Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-02-13
Thursday, February 10, 1918.
Gentlemen. May They Vote?

Gentlemen, May tney so'e
The suffragists came and were
heard-did they conquer
1t IS to be hoped that Wednesday
hearing has capped the climax MOI
that the fight was won by the Woros
of those favoring woman suffrage on
that day, but because the time mas
arrived for equal share between the
sexes in the privileges and burdens Oh
,overnment These are days of prog
ress and recognition of justice IN the
affairs of the people, and recognition
that the arbitrary control of these af-
fairs nv one faction, despite the pro-
test of another faction, is NOT jus
tice.
The men of the Maine Legislature
p,,st know that woman suffrage is
coming. that no maneuvering by men
can long stem the flood of sentiment
aroused by sense of justice in mems
souls.
To oppose woman suffrage in these
d;fss is but TO stamp ones self as lg-
norant. unjust. or blndly. obstinately
attempting to ,trig the wheels of prog
ress.
One after another the states are adj
hitting the equality OF their female
citizens.
One after another the newly en-
franchised women of these states are
iustifying the judgment of their ia
theirs, husbands. sons and brothers, by
making good
In spite of the silly opposition of the
anti suffragists; in spite of the false
hoods of those immoral interests which
fear woman's vote. women voters are
proving that they understand the prin-
ciples of HONEST government. They
are proving their capabilities in school
boards. city governments. as mayors
law officers and law makers.
Some Legislature Of Maine is to
honor itself, and go down in history.
as the body of men who knew their
duty and had the courage OF their
convictions to place woman on an
equal plane with man in directing
the affairs of all the people.
We believe the 18th Legislature is
destined to be known as most pro-
gressive and most chivarous.
The friends of woman suffrage feel
an underground current eating away
at their foothold, silently, insidiously
and secretly. But the friends of wo-
man suffrage may rest assured that
these secret Influences are counting
trouble. and that those who allow
themselves to be misled are bound to
sup sorrow'' back home in months
to come when the truth has been made
! public.
Underground currents in these
days of publicity and overturning of
traditions. are monkeying with live
wires if they interfere with moral ad-
yancement and uplift.
Woman suffrage is not only bound
to come but it is at the very door, and
progressive Maine should be ashamed
10 drag her feet in the march of prog
ress 1t is up to- the men of the
18th Legislature and we believe they
are aware Of The overwhelming senti-
ment of Names citizenship. If they
arc not satisfied. let them ask the
Grange, the Church or any other or
ganization working chiefly for human
uplift, and they will find women not
only the equal but in the fore front
and doing the lions share of the work.
The very atmosphere is refined by
the presence Of women. That is true
in any establishment or school where
men and women work or study to-
gether. The surroundings are more
wholesome and respectable in every
instance. than is the case where the
workers are all men.
Gentlemen of the Legislature, in the
illumination of rapidly making history
you have no right to longer prevent
the voice of the people of Maine ex-
pressing their sentiment. Give the vo-
tiers opportunity to decide the question
anu you will have done your duty.