166
A WORD WITH THE WOMEN.
Women have distinguished themselves in many ways, artistically, but up to the present time none of them have done much that is remarkable in the way of architecture. True, a woman designed and Woman’s building at the World’s fair, and an ever increasing number are becoming draftsmen in architects’ offices. But there is no woman’s name which can be mentioned as being easily among the great architects—not even Phryne of Thebes. For while she offered to rebuild the walls of her city, history does not say that she undertook the erection of buildings. “The building committee of the Atlanta exposition has, however, taken woman into consideration, and has offered a high premium for the best design of an exposition edifice by a woman. The offer is a generous one, and is a part of that rapidly growing consideration for the ability of women which is making itself felt in almost every city of the country. ----------- The appreciation which the men show for the women is not more remarkable than the awakening of the women to their own capabilities and responsibilities. Especially is this being shown in a political way. In New York the women have actually found the courage to look Tammany in the face. They have determined to bring about a municipal house-cleaning. The best educated, most fashionable, the domestic and the church women have united to express themselves and their desires at the coming election. It has become a passion with them. They are tired past endurance with the mismanagement, the scandal, the waste and the vileness of the government of their city. And they will probably succeed also in bringing about the same transformation at the polls that Denver has seen. Denver has indeed undergone a transformation. Her polling pieces are no longer in saloons. They are in the pleasantest portions of the city. Voting has become a dignified fashion. The men and women vote together. The thing has become what it always should have been, a privilege which the best may be proud to exercise. The polling places are no longer the haunt of the ward heeler and the half-drunken politician. Now that the wives of gentlemen [s?]o there, these gentlemen see that they are fit places for their wives to go. And they are going in astonishingly large numbers. In Chicago, although the privileges enjoyed by women are limited, 10,000 registered in one day. And it is remarkable that the registration of women in certain cities exceeds that of men. ----------- Even in Omaha, which is distinguished for being conservative, the women are taking a keen interest in politics. The newspapers do not show it, to be sure. That is because the newspapers have not yet got in the way of looking for feminine political news, as they have in New York and Denver. But all the same politics has come to form a considerable part of the conversation between women when they meet in their homes, on the street, or at public meetings. To be sure there are still a few women to be found who say that their husbands will not permit them to vote, and who seem rather gratified that their spouses should take such an oriental view of matrimonial obligations. But these women are very few in number, and as the enthusiasm for political expression increases, and the influential and good women of the community enter disinterestedly into the work, these women will quietly fall in line. This is inevitable. The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union is showing an intense interest in such a part of the present campaign as women may express themselves in. And it is also remarkable that many of the most fashionable women, who might ordinarily be supposed to be indifferent, are among the most enthusiastic. Certainly, the women of this town never showed such a sincere interest in local politics as now.
167
MRS. PEATTIE FOR THE SCHOOL BOARD.
The nomination of Mrs. Elia W. Peattie for the school board gives the opportunity to the voters of Omaha of honoring one of the most deserving women of this city. Concerning Mrs. Peattie's qualifications for a place upon the school board no argument is necessary. In progressive thought, in culture, in energy and in public spirit. Mrs. Peattie has established a reputation which all know. Her quick sympathies and her keen judgment are well known to all classes in this city. The fact that she is a member of the WORLD-HERALD staff will not deter this newspaper from urging the election of Mrs. Peattie to the board. The board of education needs just such broad-minded spirits as Mrs. Peattie in its membership, and her election should be made by an emphatic voice.
168
Indorse Mrs. Peattie.
The Seventh War Democratic club met last night and indorsed Mrs. Elia W. Peattie and Rev. T. J. Mackay for the school board and selected these delegates for the city convention, instructed for George N. Hicks for councilman: Edward E. Howell, James Schneiderwind, Philip Smith, Joe Czerwinski, G. G. Seny, William Fagan, William Ronan, Nick Dargarzewski, Henry Goodman.
169
MRS. PEATTIE ON JOURNALISM.
Mrs. Ella W. Peattie will read a paper on "Woman in Journalism" at the First Christian church Monday night.
