Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1904-05-18
OBJECTS "a WOMAN IN POLITICS

OBJECTS 70 WOMAN IN POLITICS
Mrs. Robert y Burdette was pfoes-
ed by many friends 70 become a candi-
date for the presidency Of the Fed
Grafton of Woman's clubs. She
steadfastly declined although her con
sent would have been equivalent 10
election, Notwithstanding the blue
stocking opposition Of Colorado. II
Is just because Of the tendency Of q
faction Or the federation led by the
political wire puIler. Mrs. Sarah Plat
Decker, OF Colorado, that Mrs. Bur.
dette is getting enough Of the organi.
zation. Mrs. Burdette was support
I'D by the solid south where the cul-
tured womanhood are opposed TO the
forcing OF the ballot upon woman. and
|to the methods employed BY the loud
voiced woman that Colorado politics
has made.
Mrs. Burdette In a recent interview
iii st Louis, thus admirably express
SEES her views on the question:
r never was q candidate said Mrs.
Burdctte; my friends were good
enough and loyal enough to ask me to.
accept the presidency, but I cannot
allow my name to be used. IN the.
first place. several years ago ! an
nounced d creed, and have always
tried to live up to II. One OF the
sentiments OF my creed 10 that the
character and good name Of the In.
diyidual club member should be as
sacredly guarded By all the other
lmemhers as are those OF the family,
lSnG that the use OF political methods
Id. club life for women Will be the
death knell OF pure womanly organiza-
lions. / am not willing to stand as
Ia candidate when 1t shall require Of
my friends the use OF political meth;
DDS In coping with political methods
to win out"
q suppose you have reference to the
candidacy 81 Mrs. Sarah Platt-Decker
of C~olorado2' some one suggested.
I'VE won't be personal was the
reply. ''but Of course you know that
Colorado women are not unfamiliar
with political methods. | hear that
with all the influence that women ex-
ert In that state, they have recently
been in a condition requiring martial
law. No, as far as | am concerned,
should think 1t undigniied and al-
together unwomanly to resort to 'po-
%liticai methods 10 become president
Of the general federation. II there
Is no opposition 70 a candidate there
will be no necessity for the use Of
such methods, and the dignity Of the
federation will be maintained
But II was suggested, do you
think you are Justified In refusing
your friends the opportunity 10 vote
for you when sou know that the re-
sult will be the election OF a candi,
date whose motives may not be as
beneficial to the club movement as
your owny' !
'If any n could persuade me that
my duty TO the federation Is greater
than my duty to my husband and
home I might consider the question
but. as II Is. my first duty is at home
Ny husband will now be permanent
pastor OF a church and will require
me to be at home. When he wa
on Ills lecturipg tours It was my plea
Iae TO give my time 10 the higher
elub work. / never sought Office u
/. political preferment. but tried Il
mould opinion. and In turn have hat
my opinions influenced by the highel
aims Of club life. Now ] will return
to my home where my duty lies. ant
know my friends will see II as
do. Chicago Is ready. 200 strong, /,
\ vote for me. and my own state come,
with a delegation for me. but i shall
$ not be a candidate for the reasons
. than ! have given"
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The school year is almos; ended
TW Neachers and pupils have don,