Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1906-07-18
G Correspondence.
Equal Suffrage.


NOkIH EkNtbH1Rit SAA1 - AeNf
To the Editor of The American;
believe In suffrage for women. ] have
always believed in it. II the fact that
majority of men and large percentage OF
the women do not favor IL was concla-
sive reason why should oppose it. then |
should oppose it. 1t is pleasant 10 be IN
the swim--to sail along peacefully with
the current OF public opinion-but there
can be no progression without opposition.
no education without agitation, and no
agitation where there is perfect cain OF
ideas. 1t is the collision that stirs the
mental and moral world; the lightning OF
inspiration that purifes the upper ether
that envelopes US.
Since man became conscious OF his
physical greatness, woman has been de-
MED OF her political standing. She has
been accepted as gracious gift, beauti-
full ornament, a delightful addition to the
softening influences OF our civilization, a
gentle slave in mans service, a star In the
moral and spiritual world; as a superior
illustration of the finest feelings of human
nature, love, sympathy, companionship.
but as too good for the blighting atmos-
phere OF political life, too slight to be
clothed with the duties of citizenship.
We live in an age where knowledge Is
preeminently power. The multiplied
forces OF to-day are the results OF past
ages of mechanical knowiedgc. To-day
mans physical power counts for little un-
less linked with the knowledge of the
past. Unless his mind directs and his
hand touches the key OF the mechanical
forces OF TO day, he is more powerless
than the lower animal in their best estate.
Never before, as in this age Of vast
the equal of man physically. II there
have been reasons in past ages, and under
different forms OF government, why
woman should not constitute a factor OF
the political power Of nation, they are
no longer valid In our day and in our
country.
Our nation is founded on ideals; IL is
the development of moral and natural
rights. Its keystone Is push; Hs foanda-
tions are equal rights; it's glory Is uni
versal opportunity for the largrs, indi-
vidual development. In four hfths of the
public schools Of our State, women are
fitting the rising generation for good eiti-
zenship, and yet this vast body OF teach
ers, among the purrst and brightest Of our
female population, are not citizens, but
merely subjects, and have no right TO par
tieipste in the making Of lsws to regulate
our school system for which their wisdom
and experience so well ct them. She Is
ruler in the schoolroom. but a subject in
the State.
In onehaif OF the homes OF Maine to-
day woman is the recognized authority, by
reason Of her superior endowments, and
yet ip :bs broader sphere OF government
she cz nnot lift a hand to save the little re-
public. Her mission is 10 stand at the
door Of this great republic and plead and
pray-while man has full possession Of
the inner courts OF justice and law.
She has Allied and honored in the pro-
gress OF material civilization, nearly ov-
cry occupation and department OF human
activity known 10 man, and in many she
has superseded him. In education, art,
law, medicine, she Is rapidly snatebing
iaurcis from the other sex. In brain
power she is mans equal; in character
his superior. In heroic endurance, In
depth OF interest in home, society, the
school, the church, she leads the race, and
this government can never attain its most
perfect representation until both sexes
are happily blended In its citizenship.
That Il majority of women do not care
for suffrage, should be no bar to the few
who honestly and earnestly desire It, and
their denial Of the franchise is a political
injustice without reasonable excuse. IL is
woman's duty to plead for it and mans
duty TO grant Il.
Let every influence for Just government
be centered on the next legislature to
bring II about. The republican party has
duty to the race here. Let 1t not be too
slow TO accept il. III.