nment. It was on a bill providing for
the taking of the census. A motion was made to amend an amendment
by changing the word elector (voter) to resident.

MR. LAWRENCE, of Ohio, said: I am opposed to the amendment of the
gentleman from New York. The effect will be to exclude every
female from any appointment, and although I suppose there will
not be many female applicants for office under this bill, I see
no reason why we should exclude them. (Laughter.) I know no
reason why a soldier's widow or any other female properly
qualified might not receive an appointment to any office the
duties of which she may be as capable of performing as those of
our own sex. If reasons exist let them be given. I will inquire
of the gallant gentleman from New York whether he wishes to
exclude this portion of his constituents and mine from the
privilege of holding office under this bill? (Renewed laughter.)

Mr. WOOD: My amendment says elector, not electress, and until the
ladies have the privilege of electors of the United States I
propose to exclude them.

Mr. LAWRENCE: I am opposed to that. Merit and capacity to serve
the people to the best advantage, after a proper consideration of
claims, should be the test for office.

Mr. GARFIELD, of Ohio: The word "elector" in the amendment of the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Wood) would exclude Alaska
altogether. There are no electors in Alaska. I would suggest that
he substitute the word "resident," which would avoid the
difficulty to which I have referred.

The question being put on Mr. Wood's amendment,

Mr. GARFIELD, of Ohio, moved to amend the proposed amendment by
inserting the word "resident" instead of "elector."

The question being put on Mr. Garfield's amendment to Mr. Wood's
amendment, it was agreed to. The question being put on Mr. Wood's
amendment, as amended, it was agreed to. So far, then, woman is
not to be proscribed.

As in the war women bravely assumed duties in many departments of
labor unknown to them before, so in the reconstruction they gave more
earnest thought to questions of public policy, and made many valuable
suggestions. A well written speech on "Reconstruction and Universal
Suffrage," was delivered by Mrs. M. C. Walling, of Texas, in the
Senate chamber of the Capitol at Washington, May 10th, 1866; The