"Should Women Vote?" by H. M. Showalter, class of 1904

Date:

1904

In his essay "Should Women Vote?", H. M. Showalter argues for women's suffrage in 1904. He acknowledges that women are not given the right to vote because they are often the dependents of men like "minors and paupers." Due to their dependence, their vote could be swayed. However, Showalter does not see this as a legitimate reason for denying women the vote. He lists six premises for his conclusion. They are:
1. God created man and woman equal.
2. The Constitution gives equal rights to all.
3. It is through mothers that men have risen in the world. Thus mothers cannot be denied the vote.
4. The Civil Rights Bill grants suffrage to all citizens.
5. Women could use their votes to reform society.
6. A woman should not be taxed without representation.