Daily inter mountain. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1881-1901, 1900-01-17

S0S -
the political fortunes of prohibition, and
from nrst to last has been, and still is, a
necessary n structural part of that
form of socialism which seeks the de-
struction of all existing institutions. Not
one OF These theories has the sanction of
the American people; not one of them
That Is not felt to be antagonistic to the
best good of the commonwealth. Why
then Should woman suffrage be looked
upon as a reform, a step in advance in
the march of civilization? Why should
1t not be classed with and treated like it's
friends n allies?
the s~uffragists claim that the admis-
sion of women to the polls would purify
nolitics, but there are those among their
leaders who openly and boldly announce
a the women's vote will be cast for
whatever party first admits their claim.
without regard to its intrinsic principles.
POLITICAL trading and jobbery have sell
tom been more pen han this. The cor
ruption of politi cs is already bad enough
m many places, what will it become
when women are engulfed in it? There
are instances already on record where
their influence as legislators has been
used arbitrarily, snd with no regard
whatever for freedom and truthfulness,
while there are many signs that the
female boss" is already in process Of
evolution. 1t is not thus that the refine-
nient and high moral sentiment of a pure
womanhood are brought to zeal upon
public affairs.
: We cordially accept every development
which broadens and harmonizes the life
and character OF woman, and tends to-
ward h accomplishment of the true end
of her being as the divinely commits
stoned helper and coadjutor of man, and
the mother of the race: but we believe it
equally necessary to discriminate against
and discourage those teachings which
tend to degrade her from this her pre-
eminent position. by engaging her In a
competitive struggle with men for civil
and political privileges. thus introduce
ing rivalry where there should be CO.
operation, antagonfsm where there
should be union. and bringing confusion
and discord into the progressive order Of
civilization.
In view of these considerations, we ask
the women of our country who. sympa-
thize with our cause. but dread the pub
licity of openly advocating it, to lay aside
for a time their natural shrinking from
debate, and give an open expression to
their opinion. at least in their own pri-
vate circles. or better, through organized
effort. We believe that it is necessary
that the voice Of true wOmanhOod should
be heard, and with nc uncertain sound,
that the men of our beloved country may
certainly know which way our wishes
and our convictions upon this subject
tend.
And of men, our brothers, we ask that
they will stand by their manhood, with
its strong prerogatives. We beg them to
remember that this is not q mere differ
ence of opinion between opposing fac
lions of women, but an attempt to
change utterly the fundamental basis Of
our government. At present, it rests
upon the principle of the family as unit
OF. the state. Woman suffrage would
nak the individual the unit, to the dis
paragement of he family relation, and
the advancement of h principle of COM
munism in the family and the state. 1t
is. with. this end in view that woman suf-
frage is made a constituent part of that
revolutionary socialism with which all
lEhristendom is threatened. In view of
these facts, we ask the kindly and pa
triotic cooperation of all good citizens in
the work of putting this matter before
the American people in its r light.
r. MRS. CAROLINE E. CORBIN,
President
MRS. s. M. NICKERSON,
= MRS. RICHARD ]. OGLEsBY.
~ Vice Presidents.
~ MRS. F. N. CARBIN,
MISS ALICE GRIGGS,
Secretary.
MRS. GEORGE W. SMITH,
MRS. RALPH N. ISHAM,
MRS. NATALIE KENNEDY,
MRS. MALCOLM CARUTHERS,
MRS. H. ~. MAY.
MRS. VIM. ELIOT FURNESS,
MRS. FRANCIS LACKNER,
MRS. CHRlsTOPH HOTZ.