Voice Vol 1, 2 June 1893, No 26 p2
They Say
TO THE EDITOR
Sir — The numerous unreasoning "reasons" which have been urged for withholding from women their due place as citizens, might well leave anyone who condescends to treat them as arguments, open to the charge of frivolity. Despite this risk, I venture to deal with a few of these socalled "reasons." The tenacity with which custom clings to privilege long allowed, might amuse if it were not that the sound of a funeral knell must always sadden some — and, Hark! The knell of privilege has struck, and is at this hour tolling over land and sea. Amen — amen.
THEY SAY.
"Women have no business with public affairs." Have they no business with equal justice to men and women in our law courts? No business with an equal standard of morality for men and women? No business with the laws which govern our schools — which protect our homes — which restrict the greed of the sweater — which control the treatment of our women and children in the workshops and factories? These are "public affairs." Can it be shown that women had "no business" with these things?
THEY SAY.
that "women are unfit to use the Parliamentary vote." If woman is fit to rear the men who may be our future lawmakers, she is surely fit to give an opinion as to the character and capacity of the men who are to make our laws now.
THEY SAY.
that "our members of Parliament are the chosen servants of the people." Women, as well as men, are taxed to pay the salaries of these "servants of the people." Is it not an insult, as well as an injury, to compel a woman to pay a servant and practically tell her that she is unfit to have anything to do with the choosing of that servant?
THEY SAY.
that "women's needs and interests are fairly represented in our Parliament." While members of Parliament are chosen by men only, they will represent the interests of men first; women's interests may be safely neglected. They can neither put these men in nor turn them out — they have no vote.
THEY SAY.
that "our form of Government is democratic." What is a democracy? A government of the people, for the people, by the people. How can a government of men, for men, by men, be a democracy? Are women not a part of the people?
THEY SAY.
"What do the women want?" Hugh Gilmore said, "Give them the vote, and they will tell you what they want."
I am, Sir, &c.,
MARY LEE
Hon. Sec. S. A. Woman's Suffrage League,
Barnard street west, N.A., June 1st.
