The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1915-03-25
CASE AGAINST VOTES FOR
WOMEN
Continued from page ~

ACthNihuNN iiNhh PotO -
er a ridiculous decision in judging
points at a stock show, but not
from lack OF intelligence. A wom-
an would make a poor voter, but
not from lack OF intelligence. Mis-
takes in either case would be due
to want of information on the sub
ject at hand.
Evidently, then, what we desire
and must have before we can render
a just decision, is the other side
OF the question, on the points in
volved in the suffrage pleas.
4. Woman's right 10 the ballot,
like mans right to the ballot, is
based on one, and only one. consid-
eration-the question OF the great
est good TO the greatest number.
1t is the States right to regulate,
modify, extend, or withhold the
franchise in connection with any
class or sex in the interests OF the
common good. That woman suf-
frage would add a new expense TO
the State and another duty TO wom-
en- is universally admitted, and.
therefore, its proponents must prove
oonclusively that its establishment
would benefit the whole people ami
compensate for this expenditure OF
energy and money. A prophecy, a
promise, or a hope is not a proof:
the only way in which we can judge
the usefulness Of an article offered
for sale, or a question OF public
policy, is TO examine how it accom-
plishes the purpose for which il is
intended.
II woman suffrage is to benefit
the State, il must be shown beyond
doubt how il has done so in the
places where it has been in effect
for a generation or more; il it is
simply to add a new freedom, or
dignity, or benefit to women, il must
he demonstrated that the women with
the vote have attained superior
laws and conditions TO those that
Are accor I'D to them without the
ballot. Otherwise, on the one score
OF not being worth while, we have
sufficient reason TO reject woman
suffrage. Woman suffragists are
proposing a doubled electorate, 10
support which an increase in the
State budget is necessary. There
fore, the burden OF proof rests SOL
idly on the sufrragists TO show how
the doubled electorate can or has
become a better instrument Of gov
eminent for the people.
In this connection, il is interesting
TO note that not single law, not
one improvement, is or can be
claimed as the exclusive result OF
the votes Of women. The male suf-
frage states lead. In mothers pen
sions, child labor, limitation Of hours
for working women maternity acts,
supervision OF dairies, pure food.
weights and measures, extension OF
educational facilities, improved SAN
itation, etc, the great eastern states
have worked out their social prob
lens without woman suffrage to a
higher standard than that reached
by the states where women vote.
On the other hand. great increase
in taxation, a multiplicity OF useless
laws, and a practical doubling OF
public Office holding without any
compromising gain for the citizens
is the accompaniment Of "votes for
women"
2. Can one tax represent bothf
il IS a question in politics parallel
TO a question in business as 10
whether one partner can represent
a firm. AS an isolated individual.
an absolute unit Of humanity, with
no allegiance or attachment 10 any
other unit woman would seem 10 re-
quire a vote. II voting were the only
means OF adequately representing