ocratic theory of government is
true, the argument lies wholly on our side of this question. As
history shows that each step in civilization has been a steady
approximation to our democratic theory, securing larger liberties
to the people, it is fair to infer that its full realization--the
equal rights of all--will be the best possible government.
Whatever is true in theory is safe in practice, and those holding
the destinies of nations in their hands should legislate with a
sublime faith in eternal principles. As bills are soon to be
introduced in both the Senate and the House, asking further
special legislation, we appear before you at this time to urge
that the women of the District shall share equally in all the
rights, privileges, and immunities you propose to confer on male
citizens.

In the adjustment of the question of suffrage, now before the
people of this country for settlement, it is of the highest
importance that the organic law of the land should be so framed
and construed as to secure political equality to all citizens.

While the Constitution of the United States leaves the
qualifications of electors to the several States, it nowhere
gives them the right to deprive any citizen of the elective
franchise; they may regulate, but not prohibit the franchise. The
Constitution of the United States expressly declares that no
State shall make or enforce any law that shall abridge the
privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; hence
those provisions of the several State constitutions that exclude
women from the franchise are in direct violation of the Federal
Constitution. Even the preamble recognizes, in the phrase "We,
the people," the true origin of all just government.

We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more
perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic
tranquillity, provide for the common defense, promote the
general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to
ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this
Constitution for the United States of America.

Are not women people?

SEC. 4. The United States shall guarantee to every State in
this Union a republican form of government.

How can that form of government be republi