The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-07-12
WOMEN ON ELECTION DAY.
Experiences of "Lady Canvassers" in
Getting Out Voters.


We were enthusiastic and very eager, or
We could never have endured the dreary
wet and discomfort of last Friday. The pre-
vious day, too, had been rainy, and the can
wasting was as firing as the work IN the
downpour on Friday, when we called for
the women electors who had promised their
votes. But there was compensation. There
always is, when one works in a good cause,
If only ones own personal satisfaction.
There was more than that, though, IN last
weeks municipal election. There was fun
real enjoyment for those who found it for
themselves. Among the varied experiences
OF those lays perhaps the most anxious
was getting an invalid to and from the
polling station: When We got her into the
carriage, generously lent for the occasion,
we were somewhat dismayed when the old
lady assured us that she had had a stroke
two months previously, and was very
den," she said; 81 was down in a heap on
the floor afore 1 knew where L was" L
think We did not breathe quite free after
that until We got her voting over and left
her safe at home again. But she was very
plucky, and said it had done her good. So
whether the election was lost or won for
our side, we could feel the time had not
all been wasted. And, indeed, it was not,
for We made friends that day, some of
whom we may visit again-perhaps about
next November. Who knows? Possibly 1T
may be June weathe by that time. An
other dear old soul whose company we en-
joyed was very deaf, and yet somehow
managed to keep a shop. oh, how We
sHoutSu 10 MAKE nef near. AT last, she
looked as if she understood, and shook her
head sadly. mo, i don't sell boats-got
some trains" Vote we screamed; and
at that she laughed. why, bless you, my
dear, I'm over eighty and didn't never do
such a thing in my life" However. she did,
for she suddenly agreed TO go "if Mrs.
Jones over the way would come and dress
her." We went for Mrs. Jones, Of course,
assuring the old lady that if need be we
would dress her or mind the shop, or do
anything required. Isn't that the right
spirit for clect;oneering? On the way to
the poll the said Mrs. Jones hoped very
earnestly that our candidate was not a Lib
eral. THE old lady wouldn't vote for no
Liberal she knew. Fortunately there was
no question of Liberal or Tory about the
election. but even if there had been the
dear old lady would have heard nothing
about 1t.
Some ladies had strange reasons for re-
fusing TO come. One actually dressed her
sell ready, but on seeing a smart carriage
az the door. said with the greatest disgust.
I'm not a-going in that thing" OF course
we agreed IL was very horrid for her, and
after a little persuasion she yielded. NUT
tering to herself Perhaps it'll be a little
change" Another good soul was willing TO
such as she kept was going at the same
time. How could she travel with the op-
position shop? I'm not going with her."
she said vehencently. Perhaps the one upon
whom we lost the least time was the
wisest in her objections. mo, I won't"
was the most emphatic reply. ." never
have voted and / never will" The door was
shut before We could possibly utter another
word. Yet OF the whole we had few re-
buns. and met with much courtesy and po
likeness. In fact. only one lady In one of the
oest roads or the town proved TO be an ex-
cepf1on- The remarks OF one woman more
amused than angered Us. mol" she said:
Il wouldn't think Of letting my mother