act, so far as possible,
as if we were governed, restrained and guided by a
constitution adopted by ourselves. If we had a constitution
modeled after those of the States, an extraordinary
proposition like this would be submitted to the people. If
congress thinks woman suffrage wise, it has the power to
establish it. It is unfair to shift the responsibility on
the territory and then hold it responsible for alleged
imprudent legislation. I am assured the enactment of this
law will delay our claims to statehood, and in so critical a
period it is better that no pretext whatever be given for
such postponement. It is doubted by many if a majority of
the women of Dakota want the franchise. The point is made,
and a very good one, that the fact that one woman does not
want a right is not a justifiable reason for refusing it to
another who does, yet it must not be forgotten that the
enfranchisement of women confers not only a privilege but a
grave burden and responsibility. We condemn the man who
neglects to vote as recreant to his duty. If women are
enfranchised, the right conferred becomes an obligation as
imperious to them as to men; on those opposed as on those
who favor the act. I think the women of Dakota should have a
voice in determining whether they should assume this burden
or not. So much for the general proposition. There are two
other features of this bill which I can scarcely think
satisfactory to the advocates of woman suffrage themselves.
I am satisfied that they should appear in a measure claiming
to advance the rights of women. If the vote of a woman is
needed anywhere, it is in our cities. In many existing city
charters a distinct clause appears, providing that males
alone shall possess the qualifications of electors. In this
bill the word "male" is only stricken out of one chapter of
the code, leaving the disability still standing against
hundreds of women equally entitled to recognition. The women
of Sioux Falls, the women of Mitchell, the women of
Brookings, the women of Chamberlain, of Watertown and a
great many of the more important cities in southern Da