1895 Constitutional Convention Memorial 1: March 13, 1895

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Ogden City,

March 13th, 1895.

To the Honorable President and Members of the Constitutional Convention of Utah.

Gentlemen, -

We the undersigned delegates in behalf of the women of Ogden City and Weber County, beg most respectfully to memorialize your honorable body, and ask that the action of your honorable committee on Elections and Suffrage in reporting favorably on the right of suffrage and equal rights, being granted to the women of Utah be sustained, and that the Article adopted by said Committee be incorporated in the constitution by the unanimous vote of the convention.

Both political parties in their declaration of principles last fall pledged themselves to grant full suffrage to women, and we feel assured that you will honor the pledge thus made.

Our great Creator has endowed women with the same attributes and power of mind possessed by man, hence her right to equal priviliges and opportunities under the laws and in the government of the nation of which she is a member. Woman has been denied her rights in the past, but toward the close of the 19th century her rights, her merits and worth are being better understood and appreciated, which is evidenced by the fact of the suffrage being granted her in many States of the Union, as well as in some parts of Europe. And it will, beyond all question, reflect credit and honor upon the framers of the Constitution to provide that the mother, wife and sister shall have a voice in the conduct of the affairs of the state of Utah eqaul to fathers, husband or brother.

We claim we are loyal to our government and our Country.

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we love and honor its flag and its constitution. Give us an extended opportunity to demonstrate and furnish proof that our professions are sincere and true!

We claim a share and an interest in all the greatness and glory our country represents.

A few men argue, but their numbers are diminishing every year, that politics are corrupt and that women will be defiled and injured by engaging in them. Experience in Wyoming and in other States does not sustain this view, but on the contray it is claimed that there is less drunkeness, immorality, less vice and crime and that there are fewer criminals according to prison records through the presence and influence of women in politics then formerly, and that her efforts and example in the paths of sobriety and honor tends to purify the political atmosphere, to elevate man and not to lower woman!

With these facts briefly referred to before you gentlemen we feel that the most careful and scrupulous, and even the somewhat credulous, will do no violence to their feelings or any harm, but good to their State and Country to grant our prayer, while we are thoroughly satisfied that the great majority of your honorable body will gladly and cheerfully do honor to the women of Utah by keeping inviolate the pledges of your respective parties.

Yours most sincerely and respectfully,

Mrs. Jennie C Nelson Mrs. Kate S. Hilliard Mrs. William Driver Mrs. L. R. Rhodes Mrs. E. Y. Stanford

Refered to Elections

Rights of Suffrage

Memorial from Ladies of Weber Co Men. No. 1/2

To Elen Duf