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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2920907" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter Forty-eight, “The Right to Vote!”, Monday, May 29th, 1882, 6:00 P.M.Judge Isby proposes that Gender be the next topic.   Helen Barker stands to be recognized.   She keeps her speech short saying "You all known my opinion on this issue....and so do most of your wives and girlfriends."   She then sits down.Kate smothered a chuckle.  She could learn a thing or two from Helen Barker about keeping it short and foreboding.  This was the first time she'd heard Morgana Arcadiam speak, and the impression she'd already had of her intelligence was reinforced hearing her words.  Kate listened to the discussion continue, waiting to add her own words until some of the windbags had deflated their lungs.The discussion continues for a while.  Bill Watkins reasserts his positions that only men should vote, that in the United States only men can elect the President and the representatives for Congress and this is how it should be.   Mollie Caudell then asks to be recognized.  Isby recognizes her and she stands, attired in gray pants with a tan cotton overcoat above it.    She says, "My name is Mollie Caudell, my maiden name was Bean.   I am a new to town and will be one of the school teachers at the Niles Hoover Memorial Schoolhouse.    I met my husband Nate during the war."   She then removes her overcoat, revealing herself to be attired in a tattered Confederate Uniform.   Many of the audience gasp as she continues "Where I served for two-and-a-half years as a soldier in the North Carolina 47th Infantry.   I had cut my hair and enlisted under the name Melvin Bean.  Back then there were many soldiers serving who were too young to shave.    After a couple of months the men in my company realized my true gender, but by then they had accepted me as one of their own and kept my secret.   I was wounded at Gettysburg in '63 and was not mustered out until I received another injury in February of '65 and a doctor from outside of my company discovered my secret.    If any man in this room thinks that a woman can't do a man's job, and have opinions on leadership the equal to any man, then let them speak to me."   She then sits down.Morgana stands "Many of the people here know me I am LADY Morgana Talks-with-trees O'Shea Arkadiam. I have many faces and all of them are represented here in this decision of who the town will allow to vote.  I am Irish. I am Indian. I am woman. I am LADY, my husband is the son of an English Lord. I am the owner of the local paper. I am a representative of the Indian nation and a sanctioned negotiator for the Apache.   And I am also the person who carries the guns from Billy the Kid who I dispatched during an armed robbery of an individual of this town.  As a group the people of this town would choose to possibility eliminate my voice from the political future of this town.  I find that it would be unwise, to remove the choice of the way this town is to flourish from the individuals that live in it.  Each of you has many faces why would you choose to only allow one to decide your future? The people of this town are exactly that the PEOPLE of this town allow them all the right and responsibility to mold their future to what it can and should be not limiting it to the narrow voice of only one face."The vote is called for.   The motion to allow women the right to vote passes by a vote of 22 in favor, 17 opposed and 16 abstentions.    As before, Zeb Cook, Bill Watkins and Frank Condon are among the "no" votes, meaning it will fail among the Vigilance Committee.     At that point in time Mrs. Rebecca King stands and requests that a fifteen minute recess be called.   Isby agrees.   She asks all five of the Vigilance Committee members to join her for consultation over at the Great Western Boarding House.   They get up to leave and she also signals for the various women of her sewing circle to all join them as well.    They all leave the room and the crowd breaks into their own conversations.Kate wasn't sure what to think of Mrs. King retiring with the committee.  The invitation of the sewing circle was curious.  Roger Fly had said Mrs. King wasn't so unreasonable once you got to know her.  Considering her activities, it was possible she might not be against women voting.  Or perhaps she was just inclined to save the fight for the race question. She got up to stretch her legs and walked over to Mollie Caudell.  The Confederate uniform had caused the usual tightening of her chest, and she knew if she didn't go talk to her right away, about anything, it would continue to bother her.  Oddly, it didn't occur to her to question her about having served.  Her intuition said Mollie had done it more to prove a woman could than in any great fervor for the cause.  And if she was wrong she didn't want to know about it.  She talked with the other woman for a few minutes, then spoke to Helen Barker, complimenting her on her tactics.  "I'm a little worried though.  If the vote for women is this tight, imagine the vote for race.  This has gone so well I'm afraid they've been saving it up.'Morgana walks over to Kate and Helen "Ladies I believe that woman will get the vote in this town. Between the sewing circle and the Vigilance Committee they have realized that there may be enough "respectable" citizens to carry their ticket, provided the women are allowed in the voting box.  This however will do me little good as I do not see them ever supporting non-humans voting.  And to them I am little more than a dressed up horse who has enticed a stray English gentleman out looking to sew wild oats.  They have no idea how wrong they are in discounting my abilities or interest in this particular town."Kate replies, "I wouldn't be sure they do discount you, Mrs. Arcadiam.  It's just that strong interest that makes them nervous.  It challenges their attempt to rule this town on their own terms and I doubt they are discounting any threats.  If they've noticed me, they've certainly noticed you.  We might be able to convince the Merchant's Association that all races should vote, but I don't know how to get it past the Vigilance Committee.  Doctor Eaton and Mr. Watkins will not be moved.  I don't know Zeb Cook or Derek Avery at all.  Frank Condon could be made to see reason."The Vigilance Committee and their friends return.   Isby calls for their vote.  Bill Watkins sticks firm to his male voters’ only position, casting a No vote to the proposal.   The other four members of the Committee however vote Yes, Eaton doing so rather reluctantly, and the motion passes.   Isby says, "Okay folks, it looks like one stumbling block remains, that of which races should be allowed to vote." Travis Calhoun stands and is recognized.   He states, "Hello, most of you know me.   My brother and I own the Gunsight Brickyard.   Together with my friend Neil Cassidy we founded the Committee for Racial Equality.   Over the years we have hired a number of employees of all races, human, wood elf, high elf, orc and ogre.    With our employees we have made the bricks and boards that comprise almost every building in town, including the one we are in here today.   I do not see how anybody can now state that the people who put roofs over your heads are less deserving of representation than others.  Thank you".Morgana bends over to Kate "That was nicely done but I'm not sure that it will sway the committee what we need is that priestess to hand the Vigilance Committee something they can't battle that proves racial equality is demanded by the gods. Do you know if there is any scripture in the church where people of another race are praised or promised equal protection? What about Diana and the nymphs? Could we use those stories somehow?"Kate reddened a bit, saying "I haven't really attended church since I was six or seven years old.  They would probably perceive Diana's nymphs as servants even though they hunt together."  She was quiet for a moment, thinking.  "There are some stories I remember that may help.  May Diana grant me eloquence." She stood and once she was recognized began, "The many races of this town have followed the example of the gods in working together.  Diana hunts with her nymph companions.  The centaur Chiron was instructed by Apollo and Diana and many distinguished heroes came from the ranks of his students.  Apollo entrusted his own son Esculapius into the Centaur's care, and with his wise tutelage the child grew to became the greatest of healers. When the wise centaur died, he was placed in the heavens as Sagittarius.   When Hippolytus spurned his stepmother Pheadra's advances, she turned his father against Theseus against him.  He pled Neptune's wrath on Hippolytus, who was killed when Neptune answered Theseus' prayer.  After Esculapius returned him to life, Diana placed Hippolytus under the protection of a nymph named Egeria. The gods of the Greeks and Romans whom so many here follow embrace other races as helpers and teachers.  As skilled people worthy to be heard and counted.  Can we do less by denying all who are not human a vote?  Can we deny the wisdom of the gods rather than follow their example?"     Kate turns to take her seat and sees something she had not noticed before, her parents in the back of the room with her father's face beaming with pride over what his daughter just said.   Her mother has a smile on her face is well and is crying.   Kate sat down after catching a glimpse of her parents with a lump in her throat.  Judge Lacey, who led the town's weekly religious studies until the arrival of Priestess Florencia stands and says, "Thank you Mrs. Kale, I agree with your interpretation of the sacred texts.   The gods do indeed look favorable upon all races."   Bill Watkins stands and says “Are you people insane?   Sure, the gods recognize that there are different races, that don’t mean they see them as equal.    What are you people talking about?  Giving votes to the Indians?   The hills to the east of here are filled with thousands of Apache Warriors.   Just five months ago they wanted to ride down here and kill us all.  And you want to extend citizenship to them?” Flint Greymountain stands and asks to be recognized.   He states, “The Apache in the Chirichaua Mountains do not want citizenship, we are only talking about a few Indians who live here in town among the town.   I have an Apache woman named Naki-Yai who is an employee of my ranch.   The Morand’s Rocking-H ranch employs a few Apache workers.  I do not know of any others.”    Watkins stands and says, “That’s today.  If you allow Indians to vote what’s to keep Geronimo’s entire tribe from marching into town on the last day of voter registration and sign up to vote then?”     Judge Isby interjects, “I find that hypothetical situation a bit far fetched, but there’s nothing to stop this body from adding provisions to prevent such a situation.   By noon tomorrow I will have a complete survey of all of the outlying ranches, farms and mines and can record the information by race as well as name.   If by the close of registration on the number of registered voters for any race has increases by more than 50% of what I show tomorrow then that could be deemed as grounds to reconvene and reconsider this issue, otherwise what is decided today regarding race would stand.”     A vote is called on that amendment to the original motion which passes by a vote of 31 to 16 with 8 abstentions.  Isby calls for a five-minute recess.   Kate was unsurprised by Bill Watkins objections, and pleased by how neatly Judge Isby undermined his argument.   "That is some small victory at least," Kate said quietly to Morgana.Morgana tells Kate" And thus we can assure that the town has equal footing for women but may have the wisdom of centuries old experience from some of the original population. Nicely spoken Mrs. Kale I'm in rather a bind as I will not be taken seriously when I speak because of my mixed background. The true question is still will I get the chance to vote. If things get truly sticky I may need to suggest literacy requirement and set up select lessons for adults who might need to have assistance. I don't want to do it but it may allow the non-human vote to pass as the truly bigoted individuals will assume that the "lesser ones" would not have the intellectual capacity to read. It would also ensure a literate population and maybe take some of the more bigoted humans out of the equation few bigots want to admit that they can't read a ballot.""I had thought of something like that myself, but didn't want to risk making it difficult for members of other races who couldn't read, or at least couldn't read English.  I have to say though, I'm comforted by the idea that everyone voting would not need someone to help them with their ballot.  Those who can't read could easily be led to believe they voted for one candidate when they in fact voted for another.  I'm sure my school would be happy to offer after hours lessons in reading to any who wanted it," she finished with a smile.Morgana replies, “The other possibility would be to have a designated reader known for impracticality available to individuals who couldn't read English similar to the individuals who will be needed to count ballots. Or possibility a team with different views to balance each other out so neither side could suggest non-impartiality on a specific sides part.Two doors down, Chester paces in the Marshall's Office. He says to himself, “How is that meeting turning out? Things are going to be tense around here no matter what, though. I just hope the vote goes the right way. How am I supposed to enforce the law if it doesn't apply to everyone evenly?”  Clarisse Townsend heads into the Marshall's Office.  She exclaims, "Chester, this is so exciting.  Women will get a chance to vote!  It is just been decided upon!"Chester picks her up and swings her around. "That is great news, Clarisse. You can pick your leaders and then complain when they turn out to be crooked, just me." He sets her down and says, "What about giving the vote to non-humans? I bet there were some mighty arguments about that."  She replies, "They were just getting started on that now but I was so excited about the women's vote that I had to come tell you.   The Vigilance Committee was going to vote against it but Mrs. King asked for a recess and we helped to convince them that there were far more respectable women in this town seeking law and order than women of the other opinion, so our slate of candidates will be helped by that."    Chester raises an eyebrow. "'Our' slate? What group are you with? Isn't Mrs. Fly with the Vigilance Committee?"  She answers, "Oh Chet, you know I support Law and Order.  So do the Vigilance Committee and the Cattleman's Association.   Don't worry dear, the group plans to keep you on as Deputy Marshall.   They may keep Mr. Cassidy too."He answers, "That's good to hear. Last thing Promise City needs is replacing all the lawmen. I don't want Adair getting his men in this office. So how do we celebrate your getting the vote? They lowered the voting age, so you can vote, right?"  She says, "Of course silly. Otherwise I wouldn't be so excited."   He states, "That's doubly good. Once I get relieved, we can have a picnic. It's been a while since we've done that. How does that sound?"  She says that will be a wonderful idea.  The meeting resumes.   Cole Rixton stands and makes a short speech for the equal representation of all races within the town.    Evan Adair counters by blaming the previous night’s disturbances on the Indians and saying that it is stupid to consider allowing any race except human to vote.   Ike Sherman then stands and agrees with Adair.      Judge Lacey stands and while looking at Sherman says “Thank you Ike, you made your position known to the town yesterday when you stood with those seeking vigilante justice.   I think the opposite of you, as you saw when I stood with those seeking law and order.”    Doctor Eaton stands and says, “I object to Mr. Lacey’s contention.   The United States is a human land, ruled by humans.   Human superiority is a fact of life and there are many of us who believe in law and order who feel that way.”"Human superiority is not a fact, it is a presumption," Kate said after she was again recognized.  "The United States fought a war not so long ago, one of the objectives of which was to end the treatment of ogres as less than humans.  In 1870 the right to vote was extended to ogres.  The presumption of human superiority does not and should not extend to the ballot box. Every race has its good and kind people, and its evil and selfish.  It doesn't matter if they are human, elf, halfling, dwarf, orc or ogre.  Generalizations rob us all of the help we can be to one another, of friends we haven't yet met, and right now, in this town, they are attempting to rob many of its citizens of their right to have a say in matters than can drastically affect their lives."Eric Lee Smith who manages the Promise City Hotel is the next one recognized.   Kate is not surprised when he adds his voice to that of the human-only group, given that he only allows humans to stay overnight at his hotel.    She is however disappointed when Kate Higgins of the Long Branch Hotel, Conrad's employer, also stands to voice the same ideas.  She says that it was the humans who turned this plot of land into a town so why shouldn't they be allowed to elect its leaders.   Tector Driscoll, the town tanner, then stands.  Kate does not know the man other than the fact that he relocated his tannery further out of town and sold his previous building shortly after she and her planned school became her neighbors.  He says, "I'm a simple man, but I know what my Pappy told me.  He said, son, never trust people who aren't like you.  They think live different, they think different and they'll stab you in the back if you give them the chance.  I say that we keep this a human town."Kate clenched her fists in her skirt and tried to stop the tide of red that was crossing her face.  "I'm not sure there's much more I can say," she said to Morgana.  "How can they not understand?  All their reasons boil down to not wanting anyone but humans to vote because they don't understand anyone else.  Don't they understand that by denying people a voice they are creating the situations they fear?"Michael Seawell then stands and asks to be recognized.   He addresses the crowd, “Hello, many of you know me, I am Colonel Michael Seawell.  I could appeal to you based upon my Civil War service and remind you of the tens of thousands of men who bled and died so that other races could be free.   But instead, let me make this an economic appeal. This town was built around the four local mines, each within a few hundred feet of where you stand now.   Today those mines exclusively employ human labor and most appear to have a bias towards humans.   I’ll remind you, the Liberty Hill mine struck water and had their first mine flooded out at a depth of only 200 feet.  The other mines have not dug that deep yet, and if they do I suspect they will also hit water.   That means that the amount of ore easily obtained from those mines is now rather finite.    If you honestly feel that the economic future of this town is with those mines and those mines alone then a vote for only humans to have representation makes sense. I am a managing partner of the Morand-Seawell Mining Company.   I served as the Chief Geologist of the United States Army and have had a career of locating precious metals.   My company now owns over a dozen properties in the region and our first two mining ventures have proven fruitful.    I would hazard to guess that by this time next year the vast majority of this region’s silver and gold ore will come from my mines.   I employ many non-human laborers.  They not only work for me but get to keep a percentage of the profits from every ounce of silver or gold that they help to extract.   The only other new mine in the region to find a rich vein is the Fisk Mountain mine, and one of its owners is a non-human.   These mines are the town’s future.   One reason that this town plans to Incorporate is to be able to issue taxes.   Who here likes to pay taxes?   How are taxes assessed?   Usually based upon either the property values or the amount of revenue generated.    As of today my company plans to join this town.   I believe that my business partner Forest Morand plans to have his  Rocking-H Ranch join as well.  His is the largest ranch in Cochise County.  I suspect that very shortly he and I will both be the two largest taxpayers in this region and every dollar that we pay in taxes is a dollar that is not coming out of your own pocket.   But if you decide to exclude our workers from being allowed to elect this town’s leaders then why should be want to join this town?    We could remain independent and pay for none of the town‘s expenses.   And I could take all of my ore elsewhere to be processed and also encourage my workers to take all of their business elsewhere as well. I am certain that the towns of Willcox, Tombstone and Dos Cabezas would welcome us.   I cannot speak for Mr. Morand, but I would not be surprised he does not feel exactly the same way about his ranch.  Thank you for listening.”   He then takes a seat. A long pause follows as people consider the ramifications of what was just said.   Hezekiah B. Chumbley stands and is recognized.  “Hello, most of you know me.  I am the editor of the Promise City Mirror and am obviously a non-human.   I have written many editorials during the last week on the subject of letting all races vote.  I strongly believe in that and feel that many of the people in this town do as well.   Mr. Niles Hoover gave his life for that belief.    But many of you feel strongly that only humans should vote.  You are entitled to have that belief and I will respect you for having that opinion. The owners and reporters from my paper are all present today.   We find this event very newsworthy and will we watching and recording ourselves every vote cast here today.   Tomorrow’s newspaper will have a complete listing, so that everybody in town will know which people and businesses feel which way.   I encourage you to all stand up for what you truly believe in and to show it now with either a Yes or No vote!   Do not take the coward’s way out of abstaining.  Vote from your heart with either Yes or No and be prepared to then stand by that decision when your friends, neighbors and customers ask you about it.” Judge Isby says “I think we have had enough debate on this subject, I'm not sure that any further talking at this point will sway opinions either way.  There is an amended motion on the floor to extend the right to vote to citizens of the town for all races.  All those in favor?"  Kate did not hesitate to thrust her hand in the air in favor of allowing all races.  Even as she did so she scanned the room, trying to count the hands in agreement with her.Hands go up from Morgana Arcadiam, Rudy Baines, Helen Barker, Austin Blake, Vera Blake, Hannibal Brown, Al Brower, Travis Calhoun, Neil Cassidy, Jake Cook, Rufus Davis, Pedro Figures, Roger Fly, Laurie Gilson, Pierre Jacquet, Katherine Kale, Kevin Kelly, Judge Lacey, Russell Lee, Steve Lord, Randall Mason, Zachary Morand, Cole Rixton, Harry Rote, Kris Wagner, Don Wainwright and Charlie Wong.   Isby makes the count, as do many others coming to a total of 27 of the 55 members, one vote shy of a majority.Kate felt herself trying to will just one more hand to rise, as if she had tied a string around someone's wrist and could now just pull it.   "Let us hope for two abstentions," she whispered.  Her eyes fell on Frank Condon, who had apparently forgotten his friends.  Her gaze grew more intent than she realized as she waited for Judge Isby to continue the vote.Judge Isby says, “All those opposed?”     Hands go up from Evan Adair, Carl Berman, Frank Condon, Zeb Cook, Tector Driscoll, Duncan Frye, Michael George, Tim Gorch, Dick Hammer, Kate Higgins, Lincoln Hood, Ezra Hooten, Don Hudson, Kay Kaufman, Peter Lovelace, Dave Melany, Clay Milford, Greg Reston, Ike Sherman, Sam Slade, Eric Smith, Haywood Smith, Paul Stevens, Bill Watkins and Henry Weller.   Isby takes the count.   He asks, “Abstentions?”    Hands go up from Alton Boyd, Biff Johnson and Burton Lumley. Judge Isby announces “The motion passes by a vote of 27 to 25.”  Kate's chest actually hurt as the breath she'd been holding was finally released.  "Now we're in for it with the Vigilance Committee, but I'm proud it just got past the Merchants," Kate whispered.  The Judge then asks for a vote of the Vigilance Committee.     Since all three members also in the Merchant’s Association voted had no, given that Doctor Eaton had expressed negative views before and given that member Derrik Avery’s boss Paul Stevens had also voted no most people expect a unanimous no vote.   However Avery surprises the crowd by voting yes instead, earning him angry stares from his colleagues as the Judge rules the vote defeated by a vote of 1 to 4.   Judge Isby declares, “We are at an impasse which I do not feel will be resolved at this point in time with further discussion.   We will reconvene here on Wednesday morning at 7:00 A.M. to hopefully resolve this one outstanding issue.  This meeting is adjourned.”</blockquote>

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