manner, by effort, by example, by influence, can do aught to
promote the best interests of this Government.

If this constitution as it now is shall be approved by the
people, you allow the black men of the South, fresh from the
chains of slavery, to go to the ballot-box and vote on all the
great questions involving the interests of this nation, while you
deny the same right to educated, patriotic women--our own wives
and mothers, who are educating our children, who give tone and
character to society, and who are first and foremost in all moral
movements.

You deny them the right to select officers who are to discharge
the duties of government, and, worse still, a voice in the laws
they are compelled to obey. Yes, sir, you say to the drunken
husband who spends his time in whisky saloons, who goes reeling
home at night to abuse his wife and children, that he is fit to
vote on the interests of the family and the town, while you deny
that right to the clear-headed, industrious wife, who feeds,
clothes and shelters the worthless husband and educates the
half-orphaned children.

What a travesty on common sense and justice is such legislation!
I know there are men in this Convention shaking in their boots
for fear their mothers, wives, and daughters shall have equal
power with themselves; cowardly men without gallantry, who fear
that woman's voice in legislation might end some of the pet vices
of society--might be more potent than their own.

Mr. SEAVER rose to a point of order, and asked, "Who are the men
shaking in their boots?"

Mr. GRAVES retorted, "Wounded birds will flutter."

Mr. VEDDER wanted the gentleman's words recorded.

Mr. GRAVES: I was about to say that educated women should be
permitted to go to the ballot-box, and by their votes help to
maintain our form of government. Why is it that every father in
this country is educating his daughter as well as his son in all
branches of science? Why does he expend his money in preparing
his daughter for the most responsible positions, and then deny
her the right to exercise her powers in the most intricate and
exalted of sciences--that of government? I know it is said that
the right of suffrage conferred on woman would destroy all
domestic peace; which is to say a man can