New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-07-01
ANTI SUFFRAGE SIDEGIVEN
SENTIMENTS THAT CAUSED KISSES AT
THE COUNCIL IN LONDON.
A BRIEF STATEMENT OF THE OPPOSITION MOVE
MENT TO UNIVERSAL FRANCHISE IN
THE UNITED STATES.
THE UNITED STATES.

THE UNITED SIA4fS
No little interest has been expressed concerning
the paper which. when read on Tuesday before the
International Council of Women in London, caused
q storm Of Kisses from the audience. As before
stated the paper voiced the sentiments Of the
Eastern associations opposed TO the extension OF
suffrage TO women and the English constituents or
the cause OF the franchise for women were among
the most vigorous denouncers of the opposing paper
As curiosity has been expressed by many 10 read
the words which reused the London audience to
such strong expression of disapproval the paper
as accredited in the reports to Mrs. Francis NJ
Scott IS here given. 1t sent to the lnterna-
tionaI Council In response to an invitation from
LADY Aberdeen the president. and signed as
follows: Mrs Francis NJ Scott. honorary chair
man. New-York Association Opposed to Extension
Of Suffrage to Women; Mrs. J. Elliot Cabot, presi-
dent. Massachusetts, Association Opposed to EX-
tension Of Suffrage 10 Women.
1T has been deemed fitting that the women in
III United States of America who have concerned
themselves in opposing the extension Of the suf-
frage TO their sex should be represented In this
gathering.
"As there is in England a strong body. who, with
us are convinced that the betterment Of society.
either politically or socially. is not 10 be achieved
nv such an extension. We have chosen that they
should deliver our message for us. That they gra-
cously do so is another proof given by this con-
gress OF the unity and sympathy which bind us
together as women The development or our sex Is
what we are all working for along our dinerent
lines Differences Of opinion as to those lines or
work only give occasion for that temperate discus
sion which heathfuly quickens every cause. Our
contribution to this discussion Of the suffrage VIII
be a brief history OF the opposition movement IN
the United States and equally brief statement
Of our position and reasons therefor.
almost if not quite. cO-existent with the active
struggle for the extension Of the suffrage 10 women
which began about fifty years ago. there has been
a quiet but persistent opposition to that movement
on the part Of the women who believed that the
highest and best progress was not 10 be attained
through political equality. The two forces met
year after year the sunraglsts retiring defeated
but never disheartened. after each encounter.
There were many matters. and some still re-
main I'm which the laws specially unequal
toward women. and active sunragists have ire
Quentiy been associated with public-spirited men
and women unafinated with the suffrage move
ment IN bringing about the gradual reforms when
have taken place in various States in woman s
legal status Because OF their long association
with the lecture platform. and the general use of
the lecture as a means Of instruction In our coun-
try. these earnest aud sincere sunragists estab-
lished a considerable reputation. which seemed 10
imply more widespread Endorsement Of their
opinions than had existed at any time. 1t was not
however until 1894 and 1895 that the suffrage agia-
ton in the States of New-York and Massachusetts
became clamorous enough to demand action. Inc
women agitatng for the suffrage. which with us
means universal suffrage, without qualification OF
any kind and excepting only criminals and Idols
assumed the privilege OF speaking for all women
and we. feeling profoundly that such position was
without warrant and being convinced that great
silent ma jority Of women was opposed to such an
assumption formed associations opposed 10 the eN-
tension OF the suffrage women, ana defeated the
amendment offered for the consideration oil the
Constitutional Convention of New YORK, in 1891
victory was also won IN 1895 In the adverse vote
by the people OF Massachusetts on the question IS
Woman Suffrage Expedient?' other States rapidly
followed the example of New-York and Massaehn-
sets. Iowa. Illinois and Washington have formed
Organizations and In many other States there Is
partial organization.
1T has been dificult to convince quiet ana con-
sentative women that organization. which by us
publicity did violence 10 their lives and traditions
was really necessary. and II has been no part o.
our work to institute an active propaganda for
public persuasion and debate But wherever the
work Of the sunragists is particularly active, there
We reach the women who silently oppose. and give
them what help we can to make their opposition
known in the quarters necessary TO accomplish the
defeat OF sufraelst effort. SO much for the history
Of our organization. Now word as to why such
organization exists at all
The fact that we are represented here, In con-
gress called together for the express purpose oi
considering the woman question as a whole Is
profession on our part Of share I'm that great
work and il is because the part OF the question
with which we are Identified is important 70 tha'
whole that we welcome the courteous inVl'auo"
10 place ourselves on record here
VITAL PRINCIPLE OF MORE OPPOSITION.
The fact of sex It's Influences and It's conse-
quences is the guide 10 every question 10 be con-
sicered by this Council. In accordance with the
laws of nature. the differentiation Of the sexes
has been determined and cannot be altered by men