Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1918-06-22
EUeryb0dy's Column.

! We regret that the policy OF the
| Oklahoma State Woman Suffrage
/ Campaign committee seems to have
I been somewhat misapprehended in
! Tulsa where a public meeting has
/ been suggested to debate woman
suffrage. When the state campaign
committee was advised of this, it i'm
mediately took steps TO call tho
meeting off not because we are un-
able to secure a speaker, as we have
many brilliant speakers both men
and women in the state capable OF
presenting the subject and who VIII
be heard during the campaign. But
because 1t Is the fixed policy not
alone Of the state committee but
|, also of the national association to
avoid these discussions, which his
tory has taught are Improbable not
alone for women, but for men. and
are liable for both to degenerate in
to mere arguments unconvincing and
undignifled, stirring up feeling rath-
er than quiet consideration, and in
telligent conclusions.
The debate as means of settling
public questions has long since be-
come obsolete, having been sup
planted by the very wonderful news
papers Of the United States. The
brilliant writers of the United States
are thinkers and readers on every
public question and amply able 10
make up their minds as to justice
and public veal without spending
tedious hours listening to personal
opinions. They are moulding the
splendid policy of our country and
are ready to handle this new phase
justly.
1t is not weakness, but rather
strength that refuses to gather a
large body of people, perfectly ca
pable OF reading and studying the
question for themselves and supplied
with literature ana news on the
question, from important duties "
listen to long drawn out arguments
especially since this question is re-
ceiving an overwhelming endorse
ment OF the thinkers of our country,
including President Woodrow VIII
son.
Since President Wilson's procla-
nation that THE full and sincere
democratic reconstruction of the
world for which we are striving and
which we are determined to bring
about at say cost, Will not have been
attained completely or Adequately
until women are Sdmitted to sur
frage," it seems that all good Gnu
zens should join in every effort 10
bring about this result, rather than
to participate in debates concerning
the matter.
Now 1t is not a question OF whethA
er we wish for woman. suffrage, buE
how soon we can have it. Our les
islature is submitting the suffrage
bill at the general election In NO
vember. The oklahoma state Won
am Suffrage Campaign committee
has concentrated its effort to secure
woman suffrage then, and has long
since passed the period Of debating
whether woman suffrage is to be de-
sired. That question has been set
tied In the experience of the many
states and countries which have az
ready granted suffrage to ther
women. ~
For the many woVnen who are lelt
behind and assuming the duties OF
citizenship and who will assume the p
heavier burdens of the reconstruc-
ton period, there is no time TO de1
bate. with the rest Of the loyal
citizenship they are giving all time
possible to help those who are flgh'-
ing our battles across the sea.
MRS, CLARENCE l. HENLEY
Oklahoma State Suffrage
Campaign Committee.