New Iberia enterprise and independent observer. (New Iberia, La.) 1902-1944, 1915-08-07
WHY SHOULD
WOMEN VOTE?
WOMAN'S SUFFRAGE FROM THE
VIEWPOINT OF LEADING
FARMERS,

the question that is ringing from
ocean to ocean and reverberating from
the Canadian boundary to the Mexi-
can border. 1t is the mission of a
Newspaper to give the news and the
action of the Texas Farmers Union
In opposing woman's suffrage when
that question was recently before the
Texas legislature is significant as
representing the attitude of the or
ganized plowmen. We reproduce in
part the argument presented by Hon.
w. d. Lewis, president of the Texas
Farmers Union, in opposing the bill:
1t is gratifying to note that it is
not the farmers wife who is clamoring
for the ballot She is too busy
trying to make happier homes, mold
ing the minds of future citizens and
sharing with her husband the cares
OF life to indulge in political gossip.
Inc ballot will give her no relief from
drudgery. give no assistance in cloth
ing the children or bring to the home
additional comforts, cOnveniences or
opportunities in life. 1t is. as a rule.
the city woman promoted to idleness
by prosperity. who is leading the suf-
fragette movement
From many standpoints. perhaps
q woman has as much right to vote
as a man. SO has she as much right
to pillow as man: she has as much
right to work in factory as a man:
she has as much right to shoulder a
musket as man. but we would rather
she would not do so from choice
and we regret that necessity ofttimes
compels her to earn living by en-
gagfng in gainful occupations. We do
not consider misfortune a qualifica-
ton for suffrage or a business acct |
dent reason for granting franchise. |
We are opposed to woman at the |
ballot box the same as we are OBJ
posed to woman in the field, in the
factory or in the army and for the
self-same reasons. We had rather
see her plant flowers than SOW wheat:
gather bouquets than pick cotton and
rear children than raise political is
sues, although she may have as much
right to do one as the other.
Opposed 20 Unsexine Humanity.
Sex qualification for suffrage may
have its apparent Inconsistencies. No
general rule adjusts itself perfectly
to all conditions. 1t is a favorite ar
yument advanced by the proponents of
suffrage that many cultivated
and noble women are far more capa-
Bile of fntelligently exercising SOW
ereignty than worthless negro. but
The South never was anxious for
negro suffrage. and while culture and
'efinement. and even morality, are
desirable virtues, they are not the
'nly qualifications for franchise. |,
The primary, inherent and insep- {
'rable fitness for suffrage is support.
ng family. The pillow handle. the
orge and the struggle for bread A.
ord experience necessary to properly
mark the ballot. Government is a
reat big business and civilization q
rom the very beginning assigned
7oman the home and man the bust. J
ess affairs of life. A
There has been much freakish Leg
Station enacted during the past de.
ade that no doubt appeals to woman's = :.
I'VE for the ridiculous, but to under.
AXE to unsex the human race by law -
the height of legislative folly and
tragedy to mankind.
We are opposed to the equal rights
wOman-we want her to ever re-
lain our superior. We consider r.
oman's desire to seek mans level
lie yellow peril Of Twentieth Century
vilization.
woman Is the medium through
hich angels whisper their messages
mankind; 1t is her hand that plants
loughts in the intellectual vineyard:
is through her heart that hope, love
Id sympathy overflow and bless man. N,
nd. Christine liberator of woman.
satisfied to teach the lessons -
life and He was man. He chose =
rule over human hearts and re-
sed worldly power and men followed
ter Him. women washed His feet,
tie children climbed upon His knees
ID the Ruler of the universe said
at in Him He was well pleased.
IN woman find higher calling?"