The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1897-04-25
HOODWINKED TIE WOMEN
Politicians In Denver Fooled the r
Creatures Eearfui.y-

Denver, April 24.-Ine women Oh Deh-
ver-that portion OF them that vote-are
unhappy over a hard defeat they have
met at the hands of those whom they
succeeded in putting in Office at the re-
cen. municipal election in this city. They
have met rebuff where they expected
welcome, and for their political virtue
have realized that the vices Of the old
gang are to remain. In other words, Il
the canvass they did not perceive the
lion behind the milk white fleece of the
lamb, and they are now in the clutches
of the enemies of the reform they work
ed and voted for,
In Colorado the women have equal suf-
fraga with the men in all things, and
they have exercised the suffrage for
three years. They have taken large
interest in politics. some Of them being
as active in ward-heling as any man can
be- They have organized an association
of women which meets periodically N
the interests Of political reform; it is
called the Civic Federation, and has
branch organizations throughout the city
after the manner Of the God Government
CLUBS in New Yorw City. Their power
FIR honest municipal work can thus be
seen.
Except in the mayors office, the city
has been ruled by very corrupt gang,
and the city has been almost a unit to
turn the rascals out, but the prospect
seemed impossible Of realization through
me refusal of the parties to take UP the
cause. The mayor, Thomas S. McMur-
raw. a strong and honest official in ev-
erv way, was a candidate for reelection,
but could not get party 10 take him
up. The Silver Republicans, The Mckin-
lev Republicans, the Democrats. and the
Populists were all out for the spells, and
had no use for such man as the mayor,
and in an equal contest each Thought
they had a chance Of winnig the munic-
ipal election. The Populists were to
take up Mr.. McMurray, but at the last
moment the viii OF the party, as eX-
pressed at the primaries, was cheated
by a manipulation, a coalition being
formed with the Democrats.
All hope for the mayor seemed TO
have departed, when the Civic Fedora
ton took him up and nominated him,
calling its ticket the Taxpayers ticket,
and a full one was nominated. 1t in
staatiy had promises Of success, for the
mayor was very popular and there was
a strong current in the city against the
corrupticnists in power. In the prepa-
rarions the women allowed themselves to
he astonishingly wheedled, and when the
whole ticket was completed, even to the
ward offices, the name of many politi-
cal hack was found thereon 70 the dis
gust OF many, and it seemed that the
cause of the ticket must fail. But prom
ises were made, and all went well, the
Taxpayers ticket being surprisingly sue
cessful defeating all the other parties,
and the smartest political trickery con-
c.lrable, by pluralities ranging from s.
0)0 II 5000. Every candidate OF theirs
vas elected with ease.
This week the new officials have taken
office. and some of the nominations they
have made have been nothing short of
scan5aiOus. all promises being thrown
10 the winds. On account of the nominal
tons of men, already most undesirable
for their reputation, it is not conceivable
how the offices can be decently manag-
ed. for they have no qualification what
soav.r for conducting them. and the
cause OF reforrn, it is felt. must receive
very severe blow through the misman-
agement which must follow. The may
or is about the only official who has treat
ed the organization with respect, and as
TO what the city council will yet do is
impossible to say; not much good can
be hoped for. for il is a very heterogeni-
Gus collection.
The women themselves have not receiv
"a a single office in the distribution, nor
did they nominate one woman. For
them selves they have not been able 70
do anything. and though they have pres
.ige. they are laughed at for the manner
in which they have allowed themselves
n h hoodwinked. But they are patient,
saying that they have learned something.
know their power, have demonstrated It.
AMI declare they will not be taken in
aga-n In the meantime they are pre-
| pairing a severe castigation for the false
officials and although this Will be IN
the form OF words, il IS expected that