The herald., 1896-04-12
The Woman Suffrage Campaign

Inc woman Suffrage Campaign
Permit me, in the name of the California
Woman Suffrage association, to thank you
for your courtesy in offering o portion OF
space in your paper for discussion of the
pending suffrage amendment. Your edito-
rial presentment of the subject in THR
HERALD of March Is, is clear and to the
point. AS you say, ut is a matter of ex-
ceeding importance" The amendment
has been precipitated somewhat unexpect-
ediy to the great majority of the women of
California, and the time is very short in
which to organize SO large . state and get
the forces in working order, but the women
will do the best they are able. in SO brief
space and with 30 limited an experience.
They are lacking in the two great essen.
even men would find it difficult under these
circumstances, but they are earnest. en-
thusiastic and strong in the belief of the
Justice of their cause.
Gifted women from the eastern states
who have had experience in these matters
have crossed mountains and desert to ex-
tend a helping hand to the women of Cal
ifornia and to cooperate with them in their
effort for enfranchisement. The generos-
ity of California is so we'll known that
there 10 no fear but the necessary funds
will be forthcoming. 1t is, however, q
cause for regret that we have not enough
on hand now to bring other eloquent and
forcible speakers into the state. 1t is a
large territory to cover with three speak
ers, Miss Anthony, Rev. Anna Shaw and
Miss Elizabeth Yates. If men aud women
of means wish to help the work, they can
do so most effectually by sending money
for this purpose to Miss Susan B Anthony
association, Mrs. Ellen G. Sargent, 1880
Folsom street, San Francisco. Mrs. Sar-
gent is the wife of the late U. S. Senator
Sargent, who was himself an earnest ad-
vocate of suffrage for women.
The plan of campaign is to hold a two
days convention in every, county in the
State, to organize suffrage clubs in all towns
and cities, and to circulate petitions for sig
natures. The favorite argument with the
opponents is that "the women do not want
it," In the limited time allowed it is
hoped that enough names of women will
he secured to answer this argu.nent. The
names of men. also. are desired in order
will have an influential backing for a
woman suffrage plank. The objective
point is to secure such a plank in each of
the party platforms. Without this plank
we cannot expect the newspapers or the
campaign speakers to support the meas
ure. 1t will be a mere side Issue.
The woman suffrage organizations are
strictly non-partsan: their official speak
ers and representatives declare allegiance
10 no party. They will welcome the sup
port of all parties. After the suffrage
shall be granted. the woman of California
will then be at liberty to ally themselves
with the parties cf their choice. These
conventions will be addressed by able
speakers, women of the highest character
and the finest mental endowment. We
ask for them cordial welcome and q re-
spectful hearing We feel sure that the
newspapers will give to their readers COR
rect and unprejudiced reports of these
meetings. We trust that the visiting
ladies will be offered the hospitality of a
number of the beautiful homes for which
hope most earnestly that both men and
women will unite in hearty effort to Sc
cure a majority vote upon the eleventh
amendment at the November election.
IDA A. HARPER,
Chairman press committee.
Oakland, CAL, April q, 1896.