New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-10-31

and there the issue is not so well un-
derstood. For this reason the experts
are inclined TO look for comparatively
poorer show NC for suffrage among the
farmers than IN the larger cities.
The two things that the women most
fear is the influence Of the liquor eie-
ment and Massachusetts, conservatism
not that conservative Massachusetts -
committed TO the liquor interests. put
because of the natural reluctance OF baY
State voters TO make change. IL
takes more than "A year or two. says one
expert on public opn on. 20 uproot me
prejudices Of ages. and the di'hculty "a
many friends OF suffrage see 1t. IS tnat
the men have not been convinced that
the women of the state really wish -
vote.
The liquor element. fighting under
cover. feels that il is fighting Tor lie.
Under the Massachusetts system OF To-
cal option each poit cal unit IN the
state votes on the liquor question each
wear. Because of this there Is strong
state organization and each little town
as we'll as the larger cities has It's local
organization of liquor dealers. 81
partisan alta rs. these machines usually
interest themselves in nothing but the
YES or no 10 inc NutoNlOH ''i"+'
licenses be issued for the sale OF IN
toxicating liquors ?" This year they are
working with every ounce of enerGy
against an increase in the number Of
voters that they feel spells no ! cerse
in some OF the largest cities OF the
state.
But even they are not sure of then
voters. for all these years they have
trained their henchmen to put cross
opposite the yes" and unconsciouslv
many vote may stray from their con-
troll Just through force Of habit.
Political Parties Dodge Issue.
So far as the parties are concerned
all. with the exception of the Socia! SITS
and Prob btiohists. have lodged the
issue, though all of the candidates FOR
Governor have declared that they Will
vote for the amendment. But neither
Governor Walsh nor his Republican
opponent, Samuel W. Mccall. who rs
making the fight Of lifetime. are
saying anything on the stump. 'dcCall
personally was inclined TO do so II mis-
early speeches were any ind cation, but
after a few remarks that favored he
cause. he apparently needed the coun-
sells of his managers and ceased to say
anything that might nave the effect OF
estranging a few votes.
Walsh has not gone even that FAR,
and his opponents have been unklno
enough TO charge that his declaration
Of personal convictions is based more
on a desire TO AVOID heckling at the
hands of Margaret Folev than upon any
real conviction.
The only tn ng that is positive in the
canvass is the position OF Hull. This
little town. on the south shore. with a
few score votes. many years ago gained
such reputation as a political wealth er
sane that many observers swear By 1t.
AS Hull goes. so goes the state, the
idare runs. This year canvass shows
,hat Hull is anti-suifrage.
That fact is submitted for what It
nav be worth.
Aga nst Hull. however. those who like
20 be guided BIZ past experiences may
Wish to consider bow Massachusetts has
acted on referendums submitted at
regular elections in the past. For their
benefit it may be stated that it has vet
70 vote no.
That. also. is submitted for what it
sworth.