The Washington herald., 1912-03-24
WOMAN SUFFRAGE.
corfespsndent Says that the consti-
tatfsn Does Not Prohibit IL.

corfespsndent Says that the consti-
tatfsa Does Not Prohibit IL.
Editor Ths washinEtn Bsrld:
Notwithstanding I22 years of interpre-
tation and action TO the contrary. and
the decision OF the Supreme Court. in
Minor VI. Kappersett, denying the right
OF suffrage TO women. our organic act
makes no such distinction or discrimina-
tion whatever.
Prior to the proposal of our Constitu-
tion nearly every State expressly limited
the right Of suffrage to the male sex.
Significant indeed. Is It that the mas
ter minds which dominated the terms OF
our organic act and the principles and
purposes thereof. scrupulously eyoided
such, or any. Discrimination. "a
It was expressly declared to be gov
ernmeht by, OF, and for the people. to
secure TO them; and their posterity the
blessings OF liberty. the establishment of
justice, and the promotion Of the gen
eral welfare.
II was dlstinctiveiy representative
government. and those TO be represented
were "ail free persons"-"citizens."
Representative government is impos-
sible without qualified electors to select
their Representatives
The citizen is made the basis and bene-
ficiary Of all sovereignty; the citizenship
of the nation its sole depositary, and
the, director and dispenser OF all the
powers.
As member Of this sovereign family,
every citizen. without distinction OF sex.
is lePtitled. as Of absolute right, TO all
privileges and immunities ever justly ae-
corded by any government
Every State. as every citizen, stands
upon the broad basis Of an absolute
equality Of rights and privileges before
the law.
Jurists, statesmen. and pubiicists- will
search the Constitution In vain to
find countenance for any discrimination
against women as 10 holding any ONCE
within the gift Of the nation or the
States, or as TO their right TO vote for
the person OF their choice.
1t Is their birthright and their heri-
tage. ~.
The use of 'he." applied to public on
cials, eafinot affect the persistent use OF
the. generic terms. the people, "citi-
1eHss SptisOHr, aS dpplCaDle 10 DOtn
Sexes throughout the Constitution.
IL these deductions be correct. then.
indeed, are We confronted with startling
conditions. which may vitiate or control
our Presidential election.
II women are lawfully entitled to vote,
can the electoral vote OF any State which
denies them that right be held valid?
II In ten or more States women are
unlawfulIy permitted TO vote, should the
electoral vote Of such states be con-
sidered? :, - bl- .s-.
Z The fundamental principles of American
republican representative government
must ever and everywhere within the
Union be the same.
IL Is such government, such system.
such form, which the sovereign people
have commanded that the United States
shall guarantee to every State IN this
Union.''
+, And the final. overmastering mandate
declares: The citizens OF each state
shall be entitled to all privileges and
imrnunities Of citizens in the several
states''-and most assuredly without dis
elimination Of sex.
A simple test case would receive speedy
and. effective consideration by the Su-
preme Court Of the United States and
settle these vexed questions once for ALL
HENRY r. O'REILLY.
Nf..,h