1911 Handbill “Jane Addams Wants To Vote”

Addams, Jane. Handbill. 1911. “Jane Addams Wants to Vote.” Eminent American social worker Jane Addams outlines an argument for women’s suffrage in this extract from an article in Ladies’ Home Journal in 1910. Jane Addams, who is known for promoting the idea that it is each person’s responsibility to help the community at large, writes that women need the right to vote to ensure “the members of her own household that they may be properly fed and clothed and surrounded by hygienic conditions.” At the time that this description is being written, no copies are recorded in American institutions. OCLC search results are at best an estimate and can vary over (truncated) time.

Addams argues that city women are “utterly dependent upon the city administrations for the conditions which render decent living possible.” Without these public services, tenement bathrooms may have unsanitary plumbing and stairways may not be fireproof, markets may sell meat that has not been inspected, and garbage may pile up on the street. In order to keep a sanitary and safe environment for her family, a woman needs to vote for policies that accomplish this. Pencil notation “5” to upper right corner, not affecting text. Otherwise near fine. (Inventory #: 16031)