Jasper County Democrat, Volume 23, Number 9, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 April 1920 — MEETING WAS WELL ATTENDED [ARTICLE]

MEETING WAS WELL ATTENDED

Of Women’s School of Citizenship Saturday Afternoon. The attendance at the Women» School of Citizenship, held in The court room last Saturday afternoon, wap very gratifying and showed that both Republican and Democrat women are beginning to take a deep interest in learning the machinery of government through which to exercise their franchise. Attorney Leopold gave a practical talk on the state primary law in which he compared the old system of selecting the delegates to the primary method, giving the disadvantages of each. • The expense of the candidate in conducting a primary campaign was the chief criticism of the speaker against the present system. The Indifference of the average voter to his duties as a citizen in failing to recognize the importance of the primary when he has a chance to help select the best men for his party, and thus leaving it to scheming and self-interested politicians, was deplored. Women, although they can not vote at the primary, may use their influence for worthy candidates in both parties.

The supply of books on citizenship which were furnished free to anyone who would promise to do the work of the class, was soon exhausted, but a new lot will be available at the next meeting, which will be held in the court room at 2:30 Saturday, May 8, at which time the results of the primaries will I e noted and an explanation and discussion of the state conventions wih be part of the program. It is most interesting and fortun ate that the franchise to women should have been granted during the year of perhaps the greatest presidential election, and women who took such pride in being patriotic when we were involved in a great war, would do well to recognize the fact that there te even greater need that they co-operate with the government in times of peace if the great problems before the country are Intelligently met. It is the duty especially of every mother to make herself familiar with public questions and give part of her time to help in their solution If she would have the U. S. continue as the “land of opportunity for her boy or girl. . ♦*