The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1913-04-05
AS TO WoMAN's RIGHTS.

Characterizing the writer as IAN
able and amiable Suffragette,' the
Morgan City Outlook admits that
when the Scriptures speak Of they
twain as one flesh it usually refers
to matrimony. When We further in
sist that it always refers to matri-
mOny, we fear that our esteemed con-
temporary will conclude that We are
more stubborn than amiable, Ga Ia
mentable fact by the way HoweV-
er with some stubbOrnness himself
he contends that oneness in matri-
mOny is not possible between mem
ers of the two sexes when each has
been taught to believe in conflict Of
interest, and in the sameness of
rights and duties in the general life
Of the community"
This is true when conflict of in
terests is indeed felt, but the idea
of equal suffrage rights does not
rightly suppose any conflict of inter
ests, but the contrary. The thought
full woman knows that her interests
are so identical with mans in the alb
Stract is the reason why she asks
for the ballot, as she has found in
concrete instances that man, her sup
posed representative at the polls,
recognizes a community of interest
between the sexes, only after his own
interests have been fully looked af-
ter.
AS for "sameness of rights and du-
ties in the general life of the com
munity," are they not already accom-
plished facts, excepting the ballot?
Is not a womans duty to the schools,
to church and charity, is not her
right to trial by jury or to be sold
out by the sheriff, if necessary, the
same as a mans? 1t is only when
her need of the ballot asserts itself
that men become either solicitous or
niggardly of her "rights and duties"
AS for this samenesS destroying mat
rimony, it is only when there is
perfect cOmradeship between man
and woman in their occupations and
interests that the ideal marriage ex-
lists. This does not mean that ev-
cry woman must work in her huS-
bands shop if he is a wheelWright
or blacksmith, but that she must
know and understand his work, sol
that she may feel that "identity of
interest" which is insisted upon by
suffragists and anti-suffragists alike.
mat so many women already do this
WITHOUT THE BALLOT is one rea-
son why mere man fails to see that
In that respect they are advanced
women" and in reality mute, in
glorious" suffragists.
Our brother further fatuously re-
marks: Moreover, it is mistake
to hold that women are taxed with
out representation: they have always
been represented in the legislatures
or this country by their husbands,
fathers and brothers, who have made
all manner of sacrifices for them, in
Gliding life itself. And the male rep
Tesentatives who have spoken for
them have acted in a spirit of low
ing regard for their welfare, and not
in a vain endeavor to assume the
duties and responsibilities of the 9TH
er SEX"
This prOVokes a plying smile when
one remembers that there is many
a woman paying taxes, who has no
husband, father. or brother to repre-
sent her, and many another woman,
whose husband acting under the law
has had the roof sold over her head.
while Indifferent fathers and cruel
brothers are sufficiently numerous to
afford too many exceptions to prove
the assumed rule that women are tru-
~ represented by their male rela-
tiVes. Let any man ask himself if
he would wish another man as a rep
resentatiYe, when matters regarding
his property and his political welfare
We're at stake?
But why argue further? The laws
OF Louisiana show how we'll (?)how
completely CD the interests of wo-
men have been looked after by theiri
male representatives