The age-herald., 1901-03-03
% WOMAN IN POLITICS.,
BY sARAH Fl. M'KowN.

she does in the South. The only differ ence is that they have here the privilege off going to the pols-a privilege which a large percentage do not embrace-and still larger numbers do so against their inclinations
 Election day in suffrage State fur nishes an experience quite unlike any other occasion Every carriage and ve- hice that can be made 10 do service as such is in the employ of the different parties, and are usually in the care of some woman politician who searches out the female voters. drives them to the polls waits until their votes are depos- tied, then sees that they are driven home. It Is really less trouble to vote here than 1t is to go shopping. l think am safe in saying that many women are led to the polls by the prospect of free carriage ride, the desire to see who else is going and that peculiar characteristic of hu- man nature which leads us to do that which we see others doing. and go wher- ever there is anything to attract a crowd
 If there were no pressure brought to bear, and women were allowed to go to the polls as freely and as unsolicitedly they are permitted to attend church, the female vote would very materially de- crease. l might further say that the methods employed in getting women to the polls are also used in conducting them to the registration office The most satisfactory plan is to register early, 90 that one may be prepared to say to all subsequent canvassers, as a most effect ual means of being rid of them that you are already registered. There Is nothing more to be said, and one is left in peace.
 On the other hand, one of the advan- tages 10 be derived from woman's suf- frage Is the position it opens for her in the legislative halls and along other lines from which she has henceforth been de- barred. Whether such d condition shall result in the greatest good remains to be seen. When woman voluntarily enters the political and business world with man, and contends with him for her share of Its spells. she loses the simple charm of femininity and becomes a distorted representation of all that he once rever- enced and adored. She becomes no long CT the controlling element in his life, but a simple unit that stands for so much in the political sum. Well might the ques- tion be asked, has she been gainer or loser? Furthermore, women who hold political positions usually obtain them through the same means that men em- ploy and are oftentimes as unfitted for their trust Is the average campaign speaker that the successful candidate re- wards with an appointment. Her laurels are won through the influence of political friendship, chicanery and money, just as are her male companions in the race.
 Woman has not changed politics nor political methods she only accommodates herself to it's conditions and require ments, and this she does with an air of adaptability that Is quite astonishing.
 The argument often brought forward against suffrage that when woman enters politics she neglects her home is in a measure true, but in a measure only. My experience is that a woman thus inclined will find some other channel In which to indulge this tendency if the political fields are not open to her As an escape from home duties there are still clubs
 lodges, charitable organizations. or even the habit of constant "gadding' among friends and neighbors. But there is no doubt that the tendency of public life would be to make woman dissatisfied with the more simple, more humble and yet happier walks of life.
 Under existing conditions women. many of them, are forced to the polls almost In self-defense, and not through any de- sire to participate In affairs which only increase their cares and burdens. They realize that the ballot was in a sense thrust upon them, and it becomes their duty to use this power to the best end. and not leave 1t to the manipulation of some political gang and that class Of fe-