Document 5: Josephine C. Kaneko, "New York City," Socialist Woman, March 1908, p. 12.

Document 5: Josephine C. Kaneko, "New York City," Socialist Woman, March 1908, p. 12.

Introduction

       The Second International's 1907 meeting in Stuttgart resolved that Socialists should become more involved in the woman suffrage movement by fighting for suffrage with Socialist groups, rather than with "middle class women suffragists."[14] This caused great controversy among Socialist women in the United States, who saw fellow suffragists as allies rather than enemies. American Socialists' first step was to increase their involvement in the suffrage movement. Prior to the next national convention, several local Socialist organizations began to ask that there be a "strong suffrage plank in the party platform and the inauguration of an active campaign."[15] This following article depicts that committment.

        New York City. - At a recent mass meeting in New York City the Social Democratic Woman's Society presented the following resolution, which was adopted by a unanimous vote:

        "Whereas, The Socialist Party is the political expression of the working class in the United States, be it

        "Resolved, By this mass meeting of men and women of New York, that we call upon the National Committee of the Socialist Party to start an energetic fight for equal suffrage for men and women 21 years of age; to put women organizers in the field with same end in view, and to distribute leaflets and literature dealing with this subject."

 
back to top