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Maryland State Archives Maryland Suffrage News Collection MSA SC 3286 msa_sc3286_scm7805-0074 Enlarge and print image (1M) |
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Maryland State Archives Maryland Suffrage News Collection MSA SC 3286 msa_sc3286_scm7805-0074 Enlarge and print image (1M) |
| MARYLAND SUFFRAGE NEWS 67 MARYLAND'S DEBT TO MARGARET BRENT By Alva E. Belmont. IT must fore\er remain a matter of pardonable pride to all true South- erners when they realize that the South was responsible for America's first suffragist, Mistress .Margaret Brent of Maryland, who is 1647 de- manded "place and voyce in the assembly," as executor and representative of Lord Baltimore. And it must forever remain a reflection on our boasted "Southern chivalry" that justice was denied her by the men who were forced to admit that the entire colony was under deep obligation for the financial help, the marvelous abilty, and the patriotic devotion of this valiant young woman. They gladly accepted all that she so freely gave, but sanctimoniously insisted upon legislating her into the prescribed sphere of their limited imagination when she in her official capacity asked for the legal recogni- tion to which the lowliest male property-holder in the colony was entitled. Were Margaret Brent to catch a glimpse of the woman suffrage map today, she would doubtless sustain a violent shock upon making the incredible discovery that "Southern chivalry" on this particular question occupies almost identically the same position in which she found it in 1647, nearly 300 years ago. Political equality appears to be the only great principle which has remained stationary in the Solid South throughout the centuries, hedged about by prejudice and an un- yielding spirit of sex-antagonism. In reading and discussing the probable results of the war now raging in Europe, we find the general prediction to be that it will furnish the means of creating a wider and truer democracy the world over, which is regarded by the majority of people as so hopeful and desirable an outcome of the terrible conflict that in their minds it justifies the system of wholesale slaughter and destruction of life and property which has become too horrible to contemplate. If democrary is worth this colossal price to men, is it not astonishing, incomprehensible, that they persist in refusing to share its advantages with women ? I low can they reconcile themselves to the inconsistency of advo- cating lik nil laws, and causing bloodshed in the interest of the principles of democracy and progression, while stubbornly clinging to the undemo- cratic and reactionary system of maintaining a sex aristocracy by refusing to recognize women as their political equals ? It is not unusual for suffragists to find themselves accused of creating a sex war when we suggest the enfranchisement of women, while it is obvious that it is we who are endeavoring with all the strength of which Mrs. Oliver II P. Belmont. we are capable to avoid the almost inevitable war of the sexes by concen- trating our efforts on securing sex equality, universal suffrage, equal oppor- tunity for all the people, which is the real interpretation of democracy, and the only leaven which can or will leaven the whole human race. The woman suffrage movement is responsible for the splendid spirit of co-operation which has developed among women. It has awakened them to a realization of the value of organizing, of standing together, understanding each other, culti- vating tolerance, bearing each other's burdens, sharing prosperity and relieving distress; at all times willing to put one's self in the other person's place, and never overlooking the other's point of view. Democracy among women has become a recognized factor as well as a great educator, and is leading them to a broader and better understanding of their relation to each other and to the world. Having progressed to this extent, overcoming the obstacles and prejudices of generations, is it logical to suppose that the existing political aristocracy can be allowed to encumber the earth much longer and hold back the wheels of prog- ress? We should be untrue to the fundamental prin- ciples upon which our government is based if we re- mained inactive in this crisis, antagonistic to the trend of the times, and in direct opposition to the nation's development. It was Benjamin Franklin who said: "They who have no voice nor vote in the electing of representatives do not enjoy liberty, but are absolutely enslaved by those who have votes." And it is an accepted fact in the United States that "government derives its just power from the consent of the governed." Therefore, as patriotic citizens of the Land of Liberty, we suffragists assert that it is an insult to the American flag and the Republic over which it floats to deny to one-half its people the rights and privileges claimed and used by the other half, and that it is a blot upon our country's honor which future generations will regard with curiosity anci shame. As a native of the South myself, I have always felt a deep interest and personal pride in the first American suffragist, and it would seem that Maryland's debt to Margaret Brent could be cancelled in no more chival- rous manner than through the speedy enfranchisement of the women of the State, whose welfare in colonial days was her first concern, and for which she made heroic sacrifices. What a splendid opportunity for Mary- land manhood to redeem itself and correct the mistake of 16471 ROUTE OF THE PRAIRIE SCHOONER EXPEDITION May 31?Glenburnie..................... 3 P. M. Sevcrnah......................8 P. M. June 1?Annapolis? Front of Courthouse..........12 M. Eastport at bridge..........5.15 P. M. Main and Conduit Sts........ 8 P. M. June 2?Fdgcwater....................11 A. M. Scrabblctown.................. 2 P. M. Galesville...................... 8 P. M. June 3?Shadyside.....................10 A. M. Deals.......................... t P. M. Friendship..................... 8 P. M. June 4?kit Harmony..................10 A. M. Sunderland.................... 2 P. M. Prince Fredericktown ...........8 P. M. June 5?Port Republic..................10 A. M. St. Leonard's................... 1 P. M. Solomon's Island................ 8 P. M. June 7?Millstone Landing.............. 5 P. M. June 8?St. Mary's City................. 3 P. M. June 9?Great Mills....................11 A. M. Leonardtown................... 8 P. M. June to?Clements...................... 2 P. M. Chaptico...................... 8 P. M. June 11?Newport...................... 3 P. M. Bel Alton...................... 8 P. M. June 12?Port Tobacco................... 3 P. M. La Plata....................... 8 P. M. June 14?Pomonkey..................... 8 P. M. June 15?White Plains................... 3 P. M. Waldorf....................... 8 P. M. June 16?Hughesville.................... 8 P. M. June 17?Charlotte Hall.................. 3 P. M. June 18?Mechanicsville................. 8 P. M. June 19?Bryanstown.................... 8 P. M. June 21?Brandywine.................... 8 P. M. June 22?Upper Marlborough............ 8 P. M. June 23?Washington, D. C. June 24?Laurel........................ 8 P. M. June 25?Baltimore. June 26?Mt. Washington, J. G. L. Picnic. Mention til* Maryland Suffrage New* When Patronizing Oar Advertisers |