The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1914-08-23

the obvious reason that it Is men alone
who can control IT, In his work on
Realities and Ideals" Mr.. Harrison
writes: Men. and men only. are en-
titled to political control since, in the
last resort, II is their muscular force
which has to make good and defend 1t. !"
Bryan's Unconscious HumOr.
To the woman absorbed and fascinated
by the multitude OF domestic pursuits
Mr.. Bryan raises to heights OF uncon-
scious humor when he suggests that
woman might find the participation in
politics a ''restful variety in her life.
Whatever else may be said of our poll
tics. II is seldom that one hears them de-
scribed as "restful." And ii must be
very dull woman indeed in her home,
one who very tiresomely and dejectedly
fulhlls her functions there. who would
welcome the opportunity to exchange
them for the noisy stupidities OF politi
cal strife. Those who could by no man
ner OF means find anything "restful'' in
the crazy din Of political campaigns
have they not q right to choose? II. as
Mr.. Bryan believes, women are inteII-
gent enough to vote, why aren't they in
telligent enough TO know whether they
want TO vote or not?
In passing. It may be remarked that
while there il no visible reason why any
woman who so inclines should not dis
cuss with her family the art OF govern
ment,' there IL every reason why she
should not be permitted to compel to
such discussion by reason OF the moral
obligations which the franchise imposes
other women "a large majority, be It re-
membered) who have neither the time
nor the inclination for It.
In a manner all too common today, Mr..
Bryan assumes that the whole "Woman's
Movement is synonymous with prog
ress." He is apparently quite innocent
OF any knowledge OF how grave are the
doubts which are being cast upon such
an assumption. Apparently It has not
yet occurred 20 him TO connect the fall
ing birth rate. the increasing rate OF
celibacy among the nations finest wom-
en-, the decay Of family life, the preva-
lence of prostitution, the damaged health
OF working women. the growing aversion
to motherhood. the ousting OF men In
some industries. and other manifesto
lions Of deep-rooted social disturbance.
with the severance OF woman from the
family, her departure from her home,
and her forced entrance into industry in
competition with men.
Appears IIl-luIOrmrd.
Again Mr. Bryan would appear to be |
when he asserts that organ
ization and enthusiasm exists only on !
the suffrage side. The National Associa-
ton Opposed 10 Woman Suffrage and the |
officers OF the various State organiza-
tons could tell him a different story. |
With a slight effort OF memory 1 can, as
l write, hear the cheers OF an audience |
which packed the Belasco Theater in |
to its roof. still ringing in |
my ears. But II. in general IL is true
that the anti-suffragists' methods are
more quiet, yet the steadfast devotion to |
their leaders and the firm determination
in a trying situation are a full offset to
the enthusiasm Of suffragists.
The most extraordinary feature how
ever. OF Mr.. Bryan's statement is his
abandonment. for this occasion only, of
concerning the rule OF the majority. On
this question alone. affecting women
closely and personally. the will of the
(of the women) is not to be
permitted to obtain. Why" asks Mr..
Bryan. should any mother be denied
The use OF the ballot to safeguard the
welfare OF her child, merely Csic) be-
,ause another mother may not view her
iuty in the same light?''
Now nothing is more certain than that
he large majority OF American women
10 not want the vote. Either by silence
which gives consent to the present order
II things, or by active organization in
opposition to change, they have signifed
n an unmistakable manner their belief
hat by the present arrangement (which
politics to the men Of the ma
ion and hold them responsible for re-
iults) the welfare OF their children is
'etter safeguarded than by dividing the
responsibility between the sexes
Has Majority No Rights.
Have they not the right to prefer safe
the welfare OF their children
n the manner which seems to them
most efficient? Have they or have they
lot right to their opinion on the sub
ect? And II. as is the case. they are in
/ majority, has this majority, or has II
lot, the right to prevail?
II a liquor dealer believes that he can
'est safeguard the welfare Of his chill
rem by license and a full money box.
would Mr.. Bryan say that his voice
hould be heard above a majority of anti
aloon leaguers? Or IL only one voter de-
Tres to safeguard his loved ones bv
means OF free silver, must he be allowed
o have his way against a majority?
Apparently Mr.. Bryan is OF the goodIy
ompany Of sentimentaIists who habit
ally lose their heads when II is a dues-
ion Of giving women anything she nf
here be only one OF herr asks for. but
is benignance. however amiable, fails
o upset our faith in the principle Of ma :
ority rule. Of which none other than he
q more fervent exponent.
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