The Washington times., 1914-04-01
Copyright. 1914. by Charles NJ. Maisne

ago with a man high in political
circles in Colorado. asked what
In his judgment could be regarded
- the greatest benefit resulting
from the acknowledgment of tho
women of his State. Promptly and
emphatically came the reply:
women themselves have received
by far the greatest henefit. En-
franchisement has trained them 10
think independently. Internationally.
clearly, on great Issues pertaining
to the welfare of State and nation.
II has given them . larger outlook.
It has taken their minds from per-
sonal and small affairs. II has made
them self-reliant and self-respecting
to . marked degree"
A similar question put to a form
er governor Of Idaho produced
A United States Senator from an
equal suffrage State Endorsed the
opinion expressed by the other two
men. and emphasized the advantage
to the Commonwealth Of this direct,
tmpefsonA. Independent concentra-
ton Of thought on affairs relating
to tho welfare OF all tho people.
I'VE Must Think"
Dr.. Cora Smith King tells the
story Of q New York newspaper
telegraphins the president Of the
Washington State Woman Suffrage
Association following their victory
In 1Sl0 and saying. What are you
going to do now that you have the
vote?" She wired In reply. 1--WE must
think
/ once heard DISTINGUISHED
clergyman declare that civilization
had nothing to fear from any teach
Ing that led people to think seriously
for themselves: that no problem ever
had been or ever would be solved BY
the quality Of mind that blindly and
Internationally accepted the rules Of
conventionality and custom as IRON
bound laws that could not and should
not admit Of change. That the in
QuirinR mind of the child, satisfied
with NO statement without asking
the inevitable "Whyf' was the most
hopeful force in tho universe.
Rsactionary Tendency.
To be content with established or.
der, formulated when conditions
were totally different from those Of
today. shows evidence Of arrested
development. a reacuonary tend
ency wholly at variance with the re-
quirements Of modern times. There
fore, when I observe the trrespon-
sible. unthinkinG women Of the
wealthy class. pampered. indulged.
selfishly oblivious Of any obligation
toward the worlds advancement, re-
gardin9 themselves as divinely set
apart Tor the enjoyment Of special
privilege. ask myself what Is need
Why 10 IL that with SO manytheidea
of pleasure is confined to a feveriah
desire to kill time? Must their awak-
enine be postponed until such time
as the foundation which they placid
" regard az solid and permanent
shall, by the strength and power of
public opinion. crumble away be-
ted Of the protection under which
they are now sheltered, the target
of societys merciless criticism?
Why will they not learn to realize
that the greatest pleasure. the most
complete satisfaction, lies In forget
ting self and remembering others!
Healthful Thinking.
1t is a depaorable experience to
wa.ch this irresponsible class Of
women refusing to take advantage
of opportunities which this age Of
enlightenment freely offers and re-
naming hopelessly Indifferent to
the demands of twentieth century
ciyilia.icn that will soon leave them
far In the rear.
The bandages Of enormous in
comes, luxurious environment, SELF
satisfac ction. social ambition. serve
az blindfolds to the real and sub
stantial things Of life; and. laboring
under these handicaps, they stead
fastiy refuse to tolerate anything
that leads to a hcalthful course OF
Very often we hear Of their con-
trfbutions to popular chAr1uee.
which is supposed to adjust the
worlds claims upon them. We read
of their magnificent receptions. and
this proves conclustvely that tne
their households We get reports
OF their exquisite children's parties.
and are convinced Of their mother
ly devotion. In many ways they
are to be commended. and certainty
CONGRATULATED on their ability TO
avoid being bored to death with
their unceasing and uninterestnS
amuSemGntS- from ap aruSuc pount
OF view 1t is agreed that they are
a r,ccAss, for they are invariably
credited with being ornamental.
But can We call them a thinking
class,
Justify Existence.
In what way. aside from contrib
uting to charities. do they justify
their existence? With unlimited
money and time at their disposal.
what are they doing for the vel
fare Of humanity? Do they ever de-
vote a thought to making the world
a better place for other women? Is
it not true that they often lend
their support to all attempts at
closing the door against the devel-
opment Of better conditions for the
human race? Is such course pa
triotic:
Have they ever stopped TO think
of the self-sacrificing efforts OF the