The Forrest City times., 1908-09-04
LET THE WOMEN SPEAK-THIS
 Is WHAT THEY SAY.

expressed: This vital question. the settlement of which means so much to our prosperous growing little city, our sacred, happy homes. and to the offspring that God in His wisdom has seen it to place in our care and keep ing Why were these boys and girls given to us, that we may allow them to be led and enticed into every kind of vice and sin, even crime: or that our womanly instinct and motherly love may lead us to protect and shield them from all such dangers? Give our boys the most careful training at home. Can we hope for them to re- main true to our teachings when they leave us and plunge into a place surrounded by every temptation? All have not the same strength. Perhaps in an unguarded moment the patient work of years is undone and the boy starts down. Let us help him. do not put his strength to the test. Take the saloon away. Give him the best chance. Some mother, sister or wife may say, This question does not interest or affect me in the least, none of my people drink" Perhaps they don't, perhaps they do and you are none the wiser. Even if they do not touch it now, have you any assurance that 1t will always be so? If you are thus blessed more the reason why you should thank the God who has bestowed this priceless blessing, more the reason that you should prove your appreciation and gratitude by serving Him 10 the very best of your ability. The common cause of
 humanity should appeal to our men. one and all. If this be true, then how much more should it touch the
 hearts of our women who are noted for their love for all that is good,
 pure and noble Shall We deserve
 this reputation? Shall We make it true2 Will any noble Christian wo- man whom God has blessed with the
 promise Of eternal salvation let false mo3esty and pride stand in the way
 of aaty: The Bible says Ne are our brothers keeper. If this he true. are
 We putting forth our best efforts for ] humanity and Christianity, for the weak, sin-hlinded men of our town?
 Is IL man alone who suffers from this
 terrible curse? No, our noble women and innocent children bear nine-tenths of the suffering, privations and even starvation brought on by this evil
 Is woman out Of her place when she is doing the Masters work? Are we not commanded to fight Satan with his own weapons: Did not Christ go into the slums. fighting sin and crime and put forth every effort, even giv-
 ing up his precious life, that the
 world might be cleansed and made
 better? Are We superior to Him that
 We feel ourselves above this work:
 The time has come, the opportunity
 is ours. will We grasp il with a deter mination that means victory, or idly
 and submissively allow sin and Satan
 t0 continue their reckless. ruiuous course? If We go into this work half hearted, fearing failure then we may expect it. All things come 10 those
 who work earnestly and prayerfully.
 l hear number of our over prudent men. even some few women saying on our election day. "These women had
 better be at home attending 10 their household duties and little children. " Oh. men, why do you make il neces- sary for the women and children to lake this stand to protect themselves? Year after year has passed and you in your strength and manhood have allowed it 10 drift on and on forget ting the duty you eve your wife and children. home and country. If YOU win do nothing, do not criticise our earnest efforts in our own behalf. Anyway. if woman has not this right. then who has? Is she an animal that she should be confined within the -s*4 " ais -A N~41it 1itlt NAiitI dil ttlt days 0f her life? No. never while she lives in free America If the pres ence of women on the streets shocks your sensitive nerves. then do your duty as men and f will not be neces- sary for the women 10 take this stand
 The saloon element viii be inclined to accuse us of buying votes when We serve water and lemonade, others equally as sincere and honest in their view as we in our way see it in the same light. l do not. We do not say. as the man who buys his ticket with whiskey. You vote my way | and l II pay you so much, money or whiskey as the case may be, We simp- [ Y use the opportunity offered 10 try | to persuade and argue into doing right.