Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1918-03-07
woa1AN's SUFFRAGE INDICATED.


Woman suffrage has been tried in ver-
mont and not found worthy Of rejection
This IL true whether we apply the prinoi-
pie Of percentage Of vote cast or issues.
OF interest manifested, or intelligent hand
ling Of tho ballot. In Burlington, for in
stance. no less than LOSS women had their
names put on the voting list and the result
shows that fully 80 per cent Of them
voted.
A glance at figures shows that the
women did not all vote one way either on
issues or candidates. II they had all voted
like dock Of sheep. in any one direction,
It might have been flattering to candidates
or advocates of various issues or oppon-
ents Of the same. but 1t would not have
been hopeful sign. That result would
not have indicated independence Of
thought, but new fad. AS the situation
stands the women did not vote as a sex.
but as citizens subject 10 the same con-
hicting opinions and sentiments as are
men. and therefore as equals" Of the
latter in this respect
Moreover inquiry leads to the discovery
Of the significant fact that more men than
women in Burlington needed help to use
our ballot system in voting. There is no
longer any question. here regarding the
capacity Of the women to take their part
at the polls as we'll as In public considera-
ton Of public questions. The same thing
is true IN a general way Of other Vermont
communities.
The chief point Of interest in connec-
ton with woman suffrage as exemplified
at the polls Tuesday was the effect IL
would have upon the license issue in va
rious towns. In this as in other directions
there is conclusive evidence that the WON.
ans vote was divided. In Burlington. az
IN st. Adams. the women apparently turn
ed the scale against license. We may say
apparently because we believe many men
In the cities were moved by patriotic con-
siderations to vote for the conservation Of
food products and using every ounce of
our strength to help the nation to win
this war. On the other hand, 1t is known
that not few women voted for license.
not only in Burlington, but also in other
communities.
Tho women Of Vermont have every rea-
son to be satisfied with their first general
venture in exercising the right OF suf-
farg. They acquitted themselves credit
ably in every respect. The next time thsy
enjoy similar opportunity. they will un
doubtediy enter into ths project on still!
wider scale than was the c&se this ycar.
One Of the gratifying features Of the
entry Of women into elections in Vermont
was the marked improvement in conai-
tions prsvailing at the polls. There wac q
Noticeable increase In sanusmanly be-
havtor on tho part Of men. There was a
moro wholesome atmosphere. i3urling
ton enjoyed one OF the mort orderly and
crsditable contests at the polls IN its en-
tire history. We thank the women OF
Burlington who helped to contribute to
this result. er eo
1t goes without saying that tho excel
lent results OF the experiment Of woman
suffrage in town and city election Tues
day will have an important bearing on the
granting Of political contests to which
they can be made eligible under our pres.
emit organic law a. we'll a. upon the
amendment Of Vermont's constitution al
tho FIRST opportunity to grant equality OF
nien and women as to the suffrage. We
congratulaf, - women of Vermont on
their suspicious entrance upon new and
larger field Of usefulness and uplift and