The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-10-17
WOMEN AS KICkERS.
They Can Accomplish Wonders as
Such If They Kick Wisely and Well.


Saturday Evening Post.
The women of America need no advice
from anyone on moral questions, as witness
what the power Of women did In a South
ern State campaign against Congressman
who had been proved OF UNIT character to
represent an upright body of'people. and
later what women did in national fight
against a Western Congressman who reck-
oned their power so little that he even at
tempted to take his seat in Congress in de-
fance OF public opinion. EVERYBODY admits
that those two instances represent fight
of two men against the women of America
and who won? That shows what women
can do, and II has never been alleged that
in either instance any woman went out
side of her woman's sphere was unwom
anly in any effort she made in the cause of
pure representation and good government
A senseless and ridiculous system of
kicking" against everything and every
body is not urged. The chronic complainer
is a nuisance to himself as well as to his
neighbor, although, if he were forced to
choose between the chronic kicker" and
the chronic lamb of a citizen who bears
all municipal injustices patiently, and who
meets all attempts at reform with the
watchword, Don't make fuss about 1t,
We should choose a kicker. For a chronic
kicker, though he may often be too catholic
in his efforts. is bound sometimes TO KICK
a goal from the field of a righteous cause.
Therefore, while do not approve of his
ubiquitous methods, we boldly claim that
even the chronic kicker comes nearer 10
being the ideal citizen than the meek sheep
of man who bears all imposition without
protest.
uproarious or unsexing need be advocated
A little consideration of the matter and
little quiet and persistent effort in one
own immediate circle of friends Is all that
Is necessary. The American woman uses
tact with men naturally she breathes
That is the reason she gets everything she
wants.
First. be sure of the law on the matter.
Never write letter utter a public pro-
test until you are sure you are within your
rights as bounded by the laws of your
State. You will be amazed at the excel
lence of your laws and ordinances and the
criminal laxness of their enforcement
Most of the things which harass and an
noy you could be done away with IL you
| only knew how well you are protected by
| law. But not enforced. you say? Well
whose fault is 1t but yours? You have in
| fiuence. Use 1t. See to Ii that deafening
noises and foul odors and unhealthful'prac-
tees are stopped.
But. before you attempt to cast out the
mote from the public eye, reflect little for
Gear the beam of selfshness is in your own
eye. Are you maintaining a public nuis-
ance? Do you practice on your piano be-
have gone to bed? Is your husband learn
| ing to play the flute? Are your children
allowed to run wild and whoop and yell,
regardless of the woman who is writing a
| book in the apartment above you? Do you
| keep dog and does he bark with sheer
| dog spirits and the delight of living and
| do you encourage him in Ii, regardless OF
| the poor spinster within hearing who hates
| ours?
If you do any of these things you are no,
a good citizen. IL your husband does them
| and you do not try 10 influence him to de-
sist. you are not a good citizen. III you are
not training your boys and girls I'm thought
| fulness and consideration to their neigh
bors and friends; IL you do not train them
| to stand up for their rights and to demand
that when good laws are enacted they
shall be enforced by the weight of a perse-
| vering public opinion. you are lacking both
as mother and as good citizen; you are moi
doing your duty TO your children or tc
your country or to yourself.