Objections to the federal amendment By Carrie Chapman Catt

States Rights objection discussed.  U.S.  Constitution twice amended recently under Democratic administration.  Federal Prohibition Amendment introduced by Southern Democrat.  Even if all state constitutions gave woman suffrage U.S.  Constitution would contain discrimination against women in word “male.”  Objection that woman suffrage will increase Negro vote.  If true, would be objection also to State suffrage amendment.  White supremacy will be strengthened by woman suffrage.  Discussion of figures of Negro and white population in 15 southern states.  Testimony of Chief Justice Walter E. Clark.  Objection that women do not want the vote.  Men of 21 and naturalized citizens become voters without being asked.  Only those who wish to need use the vote.  That many women do want the vote is shown by western figures in election of November, 1916.  Objection that unfavorable referenda in various states show that constituency has instructed its representatives in Congress against woman suffrage.  Unfavorable majority against a suffrage amendment is in reality a minority of constituency.  Objection on ground of political expediency.  Meaning of this argument as used by different interests.  If government “by the people” is expedient, then government by all the people is expedient.  If Government by certain classes is better, then basis of franchise should, be morality and education, not sex.  Objection that Woman Suffrage will increase corrupt vote.  Woman Suffrage will increase intelligent electorate.  Statistics.  It will increase the moral vote.  Only one in twenty criminals is a woman.  Election conditions in equal suffrage states.  Objection that Prohibition sentiment is stronger than Suffrage sentiment since former has spread faster.  Prohibition can be established by statute and by local option and suffrage cannot.

CHAPTER I

WHY THE FEDERAL AMENDMENT?

Woman Suffrage is coming—­no intelligent person in the United States or in the world will deny that fact.  The most an intelligent opponent expects to accomplish is to postpone its establishment as long as possible.  When it will come and how it will come are still open questions.  Woman Suffrage by Federal Amendment is supported by seven main reasons.  These main reasons are evaded or avoided; they are not answered.

1.  Keeping Pace with other countries demands it.