n different
papers had used 150 special articles, while the page of plate matter
furnished every six weeks was extensively taken. New York reported 400
papers accepting suffrage matter regularly; Pennsylvania, 368; Iowa,
253; Illinois, 161; Massachusetts, 107, and other States in varying
numbers. Since this question is very largely one of educating the
people, the opening of the Press to its arguments is probably the most
important advantage which has been gained.

The progress of public sentiment is strikingly illustrated in a
comparison of the votes in those States which have twice submitted an
amendment to their constitution that would give the suffrage to women.
In Kansas such an amendment in 1867 received 9,070 ayes, 19,857 noes;
in 1894, 95,302 ayes, 130,139 noes. The second time it was indorsed by
the Populists and not by the Republicans, therefore the latter, who in
that State are really favorable to the measure, largely voted against
it in order that the Populists might not strengthen their party by
appearing to carry it, and yet the percentage of opposition was
considerably decreased. In Colorado in 1877 the vote stood 6,612 ayes,
14,055 noes; in 1893 the amendment was carried by 35,698 ayes, 29,461
noes--a majority of 6,237. Oregon in 1884 gave 11,223 ayes, 28,176
noes; in 1900, 26,265 ayes, 28,402 noes--an increase of 226 opponents
and 15,042 advocates. The vote in Washington in 1889 was 16,527 ayes,
35,917 noes; in 1898, 20,171 ayes, 30,497 noes--the opposing majority
reduced from 19,396 to 10,326, or almost one-half.

One is logically entitled to believe from these figures that the
question will be carried in each of those States the next time it is
voted on. It must be remembered that women go into all these campaigns
with no political influence and practically no money, not enough to
employ workers and speakers to make an approach to a thorough
organization and canvass of the State; totally without the aid of
party machinery; with no platform on which to present their cause
except such as is granted by courtesy; and with no advocacy of it by
the speakers on the platforms of the various parties. The increased
majorities indicate solely that men are emerging from the bondage of
tradition, prejudice and creed, and that when they can escape from the
bondage of politics they will grant justice to women.

The very fact that women themselves are arousing from their inertia to
the extent of organizing in oppo