
masculine in hei manners or conduct.
No mother Is less devoted because she
knows Latin and Greek. Children are
more carefully guarded against posi-
BILE ills. since women understand SAM
tstion and hygienic law. Every house
wife employs care and watchfulness TO
zee they are not neglected and returns
10 her embroidery with a sense of secur.
ty. No amount Of cultivation and
activity need make her less womanly.
Why should an understanding of the
policies of government work a greater
change, than an intelligent comprehen-
sion Of various other subjects?"
1t was remarked that so few women
had any knowledge of politics, where
upon Miss Gould resumed half medi-
tatively:
If women are accorded rights that
will create direct personal interest in
political measures, more of them will
study the subject and prepare them
solves to form opinions and take an ac-
live pant. The majority of women have
more leisure than men, and
that affords them opportunity to give
the topic and all its details much closer