Presbyterian College - Pac Sac Yearbook (Clinton, SC)

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THE COLLEGIAN 21 equilibrium cannot be destroyed without danger of social confusion. Woman suirage, with all that it involves to take woman beyond her sphere, is nothing less than an attempt to destroy this very foundation made by nature itself. Let us look at the effect upon the home. This is the most funda- mental of all existing institutions. At its basis is the existing marriage relation. And for its basis Tennyson answers: t'Woman is not undeveloped man, But diverse. Could we make her as the man Sweet love were slain, VVhose dearest bond is this: Not like to like, but like in difference. Thus anything that tends to destroy this difference and make woman as man strikes at the foundation of this greatest of institutions-The Home. Furthermore, where the home is established, this diier- ence in the mental and emotional states of men and woman maintains the marvellous influence of home, because there is in the home statesman-ship perhaps greater than the world has ever known, growing to be trained. Now while the father, naturally endowed with his physical strength, struggles to provide for the home, upon whom does the greater responsi- bility fall to train the child? We look into that face im- printed with something beyond this world, something kindred to the skies, we mark that angelic smile, gaze in-to those ten- der, loving eyes as they keep a fond vigil over her slumber- ing babe and say, M-other. Would you change one whit that mother's power? With one accord we cry, No. At the same time, however, it may be said that the mere dropping of a piece of paper into the ballot box cannot produce any effect upon her. If that were all, perhaps it might, but that is not all. The women are actually trying to take the place of men in their zeal for equal suffrage. To turn aside from theory here, I would have you recall that march under General Rosalie Jones form New York to Washington for the inauguration. You remember that the

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22 THE COLLE GIAN army left New York two hundred strong. On the very Hrst day of the march one hundred and eighty-four dropped by the wayside, but the remaining enthusiastic little band marched on. When they reached Princeton University, the students had no little fun out of this ridiculous picture of woman out of her place. Later they became the object of sport for a band of snow-'bal-lers, yet Sunday would give them no rest. And just so, I am told, Dr. Anna Howard Shaw during the b-ig convention in Philadelphia actually continued her meetings through Sunday. The same thing is -happening in England. Not only are they trying to take the place of men, but can- not give one day in seven in honor of Him who for the wel- fare of human-ity ordained the Sabbath and the home. Sure- ly you will not tell me that such conduct will not aifect t-hat inothei-'s power. It implies the whole mode of thinking, feel- ing, and acting of which the vote is merely the concentrated expression. Going through such conduct for the ballot, and acting in like manner with the ballot, woman must think, feel, and act in the spirit of men. Therefore such activity would diminish her power of developing the Bner sentiments in human nature. If not, woman must remain unchanged in such training, and to say that she would remain unchang- ed is contrary to our knowledge of the effect of environment and culture. There is nothing on earth so beautiful as the household where Christian love may forever smile and peace remain a guest all the while. But Woman Suffrage is likely to be a dangerous enemy to lurk amid its quiet, sequestered bowers and lure away its peace -and love. Wlhat then would be the effect upon womanlhood in general There are two things in nature alike obnoxious, a mannish woman and a womanish man. Now, if women are to take a general interest in politics 6 and if they dlo not take an interest the agitation is uselessl they would have to visit the polls among all c-lasses of citi- zens. They would have to take upon their shoulders the re- sponsibility of government and the administration of justice.