The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-10-06

lie NdTlOuS +HdTuSIlpS OI WOHldH were related and not until well within the Christian era, according to Dr. Aber- crombie, did her condition improve ma- terially.
 Under the march of civilization these old, barbaric and oppressive laws and customs are passing away. The continued,
 and in most countries, our own especial ly woman may enter practically all, of
 the vacations and avocations; may in-
 herit. own and dispose of property; may | marry or not as she chooses; may att tend church, school and college on equal terms with man.
 "Woman's emancipation has progressed to the extent that she is accorded almost every privilege enjoyed by man. In the United States there remains but one material or fundamental exception, and that relates to the ballot. Except in six Of the states she may not vote. Why may she not vote? Because of physical infirmity? No; she performs success fully arduous physical duties. Because of mental weakness?. No; she wins highest honors in our schools and col l1eges. Because of lack of moral char acter? No; she possesses more than her share of morality. Because of deficiency in patriotism? No; she Is heroic and sef-saerificing in time of war. Because of exemption from taxation? No; her property bears the same tax rate as mans. Because of relief from obedience tc law? No; for violation of law her punishment is the same as that of man. Then, why may she not vote? Evidently because she is woman
 ''rhe right to vote is the most potent, and should be the most highly prized of civic prerogative It is right that can not be safely exercised when it's posses sor Is steeped in ignorance or wickedness or superstitution. for he is then at the mercy 0S passion or prejudice or de- signing men. Intelligence and character are the essential qualification; they are possessed in equal degree by men and women.
 ''Is there any reason why sex should be a greater barrier against voting than against conducting business. or managing a farm, or working in fac tory, or editing a paper. or writing a book or clerling in store. or teach ing in school? If there is no sex in taxation, no sex in legal punish ment, no sex In business or industry, no sex in education, why have sex in the ballot box? Why should not intei- ligence, rather than sex, be the su- preme test of citizenship?'
 Moved About the Grounds
 While the football game was In pro- gress the suffrage speakers addressed the crowds from a small platform dec- orated with the gold and black of their order and moved from place to place about the grounds. pr. Samuel Ullman. one of the most forceful speakers in behalf of feminine emancipation in the city, was first to speak from this port able platform. He discussed Woman Suffrage and Education" giving strong reasons why enlightenment has brought adherents to the cause and alt earnest plea for better schools, a bet lter standard of education in Alabama which he states could be effected through the vote of women. whose in terest Is in the child is paramount T have been" said Dr. Ullman, "a be- liever Tn woman suffrage for 40 years" Fred N. DeWolfe gave a practical talk on woman suffrage and labor, George Huddleston following with q thoughtful discussion of woman suf frage and the new democracy, each 1 talking 20 minutes The crowds grew 1 larger as the afternoon heightened and
 it is safe to say that the eloquence and
 sound arguments of the speakers !, brought many adherents to the ranks
 of the seekers for the ballot.
 Wood Last Speaker
 After the conclusion of the football
 game hundreds gathered where they i had stood in tens to hear the final speaker on Suurage toplc--tleinent 1 R. Wood. who was master of cere-
 monies for woman suffrage day. The young man was never more convincing
 nor his atory more brilliant. He said
 in part:
 "Even granting to the fullest extent l that women as whole are not in ey- l cry way as fully qualified today as
 men to participate in politics; that is entirely beside the question; that has
 nothing to do with the ease. Our gov
 ernment is democracy, republican
 or representative democracy, it is true but this representation must extend te land embrace every interest. every class in the state And democracy is nol based on the right of supsrors to rule 1t Is based on the right of all to rule