The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1911-07-15
EQUAL RIGHTS

Away back in 1870 Gov. Edward
McCook who was territorial governor,
sent this message to the legislature
of Colorado;
"Our higher civilization has recog-
nized a woman's equality with man,
in all other respects save one-equal
suffrage 1t has been said that no
great reform has ever been made
without passing through three stages
--ridicule, argument and adoption. 1t |
rests with you to say whether Colorado |
win accept this reform In its first
stage, as our sister territory of wyo-
ming has done. or in the last: wheth-
er she will be a leader in the move
ment or a follower; for the logic of
progressive civilization leads to the
inevitable result Of an equal Suffrage :
Despite the earnest efforts OF brave
and liberal minded men who stood
fearlessly by the movement, the in
herited prejudices and narrowness Of
the majority could not be overcome
until 1898 at which time woman
suffrage" carried Colorado by a large
majority and grand man OF Colorado
writes of this as follows: "And re-
search disclosed these reasons as
chiefly contributary to the victory:
That women are equally subject to the
law; that the denial Of justice to half
the human race would be a detriment
TO the whole. as experience has proved
that under a partial representative
government the lives and interests OF
the unrepresented always suffer; that
it was particularly the province OF the
woman to look after the home, and
that the modern home could not be
thoroughly looked after except through
the law; that men alone were as unit
to legislate for woman, as woman
alone would be unfit 20 legislate for
men; that It was both insulting and
degrading to continue the classifica-
ton OF women with Indians, idiots,
and paupers."
And again: 1.-THE movement cannot
be qaurreled with by any fair minded
man. Not only have the women prov
| ed ability. energy, and integrity In
the conduct Of the states educational
affairs but their participation in poll
tical campaigns has been character
lied by everything that points to prop
er official grasp. 1t is regrettable that
a Colorado woman's political meeting
cannot be staged and carted about
the country. as an educational ex-
hibit for It would be a veritabie ''eye
opener" Equal suffrage has develop
ed some notable speakers and debat-
ors among the women. and 1t is an
intellectual treat TO hear the political
address OF such gentlewomen as Mrs.
Helen Grenfell. Mrs. Sarah Plat
Dacker. Miss Gail Langhlin, Mrs. Hell
Decker. Miss Cali Laughiin, Mrs. Hell
and a score OF others.
AS matter Of fact absolute hon
esty forces the confession that the
average woman's political meeting Is
far finer. more effective and more in
spring than those held by men. The
proud male. accustomed to long
winded harangues full Of brSg, blnstef
and abuse-pompous orations with
out terminal facilities--and political
Juliets who speak and yet say moth
. ing-suffers actual humiliation when
! he sees woman after woman get M
say her say concisely, intelligently
earnestly--every word counting-ano
sit down after fifteen minute speech
in which she has said more than the
usual campaign speaker says In two
\ hours.
1T is also to be wished that col.
orado election day could be taken or
tour IF tourist critics. are 10 be-
believed. and credence given anony.