One of the most surprising features of last week's elections was the over-whelming victory of woman suffrage in New York, considering that only a year or two ago the voters had turned it down almost as decisively as they now demand it. What are the reasons for such a sudden change of public sentiment? It does not appear to have any intimate connection with politics, although the anti-suffragists make much or the fact that they are defeated in good company, for the movement has been steadily gaining ground both in England and the United States since the out-break of the war. Rather, it must be considered as a direct result of the war, an appreciation, on the part of the electorate, of the ability and patriotism that the women have shown since April last. In all matters of war relief and charity, they have shown themselves able organizers; and in the province of housekeeping and food conservation, they have proved themselves intelligent, thrifty and capable. At a time when everyone is doing his best for the common weal, the women of the land have stood out preeminently for the spirit they have shown, and the results they have accomplished. Their success, then, should be regarded not as a political victory, but as a delicate compliment to the success of their work occasioned directly or indirectly by the war.