The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1895-02-13
PROGRESS OF WOMAN SUFFRAGE.
Tho Cause Has Advanced Twenty Years In
The Past Twelve Months.

VT .NSSMSAiN
Tho Cause Has Advanced Twenty Years In
The Past Twelve Months.
The past year has been one momen-
tous in results to the advocates of equal
suffrage. A brief recapitulation is suffi-
Gent to show that the cause has ad-
vanced 20 years in the past IL months
through practical illustration of the
workings of political equality. In less
progressive localities the question has
been discussed and public interest arous
ed, which is the first step toward actua
results.
In November, 1898, the women Of
New Zealand were enfranchised, voting
at all the elections for all candidates.
They secured the return Of better men
in several districts than had ever been
elected before and ordained the retire
meut Of others who, they claimed, did
not represent the best social and polit-
ical elements and were prejudicial to
the best interests Of the colony. Having
been qualified to vote, they disbanded
their franchise league and organized
the Political Educational league and
have devoted their time to q careful
study of colonial politics. One amusing
feature Of the year in New Zealand has
been stormy debate in parliament as
to their eligibility to membership in
that important body. The women them
selves had expressed no desire for such
advancement, but the honorable mem
bers, anticipating this finally, were
looking the inevitable in the face.
The example Of New Zealand proving
so salutary, the enfranchisement Of
women was also discussed in both the
parliament of Victoria and New South
Wales, in both of which colonies it will
probably be adopted during the present
year. In the Hawaiian republic the rep
resentative women Of Honolulu, headed
by Mrs. Whitney, the wife Of the editor
Of The Pacific Advertiser; Mrs. W. Q,
Hall and Mrs W. G. Wilder, wife Of
the vice. president, and ably counseled
by the Hon. Lorin G. Thurston, made
an appeal for the franchise under&the
constitution. The forces of conservatism
were too strong to be overcome at once,
but they secured provision for the OK
tension of the franchise in the future by
popular vote instead: of by an amend
msnt Of the constitution.
In the United States year Of unprec.
edented activity among women was in
troduced by the citizens Of New York,
headed by Mrs. Stanton and Miss An
thony, to have tho word male" stricken
from the constitution. While the main
purpose was defeated, the contest was Of
incalculable benefit in enlightening the
public mind and solidifying the suffrage
forces. More than 500, 600 names Of rep
resentative men and women were ap-
pended to the petition submitted to the
constitutional convention. Women Of
social influence and Of the highest cul-
ture and position opened their houses for
suffrage meetings, in which they per-
nallyparticipated. Permanent organi-
zatious, of which these women are still
the leaders, are continuing the work Of
agitation and education, which they
will not rclinquish until they have ell
tirely accomplished whas they have
pledged themselves to do. s~s.a
|. In Wyoming and North Dakota wom-
en- superintendent Of public instruction
were elected. The campaign in Colo
RADIO was revolution againt the old es-
tablished political methods. The wom-
en- carried on. the most brilliant meet
irgs everywhere, organized clubs: and
by precept and example induced the men
to do their part. They cast 60 per cent
of the entire vote OF the state. They
elected as their own representatives Mrs.
a j. Peavey, state superintendent Of
public instruction, and Mesdames Klock
and Cressingham members of the gen
eral assembly.
+ In Illinois each party nominated a
woman candidate for university trustee,
an Office for which women were entitled
to vote The women were thoroughly
organized, having the cooperation Of
their respective state central commit
tees, and were furnished with headquar-
tiers and others facilities for carrying on
their work. Meetings were held that
were largely attended, tho most notable
Of which was that in Central Music hall
on the evening Of Oct 10. Nearly So, :
600 women registered and voted in spite
Of discouraging and confusing legal
complications As in New York, the
greatest interest was shown among the
educated classes, women of position and
culture taking profound interest IN the
campaign, working and voting for their
chosen candidate. The Republican can
didate was elected by something like
l51, 900 majority, and the event was
| celebrated by one Of the most brilliant
banquets ever given in Chicago
The vote upon the suffrage amend
ment in Kansas was in the negative,
but this, as in New York, is only tenn
porary defeat In Nebraska also there
was much interest. clubs being formed
for political discussion and work which
must result in future good. In view of
all these facts it can no longer be assert
ed that women do rot want to vote, and
that they would not vote If they could.
Wherever they have been permitted to
take part in practical pelitics--in New
Zealand, New York, Colorado or illinois
| "a marked and unmistekable change
for the better has been brought about.
With the present rspid change In public
opinion their enfranchisemeDtt through.
out the whole civilized world is mat.