“Woman's Work” from Western Woman's Journal, April 1881

Mrs. Clara B. Colby writing editorially in the woman's column of the Beatrice Express says: “It has been suggested that the work of organizing suffrage societies has begun prematurely and that interest may die out in a lengthy campaign. It is well understood that this is the rule in ordinary political movements; but where the case is one of adoption of a progressive idea, for which certain tendencies of thought and education are needed, the rule is reversed. The matter being now before the people in definite shape, so that each man must form an opinion about it, the investigation of the subject cannot be too thorough or continued. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain by the agitation of the question, for this is a faith in which there may be probation but there is never back sliding, while those who are opposed to the measure are mainly so from want of thought or of knowledge. The associations must aim to supply these wants and to stimulate and fortify the adherents of the cause. While having woman's civil equality as an end they are not limited in their scope, but should aim to gain and disseminate practical knowledge in every direction and to extend a helping hand to very social need, for whatever leads women to use the powers they already have will induce them to wish for more extended opportunities.”

Back to 1881-1882 Campaign