THE COURIER
11
WILL IT GOME TO THIS?
An Extract From the Congressional Record of Februar 14, IS95.
Mistress Portia Stono Mistress Speaker.
The Speaker The lady from Massachusetts is recognized.
Mistress Portia Store As chairwoman of tho committee on tho
judiciary I present a favorable report on tho proposed twentieth
amendment to the eonstituti-n, which provides that on and after
March 4, 1893, male suffrage shall bo entirely abolished within the
United States. I ask unanimous consent to submit a few remarks
on the same.
The Speaker The Chair hears no objection.
Miss Portia Stone It is not my intention at this time to mako
more than a few brief explanatory remarks, as the proposed amend
ment will bo called up for consideration in a few days, when I will
more fully discuss the conclusions of the committee.
It is not necessary for mo to say to a body composed exclusively
of women, as this is, that the nineteenth amendment to the consti
tution, adopted a few years ago, has been a great advance. That
amendment provided that the franchise should only be exercised by
males in the election of school trustees. The result has been that
our husbands, brothers, fathers and sons have been protected to a
largo extent from tho contaminating influences of corrupt election
eering and machine politics, and have been able to dovote them
selves more fully to the domestic duties and cares of home life, for
which they are by nature intended.
What is now proposed is the complete emancipation of the male
sex from political duties of all kinds. As I have said, tho limita
tion of male suffrage to the election of school officers has been a
great step forward. We see the benefits of it in the fact that all the
offices of tho government, legislative, executive and judicial, are
now occupied by women. Let us complete the wirk thus so suc
cessfully advanced by abolishing male suffrage altogether
Mistress Jezebel Strong Do I understand the lady from Massa
chusetts to contend that the present limited franchise is in any
way an intcrferance with the family duties of the male sex?
Mistress Portia Stone In reply to the lady from Quebec I will
state that I most assuredly so think. The dominion of Canada has
been only so recently annexed that I am not surprised that a mem
ber from that section should make inquiries regarding our suffrage
laws. To illustrate tho position I have taken on this amendment I
will relate an incident occuring near my own home and within ray
personal knowledge.
There were two young men, John and James, who grew up as
companions, with a brotherly affection for each other which was
sustained after both had married. They were good housekeepers'
domestic in their tastes, and what might be called model husbands.
They lived in adjoining houses, which enabled them to keep up the
friendship of early youth. The wife of one was a locomotive engin
eer and the wife of the other was forewoman of one of the city
hose companies. Naturally the heads of these two families were
absent much of the time.
It so happened that when it was John's wash day James would
come over, rinse and dry the dishes, help wring the heavy pi ces,
and assist about tho house generally. When it was ironing day for
James, John would reciprocate by taking caie of Jamc's children,
answering the door bell, preparing lunch and otherwise lightening
tho household duties.
Thero was no reason why this happy arrangement might not havo
continued indefinitely. But one day these two friends wero baking
cakes together for an approaching church festival at which John
was to appear at a table as "Prudence" and James as "Humility."
By tho merest chance the subject of electing school trustees was
broached. Thoy had selected different candidates. Neither ono
knew personally any of tho parties running for tho position, but
their discussion grow acrimonious. Angry words followed, tho
cakes wero left to burn in tho oven, and thoy parted tho bitterest of
enemies. When the two wives returned each found no meal pro
pared and the husband in tears.
I could go on and recite numerous instances of this kind
Cries of "Regular order."
Tho Speaker The regular order is demanded, and the Speaker
layB before tho House tho unfinished business of yesterday, which
is Senate Bill No. 1011. Tho question is on the third reading and
passage. The clerk will read the title.
Tho Clerk Senate Bill No. 1G11: "A bill providing that here
after no male person shall appear on the stag of any theatro or
public place of amusement in ny ballctt, march, or divertissement
unless such male performer shall wear a skirt reaching six inches
below tho knee, and that tho nock shall not bo exposed below tho
collar bone," with sundry amendments.
Tho bill, with amendments, passed without division.
UNREST.
Written for The Courier.
O, that she would deiga to speak
That her soft lips would touch my cheek,
And still this wild unrest
That surges in my breast.
O that her bright eyes would chance
To stray on me in ono swift glance,
And still this wild unrest
That surges in my breast.
O that her soft hand would press
My own, in one warm, fond caress.
And still this wild unrest
That surges in my breast.
O it were worth both life and death
To feel upon my cheek her breath,
Twould still this wild unrest
That surges in my breast.
Willi am Reed Dunkov.
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mfay
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OUR
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FOOTWEAR.
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head cool.
BOB J FT
HAND SEWED.
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