The wider use of the schools in its more careful regard for the physical welfare of children must also be added to the hopeful signs of the times. The terrific waste in money, energy and effort that is going on in the cities because of the many boards controlling such activities as schools, playgrounds, social centers, public libraries, art galleries and public baths promises to be largely avoided by a consolidation of these activities under the control of one board with the schools as a great social center, to which is added its neighborhood dance hall, public baths, public library, public assembly hall, public playground and social center under one single authority, such as a board of education and recreation that promises to avoid the bickerings, difficulties, expense and waste that is the outcome from duplicated boards. Activities that are largely educational and concern the city’s youth, now largely under a half-dozen boards or authorities, should be brought together under one general authority. An amendment to the Constitution of the State of Colorado proposing such a consolidation and the use of the schoolhouses as polling places and for the discussion of governmental, social and political questions during campaigns, is to be voted on at the November election.
And now, my friends, in conclusion I want to say that one of the prime duties of the Nation—its duty to the child—is to extend to the women the same rights as the men, that they may go to the polls and vote on these measures. (Applause.) This is not politics, Mr. President, it is a plain, economic proposition, because I believe the women of this country are awake to the needs of the children, especially those in the centers of population, and when they are given this right they will pass laws that are necessary to bring about right and justice for the women and children of this Nation. (Applause.) I would not have my position today but for the fact that women vote in Colorado. (Laughter.) Either the bosses, the machine or the gang would have got me long ago. Why? Because I went beyond the court into the swamp lands, not beyond the city, but within the city, and showed up the ghosts of poverty and crime and the relations between a certain type of lawless big boss and vice. And when the mother could see that the protection of her boy and her girl from vice depended upon clean politics and righteous laws, then, my friends, the change began to come, and it is coming in our State as in every other State in this Nation—then began a reign of truth and right and progress. (Applause.) And when the women of our city understood what machine rule meant, they rose in their might, with the ballot in their hands, and put an end to machine rule in that city.
I remember a little boy that belonged to one of our debating clubs on the west side, who was very much disturbed over the making of some new laws. He came to see me, and when I asked him what he wanted, he pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket, on which was written: “Resolved, That all kids over ten years of age shall have a right to vote for the juvenile judge.” “And then,” said little Benny, “when we gets that law through the bosses will never get you, and we kids will get justice.”
But it was not necessary.
I remember we had a little fellow who was quite a fluent speaker, and finally one of the bosses began to get alarmed at the effect this boy’s talk was having. The boss said to him, “You have a lot of mouth, but you have no vote.” Quick as a flash came the answer, “I haven’t got a vote, but I would have you understand that in the State of Colorado my mother has a vote, and my sister has a vote, and she married a fellow and he has a vote, and they will see that he votes right.”
And the boy’s prediction was more than verified, for when the votes were counted the majority was on the right side, and the people who were working to relieve poverty and the suffering of children had won by ten thousand majority.
So I feel we must have the women with us in this struggle for the rights of childhood in this Nation, and with that right guaranteed they will bring about sooner than any other agency some changes for good in this Nation. If we are to save the child we want to save the State, for the child is the State and the State is the child. Take care of the child and the State will take care of itself. (Great applause.)
Remarks, Miss Adeline Denny
Miss Adeline Denny (in the audience) moved that a rising vote of thanks be tendered Judge Lindsey, who is in favor of women as well as children. The motion was carried and the Chautauqua salute given.
President White—The Congress now stands adjourned until 9:30 o’clock tomorrow morning.