e instructions as to voting with a great
deal more punctiliousness than the men. They had no difficulty in
arranging their ballots, and knew the routine better than many
men who had been in the habit of voting, not only early but
often.

This paper contained also an interview with Mrs. Merrick, of which the
following is a portion:

"Women are saying everywhere, Mrs. Merrick, that much of the
glory of this day is due to you, for you were the first woman in
the State to pin your faith to the suffrage cause."

"Without boasting," she said modestly, "the women of Louisiana, I
think, do owe a little to me. For years I stood alone for their
enfranchisement, especially where questions of property and
taxation were concerned.... I may say I have fought, labored and
almost died for suffrage. I do hope to see the women of New
Orleans with the School and Municipal Suffrage before I die. I am
getting old now," she added sweetly; "I am threescore and ten; I
cast my first vote to-day. It was only for sewerage and drainage;
but then it was for the protection of the home from the invasion
of disease, the better health of our city, the greater prosperity
of our commonwealth, and I am satisfied; for it will be
discovered that women hold the balance of power in all things
good and true, and our votes will soon be wanted in other
praiseworthy reforms."

The duties of the women did not end when they had voted for the tax.
It was necessary to have a Sewerage and Water Board of seven
commissioners, and the voters were to decide whether these should be
elected by the people or appointed by the mayor with the ratification
of the City Council. The politicians were determined on the former
method, while the business interests of the city demanded the latter.
The women almost to a unit voted for appointment, and the majority of
1,000 by which it was carried can be placed practically to the credit
of the Woman's League for Sewerage and Drainage.[294] It was conceded
that of the 6,000 votes cast at this election, at least one-half were
those of women.

The tax was immediately levied, the necessary legislative and
constitutional authority was obtained, the bonds were all sold and the
work is now under way for a complete system of drainage, sewerage and
water supply.

LEGISLATIVE ACTION AND LAWS: In 1894 a law was passed permitting women
t