She exerted as wide an influence in
the State of Texas as any woman there. I allude to Miss Mollie
Moore, who was the ward of Mr. Gushing. I give this illustration
as a reason why Southern women are taking part in this movement,
Mr. Wallace had charge of that lunatic asylum for years. He was a
good, honorable, able man. Every one was endeared to him; every
one appreciated him; the State appreciated him as superintendent
of this asylum.
When a political change was made and Governor Robinson came in,
Dr. Wallace was ousted for political purposes. It almost broke the
hearts of some of the women who had sons, daughters, or husbands
there. They determined at once to try to seek some redress and
have him reinstated. It was impossible. He was out, and what could
we do? I do not know that we could reach a case like that; but
such cases have stirred the women of the whole land, for the
reason that when they try to do good, or want to help in the cause
of humanity, they are combated so bitterly and persistently.
I leave it to older and abler women, who have labored in this
cause so long, to prove whether it is or is not constitutional to
give the ballot to women.
A gentleman said to me a few days ago, "These women want to
marry." I am married; I am a mother; and in our home the sons and
brothers are all standing like a wall of steel at my back. I have
cast aside every prejudice of the past.
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