A very little will turn the scale either way. Perhaps
a woman's influence--perhaps my voice--might do it. But I will
give you an equal chance. So much power is left to woman,
despite what you withhold, that we, the women of Putnam,
Shinnebaug, and Rancocus counties, are able to decide which of you
shall be elected. Either of you would give a great deal to have a
majority of the intelligent women of the District on your side: it
would already be equivalent to success. Now, to show that we
understand the political business from which you have excluded us--
to prove that we are capable of imitating the noble example of
MEN--we offer to sell our influence, as they their votes, to the
highest bidder!"
There was great shouting and cheering among the people at this, but
the two candidates, somehow or other, didn't seem much amused.
"I stand here," she continued, "in the interest of my struggling
sisters, and with authority to act for them. Which of you will bid
the most--not in offices or material advantages, as is the way of
your parties, but in the way of help to the Woman's Cause? Which
of you will here publicly pledge himself to say a word for us, from
now until election-day, whenever he appears upon the stump?"
There was repeated cheering, and cries of "Got 'em there!" (Men
are so vulgar).
Pages:
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413
414