A Spokane Woman Makes the Case for the Ballot

Editor of the Review: Allow me, through the columns of your paper, to make a few remarks relative to the suffrage bill, from a womanly standpoint. Any innovation contrary to custom or attainment in any department must naturally meet with opposition and subject to more or less criticism. I know of no subject so little understood as woman suffrage. Demonstrations are truly expressed, founded wholly upon ignorance. Knowledge is power, and when widely diffused must extend a broader understanding of human rights. We do not need scriptural quotations or historical anecdote to express our meaning. We want common judgment founded upon reason and judgment, which will broaden the platform of humanity and give to every earnest woman equal rights.

We are aware that stringent laws are not for the law-abiding, but the lawless, and become a protection for all. That is precisely what the ballot should be, a protective power in the hands of women as well as men. We do not intend to make a partial affair either male or female supremacy. It is repugnant to the reasoning mind of the nineteenth century to say, if it be not consistent, when women are taxed equally with men, that they should not have the same right to help make the laws and elect men most suitable to represent the interests of the age in which we live. Taxation without representation is unjust, and if it is derogatory for women to manifest an interest in topics which are of so great importance, then it is equally wrong to tax their property.

The world is moving. Thinking men and women are needed for the great issues of the day. We allow all women are not qualified for the ballot, neither are all men. Women have been made to believe at all ages that the exercise of political rights would demoralize them. Could the women of America understand that the ballot means both material and moral power, they would no longer remain indifferent on the subject. Something of the territory is a little in advance on this subject. We should look into the matter carefully and not allow the sneer of ignorance to influence us without investigation, or to prejudice our opinion. It has been truly said that the highest order of genius often springs from the lowest stratum of society. We are aware we may not at present be competent to exercise sound judgment in matters we have been unaccustomed with. What we need is education or enlightenment on the different issues. 'Educate the people,' was the remedy of George Washington to the nation he had saved. 'Enlighten the people,' was the memorable expression of Thomas Jefferson. It is the only power which can qualify men and women to think for themselves. When women are desirous of intelligently understanding the principles which govern as a nation, we shall find the unallied talent of our republic can be made available to sustain its moral power and influence. For humanity is one; it lowers no one and is incomparable.

'Tis true the time has passed When in the blind man safer than to see, For light was vague, wisdom misery; But now in knowledge all our safety lies, And all our danger is in being blind.

Mrs. B. R. Gove.