ARE WOMEN PEOPLE? A BOOK OF RHYMES FOR SUFFRAGE TIMES By ALICE DUER MILLER AUTHOR OF "BLUE ARCH," "THE MODERN OBSTACLE." ETC. TO V.B.W. SLAVE-DRIVER AND FRIEND Introduction Father, what is a Legislature? A representative body elected by the people of the state. Are women people? No, my son, criminals, lunatics and women are not people. Do legislators legislate for nothing? Oh, no; they are paid a salary. By whom? By the people. Are women people? Of course, my son, just as much as men are. To the New York Tribune, in whose generous columns many of these verses first appeared, the author here wishes to express her gratitude. CONTENTS TREACHEROUS TEXTS CAMPAIGN MATERIAL (For Both Sides) WOMEN'S SPHERE A MASQUE OF TEACHERS: THE IDEAL CANDIDATES THE UNCONSCIOUS SUFFRAGISTS TREACHEROUS TEXTS ARE WOMEN PEOPLE? A Consistent Anti to Her Son ("Look at the hazards, the risks, the physical dangers that ladies would be exposed to at the polls."--_Anti-suffrage speech_.) You're twenty-one to-day, Willie, And a danger lurks at the door, I've known about it always, But I never spoke before; When you were only a baby It seemed so very remote, But you're twenty-one to-day, Willie, And old enough to vote. You must not go to the polls, Willie, Never go to the polls, They're dark and dreadful places Where many lose their souls; They smirch, degrade and coarsen, Terrible things they do To quiet, elderly women-- What would they do to you! If you've a boyish fancy For any measure or man, Tell me, and I'll tell Father, He'll vote for it, if he can. He casts my vote, and Louisa's, And Sarah, and dear Aunt Clo; Wouldn't you let him vote for you? Father, who loves you so? I've guarded you always, Willie, Body and soul from harm; I'll guard your faith and honor, Your innocence and charm From the polls and their evil spirits, Politics, rum and pelf; Do you think I'd send my only son Where I would not go myself? Our Idea of Nothing at All ("I am opposed to woman suffrage, but I am not opposed to woman."--_Anti-suffrage speech of Mr. Webb of North Carolina_.) O women, have you heard the news Of charity and grace? Look, look, how joy and gratitude Are beaming in my face! For Mr. Webb is not opposed To woman in her place! O Mr. Webb, how kind you are To let us live at all, To let us light the kitchen range And tidy up the hall; To tolerate the female sex In spite of Adam's fall. O girls, suppose that Mr. Webb Should alter his decree! Suppose he were opposed to us-- Opposed to you and me. What would be left for us to do-- Except to cease to be? Lines to Mr. Bowdle of Ohio