The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1915-04-08

to Fairmont. We are more than glad
to help this first conference plan the
work necessary to carry victory for
Votes for Women" in West Virginia
in 1916.
only those who have striven al
most hopelessly to follow an ideal for
twenty years can realize what such
an occasion means to some of the
workers here today.
Twenty years ago nine suffrage
clubs were started in this state in the
principal towns along the B. & O..
extending from Grafton to Cumber-
land. Only in Wheeling, Grafton
and Fairmont did the clubs live for
any length of time.
Suffrage bills have been introduc-
ed in four different legislatures. The
first time we were simply ridiculed;
the second we found few friends;
the third time, two years ago, our bill
received a bare majority. This win
ter we were really surprised to have
the Woman's Suffrage bill pass by
to l in the senate.
West Virginia may not stand at
the head, but for small and young
state she is certainly keeping up
with the procession
"Aeu LllS hOIh was SldIbeu uSIS
there were but six state where wom-
en- were franchised. Now there are
twelve. During this past winter
every legislature that met took some
action on the subject. Nine legisla-
lures passed the bills; four others
voted favorably; three voted the bills
down, but even in these three the ac
tion was much more favorable than
formerly.
THE people will vote on the sub
ject in four eastern state this fall
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylva-
MIA and New Jersey. In 1916 West
Virginia, Iowa, South Dakota and pos
sibly Tennessee will decide upon the
question. This movement has ad-
vanced not only from the West to
the East, but to the South also. Ten
nessee passed the bill by a big ma
jority and the latest I read was that
Governor Harris of Georgia intended
to recommend it to the next legisla-
ture there.
"The chief reason that women
should take part in the government
is justice. Governments derive their
just powers from the consent of the
governed Women who are taxed
and punished by laws which they
have no voice in making, are politi-
cal slaves. Who would be slave If
he could help it?
But some who do not think of
these things are yet beginning to see
that the world needs the heart of the
mother as well as the business head
of the father in order to make 1t an
increasingly better place for those
who come after US.
Because the time is ripe, the age is
ready,
Because the world her woman's help
demands,
Out of long subsection and seclusion
Come to our field of warfare and con-
fusion,
The mothers heart and hands.
Long has she stood aside, endured
and waited,
While man swung forward. toiling on
alone;
Now. for the weary man SO long ILL
mated,
Now. for the world for which she was
created,
Comes woman to her own.
Not for herself, though sweet the air
of freedom;
Not for herself. though dear the new
born power,
But for the child, who needs a noble
mother,
For the whole people. needing one an
other.
Comes woman to her hour"
&C. P. GILMAN.
Mayor Anthony Bowen was then in
troduced and on behalf of the city
welcomed the body to Fairmont.
Mayor Bowen in his usual gracious
manner said in part as follows:
Mayor Bowen's Address.
I have questioned myself for the
real reason of this hour. Is it merely
to crafty. whim, or an envlous
caprice that you have called together
in conference, this day, representa-.
tive women from every section of our
splendid state. to consider your en-
franchisement. or is there a deeper.
more potent, more compelling cause?
Is it the spirit of "76" reincarnated? :?
Is it that impelling force of life
that is ever reaching for broader
horizon of opportunity?
Is 1t the cry of the soul for higher
development? "the impulse within
that reaches and towers
Is it prompted by the sincere desire
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