The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1920-06-24
THE WOMEN VOTERS|
cal channel. declared Mr.. Mcmillan
CONTINUED from page ~

also legislative procedure, Whlch OIL
times resorts to short cuts; but, II
we are going to have good government,
it cannot be effected by short cuts. he
spoke of the initiative, referendum
and recall and elucidated their salient
features, saying that the representa-
tive form of government was the only
one which was workable. The speaker
explained the republican form OF
government from the caucus up. We
have to affiliate, he said; we cannot
accomplish anything alone.
Experience has shown that the
convention system, he continued, has
on the whole, resulted in good laws
and good candidates. The primary
election law has been patched up until
we have a wonderful mixture. In
theory this law sounds good but in
practice it does not work out we'll. A
consideration of the primary law will
likely be taken up by the next legisla-
Tture and the question is whether 1t
would not be good plan to entirely
abolish it. He spoke of nonpartisan
leaguers being permitted to file as re-
publicans under this law when in fact
they have not affiliated with or sup
ported the republican party, and there
fore good men in many instances have
been defeated for office.
Practically all women are opposed
to Townleyism, he said, and he be-
lieved they will see that the election
laws are reformed, and the state and
nation will benefit by their activities.
They will assist us in carrying on a
campaign for better America.
Mrs. LELAND was then introduced
by Mrs. G. R. Galley, the presiding
officer, and she delivered an address
which was highly appreciated.
Mrs. Iceland said that more than SO
years had passed since woman suf-
frage was first suggested and that
much difficulty had been experienced
in bringing it up to it's present status.
The movement was at first treated
with contempt and women have had
to work hard to secure enfranchise-
ment. 1t is different, of course, with
men. Women were compelled to beg
for votes-go from man to man-and
be subjected to much encouragement
and humiliation. But they eventually
succeeded so far as being permitted to
cast their votes for president, and they
are thankful for this. Now they are
waiting for the thirty sixth state to
ratify the constitutional amendment, |
which is sure to come, and then they |
will have the same right to vote as
men.
We don't want the men to think,
said the speaker, that the women pre-
sumo to know it all OF that they are
personifed perfection, but their aim
is to work with the men for the bet
terment Of the country at large.
Many meetings have been held for the
purpose Of educating women in the
use of the ballot and much literature
sent out. There is no danger that
women will lose interest in the home
because of the franchise. 1t will in
stead improve conditions.
Women are opposed to the employ
ment of children in the mines and fac
tories and have for years been work
ing to abolish the system. They are
interested in assisting their more un-
fortunate sisters-lending the fallen a
helping hand-and they are putting
forth every effort in behalf of public
health. Mrs. LELAND urged all to CO.
operate with the women in the work
they are endeavoring to accomplish.
The chairman then introduced Judge
Tiff, who said he was not here to
represent any candidate for office but
in the interest of good government.
He said he thought that the reason the
government in the past was not as
good as it should have been was be-
cause women had not been permitted
to vote. We are living at so rapid a
pace today that we scarcely recognize
how fast we are travelling. The time
has come when our statesmen must
stand for principle the same as women
stand for the right. The greatest
necessity today is to instill character
into our children. There are three
great bulwarks- home, the church
and the schools, said the speaker.
Without these the government could
not be true and steadfast. With the
ratification of one more state the
women will have tremendous response
bility. They will assume this respon-
sibility with the experience of the
years that have gone by and will
learn from the men. He believed, he
said, in parties, but not in following
any particular party when he saw it
going in the wrong direction. We are