 |
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|||
|
||||
|
||||
|
Maryland State Archives Maryland Suffrage News Collection MSA SC 3286 msa_sc3286_scm7805-0017 Enlarge and print image (1M) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
||||
|
||||
|
Maryland State Archives Maryland Suffrage News Collection MSA SC 3286 msa_sc3286_scm7805-0017 Enlarge and print image (1M) |
| 82 MARYLAND SUFFRAGE NEWS [June 13, 1914, MRS. BONA STORY LATIMER Mrs. Latimer is tlie President of the Pirst District J. (i. I., and organized the hike to Annapolis, when the monster suffrage petition was presented to the Legislature. Mrs. Latimer will again lead her army today at I I.JO o'clock to Gar- rett county, where an energetic campaign will he conducted. THE PILGRIMAGE IN WESTERN MARYLAND liy I'.iisa Story L.sTi.Mim. "Why do you hike?" is a question so often asked that at the opening of the slimmer campaign, when hiking seems to he the chief feature of the work, we should celebrate the event with Mahyi.anii St kkraiie Xkws day. and have a special edition devoted to our reasons for this particular part of our propaganda methods. This form of reaching the people in every part of the State has be- come very popular with suffragists ever since Rosalie Jones took her first memorable trip. It brings us in such close touch with individuals, stopping as we do along the road to give literature to the farmers and their wives, and. wherever there is a small settlement, urging the inhab- itants to gather in a convenient place and listen to the gospel of votes for women. Curiosity also plays a large part in these walking lours, and people often walk for miles to see those "crazy suffragists walk," never dream- ing that they are doing the very same thing; but such is mortal mind, and we are glad of the opportunity to educate these people along suf- frage lines, for, as is often the case, "those who come to scoff remain to pray," and many converts are made. These pilgrimages, strange as it may seem, arc invaluable along edu- cational lines, First, the press starts the public to "talking" suffrage. The result is argument! between people. This makes the people "think" suf- frage, ami the final result is personal reasoning. The curious come out to "look," and the result is instruction. Following in close touch on the educational value is the work of organization. At the end of each day a meeting is held in the principal hall of the town. Among the hikers arc three or four speakers, and in many cases local speakers assist at the meeting. In this way the interest of the com- munity is aroused, leagues are formed, through which the sutfragc work will be carried on. We are also able to have large numbers of petitions signed by those who believe that the question should lie given to the voters for decision. This means that after the journey is over we leave a trail of suffrage organizations, literature and enthusiastic converts behind. Now we arrive at another important feature of the hike. Many of the the women who take these walking tours work in offices, or, luring house- keepers, believe that "woman's place is in the home," and consequently they often long for a chance to be out of doors. The fascination of licing out under the blue sky, to hear the birds singing, to sec the beauty of nature and the feeling of fellowship that exists among us all, the elimi- nation of the personal element (all necessary for a successful hike), are splendid lessons for women to learn, and the benefit to one's health is easy to appreciate. All those who work for the cause realize how difficult it is to raise the necessary •funds for propaganda, and last but not least is the important fact that we can walk for nothing. Campaigning the counties is a tre- mendous ex|icnsc, but this method reduces the cost to a minimum. The jieople of the county towns always tnrn out to meet us. Usually they decorate their homes in our honor with flags and suffrage colors, and they deem it an honor to entertain the weary pilgrims over night. The best they have is none too good for us. The pleasure of meeting so in- timately with these splendid country folks is an inspiration to all. It is saiil that reason is the highest human faculty. We have exercised this faculty, and arc convinced that only good can result from hikes. THE HIKE THROUGH HOWARD COUNTY "Result! Cannot Be Overestimated." Mrs. It. J. Byrne, President of the Just Government League of How- ard County, has invited the hikers to make a trip through Howard county this summer, anil has assured their chairman that in her opinion they would lie welcomed. t Mrs. Hyrne has reached this conclusion from the ex|K'riencc gained in an automobile trip through the county last summer. In speaking of the work Mrs. Byrne says: "Howard county has been kept much in the background by her magnificent system of had roads, and those who live in remote places have not kept up with the events of the times. Some of them had never heard of woman suffrage as in any way playing an important part in the affairs of our own country. They were surprised to know that women voted in many States. "When it was iKirne in upon them that some women really did vote, their interest was excited sufficiently to accept the literature offered them, with the promise to read it. "The sentiment for suffrage in the comity has steadily increased, but to have it increase as rapidly as it should, the interest of those who live in remote communities must be stimulated. Suffrage must lie shown to be a part and parcel of their daily lives, that it affects them personally and vitally, and is not a thing apart in which they have no share. "To accomplish this most desirable result, nothing better could have been devised than the hike. To have heart-to-heart talks with these women, who rarely get beyond their kitchen doors, would be to them a stimulus that would be lasting. "Willi so gentle ami womanly a leader as Mrs. I^itimcr, the hikers may be assured that not only will they be welcome throughout the county, but that they are doing a glorious work for woman suffrage, the results of which can scarcely be overestimated." "THE ARMY OF THE SEVERN" By Mrs. Riuikrt Moss. President of the J. (i. L. of Anne Arundel County. The announcement made in December, 19.13, that there hail been formed "An Army of the Severn" aroused the Anne Arundel League to action, and awakened the interest of the people of Annapolis and the resi- dents of the county. Along the line of march the telephones were kept busy, while plans were made to meet and entertain the hikers with nour- ishing refreshments and comfortable beds. The weather was favorable for the hike—crisp and cold, but clear— and our thoughts followed the army with interest and Iiojh'S from Balti- more all along the line to Annapolis, Some of the members of the Anne Arundel County League started out early in the morning of Janu- ary 6 to meet the army, and to escort them into the town, while others remained at headquarters to give the last touch to the rooms and prepare luncheon. The appearance of the hikers as they entered the town was very picturesque, and a look into their earnest faces made at least a few women decide they wanted to work for the same cause. Mrs. Jessie I Hardy Stubbs' fine address at the State House decided many others, and so our suffrage work was put forward. |