St. Tammany farmer., 1909-11-06
THE INFLUENCE OF WOMEN IN
PUBLIC AFFAIRS.

Probably at no time than the present has
there been such an awakening of interest in
the rights and duties of women, nor such a
liberal consideration of the political aspect
Of her entrance into public affairs. That
she is mentally qualified to assume the re-
sponsibilities incurred by equal rights and
privileges with men is proven by her accom-
plishments in different spheres of employ
ment her success in literature and art and
the value Of her diplomacy in affairs Of state.
But all other considerations are absorbed by
the more important one of her influence in
home life-her duty to her children as a
molder of character and a conservator of
those ties that have made the American
home and the American citizen.
The right Of suffrage for women in Lou
1slana is so far off as to hardly call for dis
cussion, but the time is approaching when
the women Of this State will be placed more
on an equality with those of other States
and when her influence will be much greater
than it is to-day-an influence that should
be welcomed, because it speaks for better
ment of conditions. There is hardly a pro-
gressive movement that is not championed
by or traceable to the influence of women,
and their work during the Revolution and
during the Civil War in the South shows
them not only to be resourceful but pos
sessed Of nerve and executive ability, loyal
to their convictions and slaves to their patri-
otism
Nearly every city and town has it's ''Wo-
m o,,J EtCohoo1 T.,,v,,ox,o,,oo,,+
League, and every one of them stand for
moral, civic or educational improvement,
exerting an influence in municipal affairs
while apparently debarred from political
power Colorado has member in the House
of Representatives, Chicago has a principal
Of public schools who is doing excellent
work, the professions are numerously and
successfully represented, while nearly every
community can point to business establish
ments conducted by women.
The natural and noblest work of woman is
in the home. IF it were conceded that par
ticipation in public affairs is inseparable
from neglect of home duties, the emancipa-
tlon, SO to speak, of women would be the Sc
verest blow that could be struck at the happi-
ness and progress of the American people.
But as the tendency of Woman's influence
is for better conditions in government and
in education, it is fair to presume that the
effect Of an enlargement of that influence
upon the character and life of the citizen
would beget a higher appreciation of the
sacredness Of family ties and the recogni-
tion that there should be community of
interest in the home-of the man as we'll as
the woman. The Woman's club did not
tempt her from home until long after the
existence of the mans club. The great
number of Women's clubs and organizations
are the offspring of similar organizations
that have made home a meaningless name
to some men and the reminder of blighted
life to some women.
Therefore let US hope that the active part
the women are taking for better municipal
government, for better schools and for bet
laws for their own protection will be fruit
full Of benefit, not only to themselves but to
the country generally. And if they go so
far as to ultimately secure for themselves
equality with men in all the rights and priv
ileges granted under the law, it will be ac-
by the surety that they are
capable of assuming all the responsibilities
If men.