Article Title

“Mr.Editor, Have We Digressed?” Newspaper Editor John Neal and The Woman Suffrage Debate

Authors

Shannon M. Risk, Niagara University

Publication Date

10-1-2011

Document Type

Article

First Page

24

Last Page

37

Abstract

In May and June of 1870, Portland newspaper editor and reformer John Neal sparked a debate over women’s suffrage that elicited strong views on women’s place in society. Neal posted a call in the Daily Eastern Argus to like-minded women and men to meet to discuss how to bring about the women’s vote. His post led to a debate in Portland’s newspapers about the idea of women’s suffrage. Several respondents expressed outrage at women’s participation in politics, fearing it would lead to society’s downfall. Although the debate died down in June, Neal’s efforts gave renewed energy to Maine suffragists. The author is an assistant professor of history at Niagara University. She specializes in progressive-era American history, women’s history, and public history.

Recommended Citation

Risk, Shannon M.. "“Mr.Editor, Have We Digressed?” Newspaper Editor John Neal and The Woman Suffrage Debate." Maine History 46, 1 (2011): 24-37. https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/mainehistoryjournal/vol46/iss1/3