Position on Suffrage
James M. Cox’s record on suffrage should be distinctly pleasing to all who are interested therein. He has worked for the passage and signed every bill which has been helpful to the suffrage cause. Not only is this shown by a study of the records, but by the violent opposition which he is getting from the Anti-Suffrage leaders.
Furthermore, Mr. Cox’s interest in suffrage was not a “death-bed repentance.” Unlike his opponent (as the Democratic speakers now insist upon emphasizing) and others who are now for suffrage, he did not continually fight it until he saw that it was inevitable. From the first James M. Cox encouraged the suffrage leaders and helped them in every way.
In the fights in Tennessee and other states for suffrage, Mr. Cox took a very active part to help the suffragists. In his speech of acceptance on August 7, 1920, Mr. Cox said:
“The women of America, in emotion and constructive service measured up during the war to every requirement, and the emergency exacted much of them. Their initiative, their enthusiasm and their sustained industry, which carried many of them to the heavy burdens of toil, form an undying page in the annals of time, while the touch of the mother heart in camp and hospital gave a sacred color to the tragic picture that feeble words should not even attempt to portray. They demonstrated not only willingness but capacity. They helped win the war, and they are entitled to a voice in the re-adjustment now at hand.
“Their intuition, their sense of the humanitarian in government, their unquestioned progressive spirit will be helpful in problems that require public judgment. Therefore they are entitled to the privilege of voting as a matter of right and because they will be helpful in maintaining wholesome and patriotic policy.”
All know, however, how the presidential candidates now stand on the subject. They both favor suffrage. To stand otherwise would mean certain defeat. But it is worth while to consider how they stood before suffrage victory was assured. Others can speak for others. Let me speak for James M. Cox. History shows that he repeatedly placed himself on record in favor of giving the vote to women. He signed every bill coming to him intended to enfranchise women in Ohio, and in a special message to the legislature urged the ratification of the federal amendment.
After presenting these facts, however, permit me to add that I can not feel that the record of a candidate on suffrage should ever be used as campaign material to bid for women votes. Women should cast their ballots as citizens and not as women, and the fact that Senator Harding at one time opposed the franchise should not affect their judgment on present-day issues.
CHAPTER VIII
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
On March 3, 4, and 5, 1919, a conference of governors and mayors was held at the White House, having been called by the President. The Honorable W. B. Wilson, Secretary of Labor, was designated as Chairman of the conference and the writer had the honor of serving as its Secretary. The proceedings of the conference have been published by the United States Government and a copy can be obtained without charge by addressing the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D. C.