Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1920-02-20
Open Letter to Women of
Wisconsin.
Ry Theodore W. Youmans,


Because | have for years been presi-
dent of strictly non-partisan organ
ization, the Wisconsin Woman's Suf-
frage Association. and have now Joined
the Republican party and am working
for its success, am frequently asked
why. This letter answers the ques-
ton
The Wisconsin Women's Suffrage AS
ISOLATION was necessarially non-parti-
SAN 1t included in it's membe rship
women of all shades of political faith,
and it appealed to men and women of
equal differences. Non-partisanship is
the only right and proper stand for
such an organization.
But the situation changes radically
when the ballot is won. Wisconsin
women are already partially enfran-
chsed, and will be fully enfranchised
within a few months. The question
before us now is how best to use our
hardly won ballots, Shall we join a
party, and f so, hieh bne; or shall we
remain independent? 1t is question
demanding serious consideration by
every woman
| haye decided for the Republican
party for reasons which appear to me
conclusive. The government of this
~, T n
not see how government of the peo-
pie can he carried on in auy other way
except by the people forming them
selves into groups and parties, each
group bound together by common be
lief in some fundamental principles of
government. Parties change In name
and principles to meet changing condi-
tiOns. Many people who criticize po
litical parties are really only desisious
Of another party based on their own
special views.
Parties formulate policies and select
candidates. At the next general cleo
tiun in November three parties at least
will offer candidates and certain def
mite policies Whoever votes will have
to choose among these policies and
candidates unless they cast votes which
are practically blanks
am not satisfied to have women &C
ccpt that kind of ready-made choice. |
want them to have an influence in the
formation of policies; the selection of
candidates. The Repu blican party well
members the same standing as it's men
members. Any party is what its mem
beIs make it. If women members
of the Republican party are num-
er4us, united and articuate, | am
confident they can achieve much in
promoting the objects of their inter-
ests.
! II do not abdicate my mind and con
Pnce by Joining party, make
mind and conscience effective by
ING il with the mind and conscience
ters, thus thus acquiring weight
pf,tnce
o CHOOSE fine Republican party be-
Sc of itsIrecord l believe that the
hdamenta.l need in this country to-
~ is a strong, revitalized national
brit; spirit of Americanism as a
Conscious, inspiring force. Only the
Republican party has stood steadily in
the past for strong, united nation.
| If the Republican party had not saved
the Union in the sixties, there would
have been no Union to save world in
travail sixty years later.
/ believe with increasing fervor each
day IN education, especially education
for sjizanship. Viewing that section
OIL country where Republican prin-
Is prevail aud that section where
tby. do not exist, take chances for
t&e promotion of education with the
Republican party.
I 9snt the best and wisest industrial
legislation for men, women and chill
dren; and>sAe best moral regulations,
especially forhe protection of young
girls. Again Nook abroad compare
the laws in the Republican states with
the laws in noa republican states and
have my choice conf eu.
choose the RepuH lean party be-
cause that party, in WISCONSIN and IN
the nation, makes me V0ser. am
grateful but am not bondinE1S5o
htical future to gratitude. By en-