The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1895-10-02
Woman Suffrage.
Views of its Leading Advo-
Gates as to It's Success.

10 a conversation with some of the
representatives Of the Equal Rights
association, the following remarks were
elicised
Mrs Neblett says she has spoken to
bali hundred or more Of the dele
gates. and the gentlemen who have at
.ained years Of thoughsfuluess say
they have been considering woman suf-
frage for some time aud have noted
the advance Of the movement and al
most every man admits that ic the ab-
stracs. the principles of justice aud
Democratic government demand that
woman Be given the ballot, bat the de-
tails Of the practical operation of vot-
ing troubled them, considering the
large punber of negroes among US.
Mrs Nebiett remembers scarcely any
indeed only ooe man who denies that
women have political rights. Some of
the younger members admit that the
subject is new to them and feel unpre-
pared to decide for or against
Two commistees-municipal and suf.
frage-have given the representatives
Of the Equal Rights association hear
logs. A number of the strongest men
10 the convention are pronounced in
favor of extending suffrage to women
with educational and property qualii-
cations % the whole the outlook is
hopeful
Miss Clay said have stroag hopes
of success in the convention. | have
had personal interviews with number
of the members, and have found them
willing to admit the abstract claim Of
women to equal political rights with
men. This much being admitted, |
fee, that it will be impossible for men
with any adequate sense Of their duty
in their high Offices as trainers of the or
ganic Law Of the State. to ignore or ne
glect the plain rights Of ooe-ha:f Of the
people. though that one-half has been
voiceless 10 elecsing representatives to
the convention Many Of these gentle
men expressed very plainly their re-
pugcance to seeing women iu politics,
but as such feeling is purely personal
10 themselves. nowise affecting the
righ, of woman TO the ballot, / be-
lieve that these gentlemen will 6oally
subordinate their personal objections to
the plain right Of the people. which it
Is their Office to maiotain The favor
sse excuse for disposition to disregard
the rights of women is thar no large
number of South Carolina women have
aska' for the ballot [ know not how
TO .,swer this objection better than
ty recalling the very able arguments
on thu q ,or the day the governors ten
ure OF Office vas discussed. The gen.
slemau thought two years was the
proper term-thought be reflected the
views Of his constituents. The ooe who
approved four years term was equally
confident that be reflected the views of
his constituents and he added with
@ach energy that the people who had
not much opportunity to think on the
subjec: or to study it. we're not the
best judges, bus that they we're here
to represent the people. So it is with
women. The mass 0: them have had
little call or opportunity to study their
claim to suffrage and its benefits to
themselves. but those who have thought
deeply of it are claiming it, and hun
dreds of those who are doing SO have
sent their representatives.. and their
petition is before the Constitutional co.,
vention, and it caurot 10 justice be
denied to them, because Of the ignor-
ance or apathy Of others-Me State