The 1881-1882 Campaign

The inevitable cultural and political tensions attendant to passing a popular referendum on woman suffrage were exacerbated by the size of the state and the still-limited reach of the railroads, the preferred mode of long-distance transportation in the state. In a letter to Professor Henry Upton of Decatur, Michigan (later reprinted in the Decatur Republican), Correll articulates the challenges Nebraska suffragists saw before them:

The greatest difficulty we have to encounter is lack of means to carry on the educational process. Those most interested in the work are poor. The people as a rule are not wealthy, being new settlers in a new country…We need $25,000 besides what we can raise in the state. With that amount judiciously expended, we could flood Nebraska with pamphlets…send speakers to every precinct…secure the assistance of newspapers published in foreign languages…pay traveling expenses for such speakers as would contribute their time and ability...

Correll goes on to detail further expenditures necessary for a “vigorous campaign” in a state of “Magnificent distances.” In spite of the obstacles of time, space and money, Correll believed Nebraska suffragists would succeed where those in Kansas, Michigan, and Colorado failed. Correll and Nebraska's suffragists were confident that “the progressive and fair spirit of Nebraska men is good soil in which to sow the seed of a reform that commends itself by every principle of justice, right, and individual freedom upon which our government is based, and only need preparation by education.”

Full Text of Correll's Letter to Henry Upton

Lincoln Neb., Dec. 19 '81
Prof Henry Upton
Decatur, Mich

Dear Sir Your favor of a recent date asking general information as to the status of the pending impartial suffrage amendment in Nebraska, is received. It gives me pleasure to comply with your request.

The Issue of equal rights for both sexes comes before the people of this state for decision on the question of the adoption or rejection of an amendment to the constitution, submitted to the people (male voters) by the last legislature. Should the majority of the votes cast in Nebraska at the November election in 1882 be in favor of the amendment the restrictive word “male” will be stricken out of the suffrage clause in our fundamental law, and our men and women will then, carrying out the principle of our state motto, stand “Equal before the Law.” It is a matter of

THE GREATEST IMPORTANCE
To the cause of Equal Rights all over the United States, that our efforts in the struggle here should be crowned with success. A victory in Nebraska would go far to counteract the results of former defeats in Kansas, Michigan and Colorado, and give new impetus to the movement in Indiana and Oregon, where similar amendments are pending; while a defeat will everywhere retard the movement and discourage the faint-hearts whose advocacy of great principles surrender to the logic of temporary disaster.

But the greatest difficulty we have to encounter is a lack of means to carry on the education process. Those most interested in the work are poor, being new settlers in a new country. To awaken the masses from their apathy, to prove to them the justness of our cause, and to successfully so great a work will involve the expenditure of a large sum of money.

WE NEED $25,000,
Besides what we can raise in the state. With that amount judiciously expended, we could flood Nebraska with pamphlets containing convincing and invincible arguments in favor of woman suffrage; we could send speakers to every precinct and most of the 3,500 school districts of the state; we could secure the assistance of newspapers published in foreign languages; we could obtain from friendly papers more space and more ardent advocacy of the cause; we could secure, when necessary, public halls for our speakers; we could pay traveling expenses for such speakers as would contribute their time and ability, and obtain the best talent in the Union; we could print leaflets, handbills, and posters, and, in brief be able to meet the many incidental expenses of a vigorous campaign. Nebraska is a state of “Magnificent distances,” and traveling is expensive, hence the necessity for money.

THE ADVANTAGES,
On the other hand, are many, and of such a character as to insure success if properly and promptly managed. The majority of the people of Nebraska are progressive, intelligent and liberal, and require only a fair, candid and thorough presentation of the principles involved in this great question of human rights to give it their general acceptance, and the support of the great majority. Wherever the merits of the question have been so presented, it has won the support of the majority. But in order to carry the amendment at the polls, each neighborhood must be thoroughly canvassed by earnest workers, and the people be addressed by able and discreet speakers.

Many of the ablest men and women of the state are in hearty sympathy with the movement, and the tone of the press is largely in our favor - eighty papers of our ninety-four having expressed themselves as favorable to the adoption of the amendment. As yet there is no organized opposition. In several localities where this question has been properly brought before the people, much progress has been made, and in an umber of counties large majorities might be obtained if the issue on this great question of human rights were made to-day.

The progressive and fair spirit of Nebraska men is good soil in which to sow the seed of a reform that commends itself by every principle of justice, right, and individual freedom upon which our government is based, and only needs preparation by education.

For these and other reasons, we would be glad if all advocates of the case, wherever they may be, would contribute assistance in what degree they may feel able, and if this aid comes in a form as extensive and substantial as we hope, there can be little doubt the Nebraska will be the first in the sisterhood of states to establish a pure Republic based on the high-test and truest principles of human liberty, individual freedom and civil rights - the full governmental fruition of the declaration of American Independence.

Your's for the right,
Erasmus M. Correll

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