The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1912-04-06
WOMEN'S GOOD WORK
IN SUFFRAGE STATES
Duties of Citizenship Have Not
Made Them Less Good
Wives.

Mrs. Julia Ward Howe, just be-
fore her death, sent a circular letter
to all the Episcopal clergymen, and
to the Presbyterian, Congregational,
Methodist and Baptist ministers in
the suffrage states, and also to the
superintendent Of Sunday schools
and to the editors of newspapers
asking whether the results of wom-
ems suffrage were good or bad. In
all 624 answers were received. OF
these 81 were opposed, 46 in doubt
and SIG in favor
The replies from the Episcopal
clergymen were favorable, more than
tional ministers, about eight to one;
those from the Baptist ministers were
seven to one, and from the Pres
byterians about eleven to one. Of the
Sunday school superintendent one
was opposed and one in doubt. All
of the rest were favorable.
Editors Believe in 1t.
The editors were canvassed, in
order that the view of the intelligent
class of laymen might be, obtained.
They expressed themselves favorably
more than eight to one.
The ministers and editors are
practically unanimous in saying that
equal suffrage has not made women
less good wives and mothers, but has
rendered them more intelligent COM
panions for their husbands and better
able to instruct Their children. Almost
all are agreed that it has broadened
women's minds and led them to take
more interest in public questions. A
large number say that it has helped
to obtain literal appropriations for
school purposes and for humanitarian
objects, and has made it harder for
VIGOROUSLY, corrupt candidates to be
nominated or elected; that equal suf-
frage does not lead to divorces, and
that women enjoy Increased influence
because of having the ballot.
Immoral Women Do Not Vote.
Most Of the ministers emphatically
deny that immoral women control
the elections. Some say that the i'm
moral women rarely vote, others say
that they vote, but that they are
Overwhelmingly outnumbered by the
good women.
The testimony is practically the
same from all four states and from
all parts of those states. The fol-
lowing pastors have had a chance to
know whereof they speak:
Rev. William Kerry, Monte Vista,
Colo, resident more than 23 years:
THE influence Of women with the
ballot in her hand has been multi
piled for good. In Colorado the most
universal voice is in woman's favor
Do 1t Good in Denver.
Rev. Frost Craft, Methodist Episco-
pal, Denver: I have been in Denver
nine years and have had every op-
portunity to observe the effects of
equal suffrage. I never have heard
single complaint that it has made
women less good wives and mothers
Woman's influence is far stronger
with the ballot than without it..
Practical politicians are obliged to
take her opinion into account. The
great majority of the women go to
the poles quitely, cast their vote and
return at once to- their homes.
women show greater tendency
than men to scratch bad candidates
The vast majority of women who vote
are women of good character. There
is no likelihood whatever that wom-
ans suffrage will be repealed The
women who vote would not relinquish
the privilege under any conditions
and the majority Of men would vote
against any such proposition"
Women Are Independent
Rev. Leon c. Hill, Presbyterian
Cheyenne, Wyo., former chaplain of
the House Of Representatives: "Wom-
en- are more Independent voters than
the men. Equal suffrage has been
beneficial to the state in every way"
Rev. Robert Robinson Adams,
Methodist Episcopal, Pueblo, Colo:
"As the result of fifteen years res
idence In Colorado, possibly with
some prepossessfons against woman
suffrage due to a life spent in Phila-
delphia, I heartily endorse woman
SUFFRAGE
Rev. c. e. Holman, Methodist
DpAoCOQdls ClOSuOu0, IuduO. l. was
opposed to woman suffrage when !
left Ohio. I have been in Idaho for
fourteen years, and am convinced
that it has been an excellent thing
for Idaho. No righteous cause OF
good person fears womans suffrage
Rev. Charles H. Powell, Episcopal
Rock Springs, Wyo.: 1.-THE fact that
women vote in this state has helped
to put politics on a higher level in
| many particulars"
Suffrage Is Blessing.
Rev. M. Bramblet, Baptist, Moscow
Idaho: woman suffrage has been
a great blessing to our state in every
sense of the word. Women do not
vote for bad candidates if they know
it,
Rev. Frank L. Moore, ,Congrega-
t1onal, Cheyenne, Wyo.: Equal suf-
frage has made it much easier for
women to secure desired legislation
Women's influence, of course, If
| greater with the ballot than it can be
without it. She holds the balance OF
power and. is not tied to party. Both
parties must be careful in selecting