WILL THE 23,000 MAJORITY AGAINST WOMEN STAND PAT: Leaders of the Suffrage Movement Think the Men Are Won Over; Antis Believe They Are Not.
In view of the activity of the women of Portland in today’s election regarding the suffrage amendment, a few words on the probable outcome from those favoring and those opposed to suffrage will be read with interest.
Mrs. Abigail Scott Duniway, president Oregon Equal Suffrage League: “I sit serenely in my invalid’s chair, leaving the ballot with my friends, the men of Oregon. We have made a quiet but thorough canvas of the situation and have reason to feel quite certain that the cause of woman’s suffrage will be favorably voted on today in the state of Oregon. We shall not be disappointed if we run behind in the city of Portland, but we confidently expect to make up more in the state at large than we lose in thisc ity [sic]. My 42 years of service in this cause is drawing to a close. I wish especially to thank the press, the clergy, professional men and voters generally for their assistance in this struggle for the freedom of the women of Oregon”
Mrs. Sarah A. Evans, chairman campaign committee Woman’s club: “The outlook is favorable, I think. I do not expect Multnomah county to carry, but I think the vote against suffrage will be pared down so much that the strong sentiment for suffrage which we know exists in the outlying countries, will give us a majority of at least 5000 for the amendment.”
Miss Henrietta Failing, vice president Oregon State association opposed to extension of suffrage to women: “I am very sure of the strong sentiment against granting equal suffrage. We…to down the amendment, but if we are defeated we will go down with colors flying, but we are hopoing the men will be sensible and vote for the best interests of their state and nation.”
Depend on Men
Dr. Esther Pohl-Lovejoy, president of Everybody’s Equal Suffrage league: “I am certain we will win, for I feel that the men of Oregon realize as never before the humiliating position the women of our state are placed in by being hemmed in on all sides by states who allow their women to vote. I think the amendment will carry by a big majority, even in Multnomah county. To be sure straw votes have sometimes shown a majority opposing us, but I do not think the localities in which they were taken were average ones. If we do fail, however, we will start tomorrow to win two years hence.”
Mrs. J. F. Bailey, president of association opposed to suffrage: “I still feel that 23,000 men are not going to desert us in two years. That was the majority which defeated suffrage two years ago, hence I feel very confident that the ballot is not going to be thrust upon us at this time.”
Miss Emma Wold, president College Equal Suffrage league: “Those who have been most deeply engaged in the fight are I think the least able to judge of the outcome, because w have not come into contact with the opposition to any great extent. It sems to me that the outlook is good, however, and I am hopeful. If we should fail no doubt the fight will be carried on, but probably by new blood as those who have worked in this campaign are very weary and will be glad to have others take up the work actively.”
Antis Are Bitter.
Mrs. R. W. Lewis, member executive committee opposed to suffrage:—“It is very hard to fight against people who are untrue, and as for myself I must say that I am disheartened and ashamed of my sex. The manner in which those favoring suffrage have gone about it to win their point has grounded my belief as an anti-suffragist more firmly than ever. Their aggressiveness is, I think, only a sample of what they will be if they ever get hold of the real thing in the way of the ballot.”
Mrs. Henry Walso Coe, acting president State Equal Suffrage league: “The outlook is bright and encouraging. Outside of the encouragement we get from the suffrage workers themselves we are much encouraged by the attitude of the men and that is what will tell today, you know. Many men who were antis at the last election have come around to our way of thinking this time. Then, too, I am sure we lost many votes two years ago by the property clause. The Elimination of this, will, I think, help us materially. We can scarcely expect to carry Portland. History shows us that on account of organized vice, which is always opposed to suffrage, an amendment to enfranchise women never carries in cities. If by any chance we should lose we will be ready to start again tomorrow morning.”
Mrs. Gordon Voorhies, member executive committee opposed to women suffrage: “I think we shall be successful in voting down the amendment. Of course suffragists are more given to expressing their views than we are, thus it might seem that they are about to sweep the state, but I think the counting of the votes will disclose another phase to the question.”
Mrs. Millie Trumbull: “I think we are going to win. Suffrage has all the support it had before and in addition has the support of the politicians and of many others whom we did not have before. If we don’t win, we will start in at once to get it next time.”
