BRIEF Resolved, That the women of the United States should be granted the suffrage on the same terms as men. INTRODUCTION I. The granting of educational privileges to women during the last fifty years has led to a demand for all the privileges that men now enjoy. II. The most important of these demands is that for woman suffrage. III. In many states and countries the suffrage has been granted to women. A. Full suffrage. B. School, local, or municipal suffrage. IV. In nearly every country of the world where it does not now exist, women are agitating for the suffrage on the same terms as men. AFFIRMATIVE The Affirmative is in favor of extending the suffrage to women, for I. Woman suffrage is logical and just. A. It is the next and last step in the full govermental recognition of woman as a personality. I. The other rights and privileges of citizenship have been granted. B. The right to vote is based on the democratic theory that each one shall have a voice in the government that rules over his affairs. I. There can be no true democracy where one half of the adult population is denied this privilege. C. There are many women tax-payers who without the suffrage have no representation in the legislation affecting taxation. II. Woman suffrage is expedient. A. For the state. I. 2. Women are well qualified for the suffrage. a. The argument that in order to vote one must be able to fight, is unsound. b. The percentage of illiterate and foreignborn women is less than the percentage of illiterate and foreign-born men. Statistics show a smaller percentage of criminals, drunkards, etc., among women than among men. C. The participation of women would improve political life. a. The influence of the home would be in creased. b. A much needed element would be intro C. duced. Better laws would be secured and better 3. Women are needed in municipal government. b. Women cannot adequately care for their I' The conditions on which depends the welfare of the home are no longer matters of private concern. 4. The argument that the home would suffer by the participation of women in political life, is unsound. a. Voting takes little time from other duties. b. Differences of opinion cannot disrupt families worth holding together. C. Family ties will be strengthened by the new community of interests which suffrage will introduce. 5. The argument that women will not vote is disproved by the facts. B. For women themselves. I. 2. Political knowledge and experience will develop a. women. It will equip them more thoroughly for the duties of motherhood and the home. b. It will make them better fitted for social and public life. It would be a benefit to women legally, politically, and economically. a. Women now suffer from many legal, political and industrial inequalities and discriminations. b. The ballot is the only effective way of securing equal rights and privileges with C. men. The argument that women are represented by men is unsound. Men cannot understand and legislate for the needs of women. 3. It is not true that women do not wish to vote. A large and constantly increasing number are asking for the privilege. a. b. The fact that some are apathetic is no rea son for withholding it. III. The results of woman suffrage are favorable to its extension. A. Full suffrage where it has been granted has been successful. 1. Better candidates have been selected. 2. Much good legislation has been secured. 3. The elections have been more orderly. |