Elko independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1915-current, 1915-09-17
WOMEN HOLD
BALANCE OF POWER.

THE women of the suffrage states
yesterday concluded a convention in
San Francisco. 1t is the first gather
Ing Of the kind ever held in America.
: II 1t is right for the women of one
state to vote the franchise should be
'srutted to all. 1t rests with the wom-
en- themselves whether this will come
about in the near future or not.
The women now hold the balance
OF power in the United States. They
can dictate the election of United
States senators In twelve states or
more than one-fourth of the members
Of the higher branch of congress.
These women also can WELD a pow
erful influence in framing the plat
forms of the national political parties.
And they can dictate the nominations
for president.
, It ~ but natural that the women
who have received the ballot should
wish to aid their sisters in other
Btates. This step at San Francisco is
q move In the right direction.
It Is coming In time to formulate
the policies of the great parties in
next years campaign. The Independ-
ent makes the prediction hat both
Sho' republicans and democrats next
year in their platforms will incorpo.
rats a plank favorlng the enfranchise.
nent Of women by a national amend.
ment.
The democratic party has been
handicapped by the conservative
southern states. This is on account of
the illiterate colored women's vote.
But after all It is no worse to con
tend with the illiterate women than
with illiterate men.
This movement for votes for wom-
IN Is like a nov ball rolling down
ahill.E At first 1t is small and its move
ment is barely ~perceptible. But to-
VAR the bottom of the hill 1t takes on
great size and lightning speed.
All parties now admit that the en-
franchisement of women Is but a ques-
ton Of time. Seeing the inevitable
both parties will vie with each other
70 Q which a be first in catering
70 the women vote.
Next year promises TO be a land
slide for the women. Especially will
this be true II the states voting this
TALL should carry the amendments.
New Jersey will decide the matter
next month. New York and Massa.
chuBetts vote In November.
With the empire state on the side
OF progress all the others will hasten
to get into the band wagon II is
now a matter of pride with each of
b suffrage states to have the record
Of precedence. No one wishes to be
the last In granting this simple jus.
uce to women. No state wishes to
have pointed to 1t the finger of scorn
for having been the last to recognize
the rights OF women.
e, Therefore we may look to see the
campaign OF 1916 end the question
once and for all. But this can not be
brought about without cooperation of
all the suffrage states. Thus the de.
mand Of the present convention in San
francisco ia most significant. II
marks the handwriting on the wall.
The party that refuses next year to
incorporate a suffrage plank in It's
platform will be doomed to defeat.
Nevada even now is taking a proud
place in this campaign for the en-.
reimbursement OF women 1t is good
70 o the women OF Elko organizing
their civic league and participating in
this march OF events.
tn Bdt the campaign will not end un.
tn the women Of the entire world have
re Sailot, Then these cruel wars will
rata and not until then. The women
bteds. when they have the vote can
srsns about universal peace.