Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-03-26
Women in Politics

The wife of the governor of Colorado was
not pleased with the decision which resulted
in the elevation of her husband to his
office. He was elected lieutenant governor,
1t will be remembered, and became gov
ernor upon the resignation Of Gov. Peabody.
Mrs. Mcdonald is quoted as follows:
1T all seems a dreadful misfortune. I
wish l could run away from 1t all and re-
turn to my home. 1t had never been my
lived for fifteen years.
'As the wife of the lieutenant governor
it was not required that 1 should spend
all my time here. but now I am the wife
of the governor cannot get away"
This has the attractive ring Of the home
maker and the homekeeper, and we may
easily believe that it expressed the lady's
real sentiments. She had just witnessed a
contest of unusual heat and acrimony, in
which men not only looked but talked
daggers, and exhibited themselves in the
worst possible light. Denver for days had
been crowded with -self-seekers and ma
chine politicians, and threats and counter
threats, couched in very bad language,
had been the current coin of conversation.
Well might this lady shudder at 1t all. and
turn her thoughts to her own orderly and
quiet domicile.
Dul tldl WAS d passing ledluTe. NelVeT
will not look like that all the time. The
city may already have assumed a more
pacific aspect. Following such outbursts
Of passion are long periods when politicians
are very amiable fellows. and when po-
litical life at a state capital has a most
enjoyable side. At such times the wife of
a governor plays a part not only pleasant
to herself. but important to her husband,
Of To he Cha
invests the official mansion with the charms
of her own home. Her life there Is noted.
and exerts an influence far extended. So
that when Mrs. Mcdonald feels this change
and seizes her opportunity. as she is sure
to do, her regret will turn to gladness, and
she will consider it lucky day when she
came to town.
Women, 1t may be said. exert an infiu-
ence in our politics of which too little Is
said. We see it in this town. Many a SEN
ator or representative owes his strength at
home quite as much to his wife's exertions
here as to his own. She often takes charge
of visiting constituents, shows them the
town, takes them to the theaters, intro
duces them to notaoles at receptions, dimes
them In pleasant company at her home, and
altogether makes their stay delightful. Her
husband, busy with his official duties. has
little time for this, but would not do 1t SO
well If he had the fullest leisure. Women
excel in such attentions. and their effect
upon a worthy person is lasting.
In this sphere of political activity women
have long excelled. In France they have
been q power. Their wits. their arts of
dress, their gift for gathering congenial
people together, have all been at the service
of their husbands party or their own. In
England. with touch less light or deft,
they have been even more influential. Po-
ntical memoirs and published compendiums
are rich In color and anecdote bearing upon
the part that women have played in af-
fairs, from the election Of fox-chasing
hero to parliament, to the negotiating of
treaties and the overthrow of prime min
listers. If they have sometimes taken to
the game reluctantly, they have often
played 1t skilhully.