nd refined voters to the
ignorant and depraved is larger among women than among men. The
average result, therefore, has been beneficial.

No true, refined woman is any less womanly for studying questions of
public interest and expressing her opinions thereon by means of the
ballot.... The general effect has been decidedly beneficial.
Especially does it act as a governor on the political machines of all
parties to regulate the character of nominees and platforms.

Woman suffrage is accepted as an established fact, and is very little
discussed. I certainly have no reason to think that the general
sentiment in its favor has decreased, or that the measure would fail
to pass with as large or a larger majority than before, if again
submitted to the vote of either the men or women of the State. I have
no hesitation whatever in stating as my own positive conviction that
woman suffrage is both right and beneficial, and that it should not
and never will be repealed in Colorado.

IRVING HALE (of Col.), _General in the Army of the Philippines_.
(1902.)

It is said that equal suffrage would make family discord. In Colorado
our divorce laws are rather easy, though stricter than in the
neighboring States, but since 1893, when suffrage was granted, I have
never heard of a case where political differences were alleged as a
cause for divorce or as the provoking cause of family discord. Equal
suffrage, in my judgment, broadens the minds of both men and women. It
has certainly given us in Colorado candidates of better character and
a higher class of officials. It is very true that husband and wife
frequently vote alike--as the magnet draws the needle they go to the
polls together. But women are not coerced. If a man were known to
coerce his wife's vote I believe he would be ridden out of town on a
rail with a coat of tar and feathers. Women's legal rights have been
improved in Colorado since they obtained the ballot, and there are now
no civil distinctions. Equal suffrage tends to make political affairs
better, purer and more desirable for all who take part in them.

THOMAS M. PATTERSON (Dem.), _U. S. Senator_. (1902.)

* * * * *

IDAHO.

It gives me pleasure to say briefly that the extension of the
franchise to the women of Idaho has positively purified its politics.
It has compelled not only State conventions, but, more particularly,
county conventions, of both parties, to select