History of Dakota Territory, volume III, Part 111

Author: Kingsbury, George Washington, 1837-; Smith, George Martin, 1847-1920
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : S.J. Clarke Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1146

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1898. Thus the campaign was on again and continued with much vigor during the remainder of 1897 and all of 1898 up to November.

Particularly during the fall of 1898 was great effort made to win the voters over to the cause of suffrage. Mrs. Anna B. Simmons took a prominent part from the commencement, and Mrs. Emma A. Cranmer, of Aberdeen, delivered lectures on the subject during every night in October. An important meeting for the cause of suffrage was held at Sioux Falls in April of this year. It met in the opera house and was called to order by Mrs. Ballard, president of the Iowa Suffrage Association. Strong addresses were delivered by Miss Mary E. Collson, Mrs. George W. King, Mrs. Osgood, Mrs. Clara Richey and Rev. G. M. House. Mrs. Ida Crouch-Hazlett, organizer for the association, said in a cir- cular that active opposition to suffrage had ceased except among certain classes that had everything to fear from suffrage success. She advised a vigorous cam- paign to educate men to know the meaning of this movement for equal rights. She further said: "In a commonwealth where the burdens of government are borne by such a large per cent of women, it seems nothing less than brutal to deny to that class the opportunity of expressing an opinion in regard to the sort of a government they shall be under. It is purely non-partisan, non-sectarian, non-everything except pure justice alone."

The defeat of woman suffrage in South Dakota in 1898 was due largely to the opposition work of Mrs. W. Winslow Crannell, of Albany, N. Y., who deliv- ered in the state strong and cogent addresses to large audiences at several places. The opponents of suffrage circulated these speeches in pamphlet form throughout the state. A South Dakota correspondent of the Minneapolis Journal said: "There can be no doubt that her efforts were more effective in defeating the proposition than would have been the combined efforts of a dozen male orators. A good majority of the South Dakota voters believe that equal suffrage as a distinct proposition is right and just, and had the women themselves urged the issue there would have been no doubt of its triumph at the polls. This is the second time that the proposition has been laid out in this state, and it will probably now be permitted to slumber until there is a genuine call for its resurrection."

In 1901 Senator Pettigrew presented in the United States Senate a petition from the Woman's Suffrage Association of South Dakota, praying for a sixteenth amendment to the Constitution of the United States, giving woman the right to vote and extending the same privilege to women in Porto Rico, Hawaii and the Philippines.

At the legislative session of 1901 an adverse report on the subject of suf- frage was adopted by both houses. During the fall of 1902 and the early part of the following winter, the women of South Dakota in favor of suffrage, under the initiative clause of the Constitution, circulated a petition for the passage of a bill to submit the question again to the voters in 1904, but the attempt failed because there was not sufficient interest.

In 1903 both houses of the Wyoming Legislature passed a joint resolution strongly endorsing woman suffrage, declaring that such a law had been in oper- ation in that state since the territorial days of 1869 and had raised the standard of political candidates, had made elections more decent and orderly, had im- proved the character of members of the legislatures, and had developed woman- hood to a broader and higher usefulness. This resolution was used by South

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Dakota suffrage advocates to advance their cause during the campaign of 1903-4. However, no supreme attempt was made to secure the passage of a bill at this time.

At the legislative session of 1907 the suffrage advocates were again present ready for active work. The cause was represented by Mrs. Pickler, of Faulkton, Mrs. Ramsey, of Woonsocket, and Mrs. Johnson, of Fort Pierre. They pre- sented a strong lobby which commenced action under the advice of able lawyers. However, the main object of this lobby was to advance the temperance question and suffrage was but a secondary consideration. The question of suffrage came up first in the Senate late in January under a resolution to submit it to the voters at the election in November, 1908. Upon a test measure it passed that body by the vote of 24 to 21 with but little debate and no excitement or commotion. The resolution then remained with the House committee until about the middle of February when it was reported, discussed and defeated by the vote of 49 to 35. No doubt its defeat at this time was due to the lack of a general and enthusiastic demand for its passage.

In 1908 the suffrage advocates of South Dakota organized for another attempt to secure the passage of a law at the next Legislature (1909), providing for a vote on the question of woman suffrage. The campaign was conducted with considerable spirit, but not with the old time fire and determination of territorial and early statehood days. Several prominent speakers from abroad were secured and the leading speakers of South Dakota were placed in the field. During the fall of 1908, every effort possible was made to strengthen the movement by edu- cation. It was realized that the members of the Legislature should be selected from the class that favored suffrage. Acordingly the women directed their efforts and ineans in October and November to elect a Legislature that would pass a satisfactory suffrage bill. They likewise prepared for the campaign of 1909-10, because they were assured that the suffrage movement if pressed would again carry. Mrs. Anna Shaw spoke at several places in November, particularly at Sioux Falls where she was greeted by a large audience. During this campaign Mrs. Pearle Penfield, of Flandreau, was the organizer. It was said during this campaign that only when woman had received the ballot would she cease to be "a finely clothed thing."

In the fall of 1909 the suffragists of the state met at Sioux Falls and reor- ganized the South Dakota Equal Suffrage Association. There had previously been held at Huron a large preliminary meeting for the purposes of reorganizing the society and commencing another movement to secure the coveted right. Mrs. Julius H. Johnson of Fort Pierre was elected president. The meeting at Huron was really an executive session, but was largely attended and resulted in the big meeting at Sioux Falls which reorganized the association. The great object was to begin the campaign of 1910 early enough so that the proper momentum could be secured. This gave them opportunity to secure the best speakers from the East and enabled local or state speakers to organize in order to avoid the con- fusion that had assisted in defeat at previous campaigns. "The basic theory of woman suffrage is her inalienable right to vote. Not because of what she could do, would do, or has done with the ballot, but because of the mere right of the governed to have a voice in the government."-Vermillion Republican, April, 1910.

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In 1910 most of the women who supported suffrage did so exclusively and did not desire to have it blended with the prohibition movement or with any political measure. The Woman's Christian Temperance Union, however, wanted suffrage added to the proliibition campaign so that both would go through together or both fall. The campaign of 1910 was vigorous in the extreme. It had been weil planned, had secured abundant encouragement and was a determined move- ment to test again the opinion of the voters of the state. They proposed to amend the constitution by striking out the word "male" in the clause relating to suffrage. The leaders in South Dakota brought to the state the best speakers from the East, among whom were Miss Anna Shaw, president of the National Associa- tion, Miss Fola LaFollette, Miss Emily Gardner, of England, Mrs. Ella Stewart, president of the Illinois Association, and several others. Among the men who assisted the movement were two prominent speakers from Colorado, Dr. B. O. Ayelsworth, president of Colorado Agricultural College, and O. A. Garwood, an attorney, of Denver. Suffrage was already in vogue in Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Idaho and from those states came brilliant orators to help the movement in South Dakota. The workers here with what seemed a perfect organization sent out thousands of circulars, held meetings throughout the state and did every- thing in their power to kindle support of the movement. At this time suffrage was to be voted on in South Dakota, Washington, Oklahoma and Oregon. It was noted during the campaign that no state that had ever adopted woman suffrage had rejected it afterward. This was the third time since the state was admitted that the question was to be submitted to the voters of South Dakota. However, toward the close of the campaign, it was learned with mortification, that the campaign had been unfortunately mixed and poorly managed. In spite of all that had been done to prevent it, much confusion had resulted from blending the movement with that of prohibition and politics. It was a fact also that here and there were found prominent women who openly opposed woman suffrage and who formed an organization of women hostile to the suffrage movement. The measure was defeated at the polls.

At the legislative session in 1911, the first step in the new woman's suffrage movement was taken when E. A. Sherman, of Sioux Falls, introduced a resolution in the House calling for an amendment to the constitution to enfranchise the women of the state. The resolution provided that all females over the age of twenty-one years should be entitled to the full rights then vested in male voters. The campaign of 1910 had been one of the strongest ever made in the state and although considerably confused, had succeeded in kindling great interest. The measure was discussed from all angles in the Legislature, but was finally defeated in the House by the decisive vote of 30 to 56.

In November, 1911, in response to an article in a New York newspaper ask- ing for an expression of his opinion on the subject of woman suffrage, Gov. R. S. Vessey replied as follows: "In my opinion the movement is one that will ulti- mately win. In the first place I have been unable to find any good reason why men should have the right of suffrage that does not equally apply to women. I have no fear that women would be made less womanly because of the extension to her of this right, and I do believe that it will materially improve the quality of conscience expressed at the ballot box of the country, and also give to women a just and proper consideration in matters pertaining to legislation. In other

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words, the success of the movement will accomplish much for our government by more adequately equalizing justice in the interests of the entire citizenship." However, in spite of all effort, the measure was defeated in the House upon a final vote.

At the legislative session of 1913 the woman suffrage question again came to the front. The South Dakota Universal Franchise League was the name adopted by the new organization. It was established at Huron in July, 1912, and embraced all organizations in the state favorable to suffrage. Mrs. John L. Pyle, of Huron, was president, Mrs. Alice Pickler, of Faulkton, vice president, and Mrs. Anna R. Simmons, secretary. Almost from the start equal suffrage gave promise of success in both houses. The members generally scemed willing to give the friends of the movement another chance to see what they could accom- plish with the voters. Almost from the start both branches concurred in sub- mitting the proposition to the election of November. Many advocates of suf- frage were present and were aided by a number of prominent persons from dif- ferent parts of the state who were not members of the organization. Early in the session they interviewed the members and did all in their power to create suf- ficient interest in their cause to secure some sort of legislation that would aid the movement. It was thought at this time that probably equal suffrage would triumph at the polls, because it was at last believed that its success in all the states was at the most but a question of time and that now perhaps was the time for South Dakota. At this date suffrage was already in operation in about nine states and no disaster had followed its adoption. On the other hand, it was claimed that it had not created a great revolution in political or social conduct. Newspapers declared that in any event nine out of ten women would vote as their husbands did, but it was also maintained that the other woman who could do as slie pleased should be allowed the precious privilege. After much hard work by the friends of the measure the bill finally passed both houses and was signed by the governor.

Thus, in 1914, the South Dakota Woman's Franchise League became again prominent and active. They sent cards and posters throughout the state and placed tlieir ablest speakers on the rostrums. At the State Fair the Pioneer Asso- ciation cordially endorsed the woman suffrage movement through resolutions offered by R. E. Dowdell. This year, in a letter to the press, President Perisho gave five reasons why women should be granted the right of suffrage as follows: (1) It was their right; (2) it would yield a higher moral tone; (3) owing to their interest in education; (4) it would solve the liquor problem, and (5) it would result in the improvement of children.

During the suffrage campaign of 1914 the following story went the rounds of the press : A suffragette in order to show how useless the male sex was, made the following statement: "I have a small farm. I have some chickens on that farm and one day I heard a terrible noise out in the chicken yard and went out to find what was the trouble. I saw an old hen clucking her chickens under her wings to protect them from a great black hawk that was flying around above with the evident intention of dropping down and carrying off one of the chickens. What do you suppose the old rooster was doing? He was standing on the fence and crowing as loudly as he could." A prominent lady speaker of this state who was opposed to suffrage said that she had been particularly impressed with the

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story, but could not help thinking what would have happened to the chickens if the old hen had gotten up on the fence and insisted in fluttering her wings and crowing as loudly as the rooster did. She declared that if the rooster had tried to do the work of the hen and the hen had jumped up on the fence, the hawk would certainly have gotten a chicken. As it was the rooster did what he was created to do and so did the hen. In spite of all the efforts suffrage was again defeated in 1914.

At the legislative session of 1915 the senators defeated the bill providing for municipal suffrage for women. The vote stood 19 to 24. During the debate it was shown that they could see no particular reason for granting women even the partial suffrage asked for at this time. It was noted by a number of newspapers that this action by the Senate early reflected the public sentiment existing in the state. While the suffrage forces were aggressive, energetic and tireless, there was every reason to believe at this time that the number of women who really wanted suffrage was not as great as the enthusiasm of the comparatively few leaders might lead one to believe.

One of the chief arguments in favor of woman suffrage in South Dakota was that there was 110 essential difference between women and men; that constitu- tionally, intellectually and morally they were identical; that in capacity, ability and processes of thought woman resembled man. It was noted here that this view seemed confirmed by the result of the municipal election in Chicago in the spring of 1915. All the hidden motives and cross currents of that campaign were not known, but on the face of the returns it was seen that the women voted much as the men did and apparently were moved by the same local con- siderations. It was believed here by many men and women that the latter did not suffer by being deprived of the privilege, and it was openly asserted that the mass of women did not really and sincerely want it.

"I am opposed to the granting of suffrage to women, because I believe that it would be a loss to women, to all women and to every woman, and because I believe it would be an injury to the state and to every man and every woman in the state; it would be useless to argue this if the natural suffrage were a natural right. If it were a natural right then women should have it though the heaven fall; but if there be one thing settled in the long discussion of this subject it is that suffrage is not a natural right, but simply a means of government ; and the sole question to be discussed is whether government by the suffrage of men and women would be better government than by the suffrage of men alone. The question therefore is one of expediency and the question of expediency is not a question of tyranny but a question of liberty ; a question of the preservation of free constitutional government of law, order, peace and prosperity. Into my judgment enters no element of the inferiority of women. It is not that woman is inferior to man, but it is that woman is different from man; that in the dis- tribution of powers, capacities and qualities, our Maker has created men adapted to the performance of certain vocations in the economy of nature not society, and woman is adapted to the performance of other functions. One question in this connection is whether woman would take upon herself the performance of the functions implied in suffrage, whether this course would leave her in possession and in the exercise of her highest power, or would there be an abandonment of these powers in entering upon the proposed field. I have said that I thought

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suffrage would be a loss to women and I believe so because suffrage implies not merely the casting of a ballot but suffrage if it means anything involves entering upon the field of political life and politics is modified war. In politics there is struggle, strife, contention, bitterness, heart burning excitement, agitation and everything that is adverse to the true character of women. Woman rules today by the sweet and noble influence of her character. Put woman into the arena of conflict and she abandons this great weapon which controls the world and takes into her hands weapons with which she is unfamiliar and which she is unable to wield. The whole science of government is the science of protecting life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness, of protecting our person, our property, our homes, our wives and our children against crime and disorder and all the army of evil that civil society wages its war against and the government is the method of protection of us all. In the defined distribution of powers the duty and right of protection rests on the male. It is so throughout nature. It is so with men. It is a great mistake, a fatal mistake, that these excellent women make when they believe that the functions of men are superior to theirs and seek to usurp them. The true government is the family, the true throne in the household. The high- est exercise of power is that which forms the conscience, influences the will, con- trols the impulses of men, and here today woman is superior and woman rules the world."-Elihu Root.

CHAPTER XXI

EDUCATION FROM 1889 TO 1900

The organization of the department of education for Dakota Territory oc- curred in 1864. The first board of education consisted of Newton Edmunds, governor of the territory; John Hutchinson, secretary of the territory ; and J. O. Taylor, treasurer of the territory. James S. Foster was chosen clerk of the board and under the law was thus ex-officio superintendent of public instruction. He held this position until January 1, 1869. In 1866 J. W. Turner, S. A. Bentley and William Walters were elected members of the board of education, but this board was soon afterward abolished. They were the last members of the old educa- tional board. In 1887 the law was revived upon the suggestions of A. Sheridan Jones who was then territorial superintendent. In 1869 T. M. Stuart was elected territorial superintendent, but left the territory in August, whereupon J. S. Foster was appointed to fill the unexpired term. John W. Turner became superintendent in 1870. In 1872 E. W. Miller succeeded him. J. J. McIntire served as such in 1874-75. W. E. Caton succeeded him. In 1879 William H. H. Beadle was appointed to the position and served six years. During his term he was largely instrumental in developing a system of public instruction for the territory and in formulating a plan by which the school lands and funds could be perma- nently preserved and increased. In 1885 A. S. Jones became superintendent. During his incumbency of the office an important school law recommended by him was passed by the Legislature. It contained several new and valuable fea- tures, but irrelevant and hurtful amendments added thereto by the Legislature rendered it less effective and satisfactory than it would otherwise have been. The amendments caused real and apparent inconsistencies. Under this law a board of education was re-established. E. A. Dye was appointed superintendent of public instruction and president of the board. G. A. McFarland became its sec- retary and F. E. Wilson, its treasurer. This board assisted greatly in rendering the educational plans effective and applicable to the numerous varieties of schools in the state. In 1889 L. A. Rose succeeded Mr. Dye, and C. M. Young and A. T. Free became the other members of the board. On November 2, 1889, the territory as such came to an end and so did the school organizations. Gilbert L. Pinkham was elected the first state superintendent. He was succeeded by Cortez Salmon who served until 1895 when Frank Crane assumed the duties and responsibilities of the office.

In 1862 the University of Dakota Territory was located at Vermillion, but no action concerning the construction of buildings nor the commencement of class instruction was taken until 1882-3. In 1864 Captain Miner and his company built a log schoolhouse at Vermillion, the second in the state. Amos Shaw, one of the soldiers, taught in his house during the winter of 1864-5. In 1865 the ladies

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of Yankton started a fund with which to build a schoolhouse. At this time James S. Foster accompanied by about sixty persons came from New York state and located near Yankton. He became the first superintendent of public instruction with a salary of $20 per year. In 1867 Mr. Foster conduced the first teachers' institute in the territory. Rev. E. C. Collins, father of State Superintendent Col- lins of a later date, was one of the first instructors at the institutes. So also were W. W. Brookings and S. L. Spink. In 1871 Yankton Academy was founded. In 1875 the Independent School District of Yankton was established by the Leg- islature. In 1881 Yankton College was founded. At this date Clay County, which for some time had demanded that the university be started, voted $10,000 in bonds to aid that institution. In the fall of 1882 the university received its first classes. In 1883 the Legislature appropriated $30,000 for the State Univer- sity ; and at the same time located the Agricultural College at Brookings and pro- vided for normal schols at Spearfish, Madison and Springfield. The same year the Methodists established Dakota College at Mitchell; the Presbyterians, a uni- versity at Pierre; and the Baptists, a college at Sioux Falls. In 1884 the Madi- son Normal School and the Agricultural College opened for students. In 1884 the Scandinavian Lutherans established Augustana College at Canton. About the same time the Congregationalists established a denominational college at Red- field; and the Episcopalians, the All Saints College at Sioux Falls. In 1885 the Spearfish Normal School was set in operation. In 1887 the School of Mines at Rapid City was organized. In later years the Free Methodists founded an acad- emy at Wessington Springs, the Catholics, academies at Sturgis, Vermillion, Pierre, Tabor, and elsewhere; the Adventists, an academy at Elk Point; and the Mennonites, an academy in the state; Huron College was founded in 1898. The state in 1893 established a blind school at Redfield and a reform school at Plank- inton in 1887. Various denominational Indian schools have been established in recent years. Thus, even by 1900 the state was well supplied with educational institutions such as they were.

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History of Dakota Territory, volume III, Part 111

Author: Kingsbury, George Washington, 1837-; Smith, George Martin, 1847-1920 Publication date: 1915 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : S.J. Clarke Publishing Company Number of Pages: 1146

Author: Kingsbury, George Washington, 1837-; Smith, George Martin, 1847-1920
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : S.J. Clarke Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1146