From Prank to Power: How a Political Hoax Made History

 Rejecting the Narrative and Unveiling Buffoons

In 1887, a prank led to an astonishing turn of political events in Argonia, Kansas. When Susanna M. Salter's name appeared on the mayoral ballot as a joke, she had no idea she was a candidate—until Election Day! What started as an attempt to embarrass turned into a historic victory. Watch how this unexpected nominee won over the town, garnered support from major political groups, and became the first woman elected mayor in the United States, all without spending a cent on her campaign.

Explore how this groundbreaking election not only challenged societal norms but also set the stage for future progress in women’s rights. Don’t miss this remarkable story of perseverance and triumph against the odds. Hit ‘play’ to witness how a prank turned into a powerful statement about leadership and equality.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susanna_M._Salter

https://www.thevintagenews.com/2018/06/28/susanna-m-salter/ 

Transcript

You are Listening to an ounce Season 6, episode 34, Rejecting the Narrative and Unveiling Buffoons 

This is the true story of a seriously surprised 1887 mayoral candidate in Argonia, Kansas. This highly unlikely (at the time) candidate didn’t even know their name was on the ballot – until the day of the election. 

In 1887, the rules for elections did not require that the names of those on the ballot were made public until Election Day. The inclusion of this surprised candidates name on the ballot was done a prank, a joke … if you will. Political rivals were trying to make the point that such a candidate was foolish. 

Once the intended hoax was made public, the candidate made it clear they would be honored to serve if elected. 

Is That Egg on Your Face? 

In a remarkable turn, the Republican Party leadership hurriedly met with the improbable contender, and fully placed their support behind the last-minute Mayoral nominee. 

Immediately a notice posted, and was made public, that this was the Republican Choice for mayor. 

Then, the Women’s Christian Temperance Union and Prohibition parties abandoned their original candidates, followed the republican lead, and threw in their full support for this improbable nominee. 

And, with the whole hearted support of these political powerhouses, this perceived preposterous prospect, non-politician, was transformed into a potential possibility for a prominent public office. 

And, as it happened, this no longer joke of a candidate, their name placed on the ballot as a prank, as ploy to humiliate; was no joke. And the pranksters became buffoons and their plan backfired - bigtime. 

The voters of Argonia resoundingly exercised their responsibilities as citizens at the ballot box. And, on April 4th, 1887, they elected Susanna M. Salter mayor with greater than a 2/3rds majority. 

In today’s politics they call that a landslide and a mandate. 

Susanna M. Salter 

Susanna M. Salter became the first woman elected mayor in the United States. 

And, by the way, she spent nothing on her campaign. She did not enjoy the support of the press, wealthy investors, lobbyist’s, or opinion makers. Seems folks chose not to give credence to the exaggerated arguments that women didn’t have the temperament, talent, or brains to lead. Voters rejected the deceptive arguments, carefully crafted and subtly designed, and force feed to the public, by the aforementioned Buffoons, to keep them in power. 

And here is another shocking fact. She was elected mayor more than 30 years before the 19th amendment was ratified giving women the right to vote. 

I guess sometimes folks can see past the hyperbole and manipulation of those who, for their own benefit, wish to maintain the status quo – 

This mother and wife served admirably in her elected capacity, though she chose not to seek re-election. It was said she served with great decorum. Observers noted she was an accomplished parliamentarian who kept meetings focused, and who did not allow irrelevant blathering to sidetrack discussion and important town business. 

Unintended Consequences 

The point here is that while some of the political machine in town were trying to manipulate the people in order to gain power, Madam Mayor did an excellent job of serving her community. 

This attempt to humiliate and poke fun by those who opposed women’s right to vote boomeranged in a big way. As the very political point the pranksters were attempting to prove – that women cannot be allowed to vote, that it was a ridiculous idea, that women patently unable function in such a capacity, or serve in public office - was instead exposed in an obvious and undeniable way, to be, well… as it was meant to be a joke - laughable. And the ambitions for power of some were clearly exposed – and they became the joke. 

Nothing extraordinary happened in Argonia during Madam Mayor’s tenure. However, the election of Susanna M. Salter garnered worldwide attention and further sparked the nationwide debate. 

Having seen that a women could serve well, attitudes at large began to swing from resistance and objection to the right to vote for women and what was derisively called ‘petticoat rule’ – to a realistic acceptance that women voting and serving was not an issue. That, when it comes to voting and running for political office, gender should be and is, in any meaningful or practical manner is , well … quite simply, not relevant. 

Salter gave birth to nine children (one of which was born during her tenure as mayor). And, although she remained active in religious and in political matters, she never again ran for public office. 

In March of 1961 Susanna M. Salter passed away at the age of 101. 

She set an example of humbly rejecting the ridiculous and irrational zeitgeist of the moment, and the persuasive but foolish waves of popular culture. This was a woman who did not allow pointlessly preposterous notions of the moment to get in the way of what is reasonable, right, and good. 

Uncovering the Nugget 

There are several little nuggets – or ounces - of wisdom that might be found in this little vignette from history, but might I suggest we focus on just this one. 

Political Maneuvering has the potential to pop the folks who perpetrate political pandering, prevaricating,  and posturing right in the posterior. 

More importantly, what one is capable of should never be predetermined by cultural attitudes that may be popular in the moment. But, rather by – as Dr. King said – the content of their character. 

So, here’s An Ounce: 

Like Susanna M. Salter, do not be afraid to take advantage of the opportunities that come to you, when you are ready and able. It may require a little courage, but you must make the best of them. Do Good. 

And, that’s it, An Ounce, submitted for your consideration.