The Topeka state journal., 1897-05-13

booths arranged in FeSpectab Bile build
ings and voting is invariably conducted
with d6cOruIn.
Since the success of the legislative
referendum of 1898, the women of Colo
radO have evinced a remarkable inter
est in all things pertaining to the gen
pressed through the ballot box have
due weight in bringing about actual re-
suits; they have felt their duty to make
themselves acquainted with the prin-
ciples and methods of government For
this Jealous obedience to duty they have
been doubly rewarded in finding that
their zeal has acted as a leaven whose
power has been irresistible as is proved
by the fact that the science of political
economy has been more generally and
more seriously studied in Colorado dur
ing the last three years, by both men
and women, than in all the previous
history of the state.
All this is a thrice told tale whose rep
etitiOn, however, it seems unnecessary
to continue until its gospel shall pene-
trate the dull ears of ancient prejudice
and the obstinate deafness of those who
will not hear. The same story is charm
ingly repeated by a bright Denver wo-
man, who, in reply to sOlicitous inquir-
les of an eastern friend, wrote:
Whether our character has deteriOr-
ated by the use of the ballot. or whether
an Improvement is indicated by in
creased interest in educational, social
and civil questions, is not for US to say
This we may affirm: That while we
recognized freedom, we are conscious of
no deterioration in essential WOma nIi-
ness and detect no diminutiOn of cOur-
tesy on the part of our masculine
friends. The vocation of housewife is
no less honored than before the ac-
acknowledgement of our individuality of
sense, and we still love our husbands,
children and home as always. Under
the pressure of responsibility we have
a living interest in the moral and so
cial issues of the day which we did not
feel in the time of disfranchisement
when we had no incentive to study the
principles involved and no part in cor
rectinG public evils.
I'VE believe that the sympathy and
cooperation of men and women in the
things that concern good government
is an important step in the process Of
social evolution" :"
1t cannot be denied that the senti-
mental remOnstrant is still among us,
and that we have in our own state bit
ter enemies whose corrupt schemes
wOman's vote has helped to defeat;
neither on the other hand can it be de-
MED that after a three years nOvitiate
in the exercise of our duties as citizens
we find encouraging confirmation of our
best hope of reform through the quiet
power of the ballot in our hands. Be
ing now in the enjoyment of the first
victory of our concentrated action in
municipal interests. we have reason to
believe that the disadvantages of in
experience are already giving way be-
fore an Intelligent insistence upon the
use of upright political methods. 1t is
evident that every year will find the
Colorado woman a more efficient citi-
zen, but she has learned the lesson of
patience and is now BILE to recognize
that the errors of many generations
can be overcome only by the slow pro-
cess of ethical development, and that
the mental and spiritual plane worthy
OF true humanity can soonest be reach
ed through the concentrated and con-
scIOus efforts OF the best elements OF So
ciety in every state.
X A G. PATTERSON,
President Colorado Equal Suffrage As
sociation.
HELEN C. ECOB.
Corresponding Secretary.
"a SUE NJ HALL
President Civic Federation.
MARY P. BOILER
Corresponding Secretary Civic Fedora