Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-02-13

necially in regard to the welfare oil emu
drep and the uplife of humanity. Inc
now elected governor of Kansas is out
snoken for woman's ballot. In every
state where they have woman's suffrage
prominent statesmen of both parties tes-
tify to its beneffcent effect
"Gentlemen of the committee in the
name of childhood, in the name oil ~o-
manhood, appeal to the noble manhoou
OF the State of Maine to grant us the
privilege of walking beside them clad 10
the garments of power such as the eaiio'
gives
C. S. Stetson,
strong plea for the women was
made by c. S. Stetson of Greene,
master of the Maine State Grange
He said he came before the commit
tee as the representative OF the
Grange and wished to answer some OF
the arguments that are being mace
against equal suffrage.
The sentimental argument made
against woman's suffrage he SAID,
that woman's sphere is rearing chill
dren, making the home and looking
after the home, is purely sentimental
reason and is not an argument
Master Stetson declared that in all
the progressive propaganda in the
State of Maine, the men and women
have stood together on the firing line
and have worked side by side in cam
paigns. They have taken this atti-
..tude in the equal suffrage battle.
TO give a concrete Illustration, Mr..
Stetson said that the Grange is the
only organization. so far as he knew.
that extends equal suffrage TO women.
All the members are eligible to any
office within the gift of the organiza-
He IN Ead tl,e4 history Of the Grange
very brikhv And spoke Of the great
organidtion 4hat il now is. The
Granger today. lis an organization that
from its progressive stand appeals TO
the people" said Mr.. Stetson. II II
had not been for the women, 1T would
have been impossible to build up TINS
magnificent organization and make II
what it is The homes of Maine are
cleaner and better places to bring up
bows and girls than they otherwise
would he because the men and women,
especially the women, have worked
together"
MIR. Stetson said that many women
may be opposed to equal suffrage but,
he asked rs it not true that in a
heated campaign not more than ~ per
cent. of the voters go TO the polls !.
Is ii not true that thousands vote as
they are told? Is ii not true taat
thousands vote because they are car
ried to the polls and baekNto their
places of employment
The last annual session of the
Grange, that held in Portland in De-
cember. was referred to. Mr.. Stetson
said here were gathered over 600 dele
gats representing about 400 towns ane
&C. 900 people In Maine They unani-
mously adopted a resolution in favor
of woman's suffrage. 1.-The resolution
should have weight with your com
mittee." he said. THE movement Is
progressive, rational and should have
recognition We ask the legislators
In sit down with themselves and think
if it is not right to submit this Con-
stitutional amendment to the people
Mrs. L. M, N. Stevens.
Mrs. l.. w. n. Stevens. national
president of the W. G. T. u, was ac-
corded a stirring ovation as she arose
She spoke in part, as follows:
.Gentlemen of the judiciary committee:
81 come before you representing the
Maine Woman's Suffrage Association, .
non-sectarian, non-partsan organization
having for it's motto: In order to estab-
fish Justice an association that has fol
many years worked to secure politica
rights for the women of Maine; purpose
from which it has never deyiated.
year after year it has sent its repre-
sentatives to the Legislature to ask thai
an equal suffrage amendment be sub
mtted to the voters, and, although theil
efforts have not in the past been crowned
with success today we come with hearts
fun of courage because we believe that i
is the last time we shall meet to ask FOL
our full rights as citizens. We are sur
that you recognize the fact that the mel
of the State are not only willing bu
9, eager to give us the ballot because the,
have been convinced that we have al
deep an interest as they in allNquestion
that affect society and that we should b.
allowed to express ourselves on thes
questions in a direct and effective way.
After recounting the recent advances o
the cause, Miss Bates said:
1.-THE anti-suffragists are constantly re
porting that womans suffrage is fail
ure; that women do not largely vote; tina
the laws for women and children i'm tn
suffrage states are no better than in tn
other states The testimony of governor
and other noted citizens in these state
is a refutation of these statements
She quoted figures to support her con