rights I want," I say, very well. We do not preach
the doctrine of coercive rights. You shall have perfect liberty
to stay at home. All we ask is, that women shall follow their
natures. Of all heresies it seems to me there never was one so
absurd as that which supposes that woman is not fit for the
peculiar duties of government. She was fit to whip you and me; to
teach us the best things we know; fit to take care of home; and
let me tell you that the woman who is fit to take care of home is
fit to stand in the gateway of heaven itself. Nothing is more
sacred between this and the heavenly rest than the Christian
household. It is said that woman is not fit to hold office. Take
the Presidents of the United States, as they run for the last
eight or ten years, and I would rather take my chances among the
average of women. A President of these United States requires
merely common sense and honesty. Men are not more honest than
women, not more sincere nor more capable.

Miss PHOEBE COUZINS and Mr. DOUGLASS made brief addresses. The
HUTCHINSONS sang one of their soul-stirring songs. LUCY STONE closed
the exercises with a most effective appeal.

Out of these broad differences of opinion on the amendments, as shown
in the debates, divisions grew up between Republicans and
Abolitionists on the one side, and the leaders of the Woman Suffrage
movement on the other. The constant conflict on the Equal Rights
platform proved the futility of any attempt to discuss the wrongs of
different classes in one association. A general dissatisfaction had
been expressed by the delegates from the West at the latitude of
debate involved in an Equal Rights Association. Hence, a change of
name and more restricted discussions were strenuously urged by them.
Accordingly, at the close of Anniversary week, a meeting was called at
the Woman's Bureau,[123] which resulted in reorganization under the
name of "The National Woman Suffrage Association."[124]

There had been so much trouble with men in the Equal Rights Society,
that it was thought best to keep the absolute control henceforth in
the hands of women. Sad experience had taught them that in trying
emergencies they would be left to fight their own battles, and
therefore it was best to fit themselves for their responsibilities by
filling the positions of trust exclusively with women. This was not
accomplished without a pretty