The farmer and mechanic., 1915-10-26

done so much for the great cause of
temperance and for the betterment Of
conditions throughout the Union. and
the world.
Your order began, as 1 understand.
with the efforts Of a few good women
at Hillsboro, Ohio, in 1873. Tn 1874
just Al years ago the first State orga-
nization was formed and from thence |
it has spread until it covers not only
the entire Union, but many other
countries. The first State organiza-
tion in North Carolina was formed 32
years ago for this is your 33rd an
nEal convention and you now number
in this State SO chapters and have
been powerful influence for good
that is far more extensive than the
mere membership of your order. for
your views have been like a. lump of
leaven which leaveneth the whole
body polite.
Among the planks adopted in your
original platform the three most i'm
portant were 1. Total abstinence
which was the pledge to be given by
individuals. 2.Prohibition Of the use
of spirituous liquors by law which has
now succeeded to the extent that in
10 states there is statewide prohibi-
ton, applying to certain territory
therein, SO that on the whole it is
estimated that 70 per cent of the area
of the Union and 60 per cent or more
Of our population are under prohibi-
ton by law. g. The third important
plank in your platform was equal
suffrage. This last, like prohibition
has had a wonderful growth and it
IS upon that subject that I have been
invited TO speak to you tonight.
Marvellous Growth.
The growth of equal suffrage has
been almost as marvellous that of
W. mr. re hay
grown because to a large extent. ex-
cept in the South, they have had the
same power behind them. Indeed they
have the same great object in view
of the betterment of the masses and
Of the condition of the people and it
is very certain that they have the
same great foe. The greatest oppon-
ent of equal suffrage, the element
that furnishes the money that is fight
ing it's progress is the same that has
fought prohibition-thati is the power
full liquor Interests of the country who
hnd their profit in debauching mer
and the vicious interests that fin6
their profit in debauching women.
The National Federation of Labor
and State and local organization
everywhere insstently demand equa
suffrage for women. At bottom th'
movement for equal suffrage is a de
mand for justice as to compensation
for women who are now employed
in every department of labor and TO
fair treatment to women and chill
dren by restricting the hours of labO
ploitation of children The Unite'
States Industrial Commission whic]
has been examining for two years pas
into the condition Of labor has recon
mended as one Of the most urgen
and surest sources Of relief suffrag
exploited by unjust wages and over
worked. because they are without tn
protection of the ballot.
There are a great many good me
who oppose both measures, and wit
entire sincerity and without SelfiS
interest. Such men must be reasOne
with and not denounced because the
differ from you. This has been tn
policy which has been pursued t
your organization and by the Equ;
Suffrage League. The majority
men mean we'll and are honest an
Just. Vast numbers are for the exis
ing order Of things because by ten
perament they are opposed to chans
or because they have not been IL
formed as to the injustice of the e.
listing status or of the betterme1
which has been obtained by actu
trial of new measures elsewhere.
secure any betterment or any refor
requires, therefore, long agitation ar
many campaigns of education. III
majority at bottom mean we'll. he
can they be informed unless they
shown? In 1881 on a referendum
this State there was over 100, 900 m
jority against prohibition. In 1908
another referendum there was 440
majority for it.
Justifiably Rapid Extension
The cause of equal suffrage has be
justified by it's rapid and irreslst1t
extension. No reform movement G
spread to new territory unless 1T n
been tried and found to be an
vantage in the communities in whi
it has been adopted. Equal suffra
can be julged by this standard for
great movement has been more
Tesistible in it's sweep. 1t mas 10