The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-05-05
THE SUFFRAGE IN FINLAND.
Professor Prince Replies 70 Mrs.
NOrrie.

To THE EDITOR OF THE SUN--Sir: My
statement In regard to the deleterious
effects OF female acknowledgment In
Finland was based upon the unvarying
testimony of personal acquaintance
who have travelled in that country, and
upon what seems to be the consensus
Of printed opinion In particular very
Illuminating and convincing article by
Miss Edith Sellers In the Nineteenth
Century and AIt-- so;rrs two and : han
years ago. Miss Sellers resided ten
years In Finland.
Your correspondents declaration that
'thc theory of the consent OF the gov
erned' was never more respected than
now In founded on the naive assuinp-
ton that the warning states of Europe
are really sincere in their pious express
sions of benevolent and self-abnegating
purpose. | know OF no war In modern
times, unless II was "a drawn battle,
which was not followed by the annexa-
ton of conquered territory and the alb
sorption OF alien peoples. irrespective OF
their affinities or preferences. This war
will prove no exception to the common
practice II the results OF the fighting
are at all conclusive. The United States
s theoretically founded upon the doc
trine OF the consent OF the governed
and on the political rostrum, In pa
triotic speeches and on festal occasions
We invoke this beautiful theory and
pay II the compliment Of vociferous lip
worship. But whoever tries TO har-
monize our political philosophy with
our national practice faces problem
that would battle the best endeavors OF
the doctors OF casuistry.
a glance at the map will show the
quality of our devotion to that amable
la NH.aHI Tor
governed Nearly every square foot of
real estate acquired since we went into
business for ourselves was either con-
quercd or purchased. and annexed and
governed without regard to the desires
of their populations. Was IL to defend
and vindicatc this principle that the
Federal Government coerced the seced-
ing South by armies and blockades into
a reluctant return. and placed the negro
in supreme political control OF the sub
jugated States? IL your correspondent
aware that our territories and DEEPEN
denotes are taxed and governed by an
external power upon whose irresponsi-
bic will alone their liberties depend, and
with no Independent voice in our ma
tional councils? The consent or the
governed is, even in the most enlight-
encd country on earth, little more than
sounding phrase nor can il be any
thing else so long as the necessity for
government endures or diversity OF in
terest remains.
Since when has "the theory Of physi-
cal force been abandoned" as the basis
of sovereignty? II is true that some
women are physically stronger than
some men but most men are physically
stronger than ali women. That is TO
say, women as sex are physically IN
fcrior. and men as sex are physically
superior No degree Of education. in
| telligence or virtue could empower n
female electorate 10 execute a law OF
[ its own making or even cast n ballot in
/ the face OF determined opposition. \
single unarmed rufilan could put 20
B rout a regiment OF women voters. Most
OF US obey the laws from orderly in
stinct or well intentioned disposition. or
out OF a wholesome regard for public
opinion. But there is a considerable
element in every community whose re-
spect for civilized enactments is ex-
/ actly proport!oned 10 the power and
certainty OF the physical sanction that
/ lies in the rear. The very presence OF
/ this element which fears nothing but
the police. and the necessity for the
police to intimida,e and rule this lawless
element. proves the physical basis and
nature Of sovereignty.
/ Your correspondent attempts TO es-
tablish a connection between wages and
votes by citing the activities Of Labor
unions. Labor unions have had little
or no effect upon wages; whatever ef.
feet they may have had has been due
10 the strike. not the ballot.
Mrs. Norre admits the difference 81
function between men and women. hut
contends that the line Of demarcatior
between these functions IL not co.nclden'
/ with the line between puhlic and mi.
waite nfe." ! am not arguing for tn,
exclusion OF women from all forms oil
public life. hut only from one form
namely, political life From this con,
viction your correspondent has not per,
suaded me to depart.
LEoN CUSHING PRINCE.
CARLISLE, Pa, May g.