Page:The Souvenir of Western Women.djvu/126

118 When the change was made a few women were elected as members of the legislature, but there seems to be no disposition to demand places there, and for some sessions none has appeared.

Women have generally taken part in oar elections; they manifest a lively interest in them, and their influence is felt in all contests. There may be a few who do not embrace the opportunity to vote, but the writer has no knowledge of such.

In connection with this feature of the subject, it may be stated that the lesson taught is that the placing of the ballot in the hands of women has not brought about any such conditions as are always portrayed by opponents of equal suffrage. It has not changed or lowered women; it has not started them out as politicians; it has not taken them from their homes. It has simply made them a power in determining who shall be chosen to make and administer our laws. Those who have served in public positions have reflected credit upon their sex and upon the state.

The influence of the women vote is felt in the convention. It has improved our ticket, better men being nominated as a rule. Whenever an important question, especially one of a moral nature, is before the people, the women can be relied upon to carry the election for the right. While that is true, they cannot be stampeded by politicians who seek to play upon their emotions when the facts do not justify the action asked of them. They are sane and sound in their political action, but when, in a practical manner, a moral question comes up for decision at the polls, the women vote is on the right side in far greater proportion than that of the men. This has always been the hope of the conservative supporters of equal suffrage, and that hope has been fully justified by the results of women's voting in Idaho.

Fear of the women vote deters legislatures from taking action that would have been a forgone conclusion in the days before the wife and mother appeared at the ballot places to aid in deciding as to men and measures. We had gambling licensed in Idaho prior to the reform, but at the next session of the legislature the law was changed. That was because the members realized the women would smash those who might defeat such action. In municipal elections the women sweep the foundations from under those who wink at violation of the law we now have against the vice.

Soon after the adoption of the amendment a woman's club in Boise prepared an ordinance prohibiting expectoration on sidewalks and in public places. It was sent into the city council with request that it be passed. The members looked at each other and indulged in some badinage, all being plainly ashamed to father the measure. But something had to be done; a powerful club of voters had made the demand in the name of decency, and this ordinance, which would not even have received consideration in the old days, was passed without a dissenting voice.

God bless the women of the state! They are a tower of strength for all who enter the lists in the cause of civic decency and righteousness, their votes being always ready to support a reasonable, just and practical demand.