n of petitions. For twenty years we have petitioned, and I
now hold in my hand over three thousand names of citizens from
but a small portion of the State of New York, asking that justice
shall be done women by granting them suffrage. But people have
become tired of begging for rights, and many persons favoring
this cause will not again petition. We but ask justice, and we
say to you that the stability of any government depends upon its
doing justice to the most humble individual under it.

Mrs. PAULINA WRIGHT DAVIS: We are tired of petitioning. It is
time our legislators knew what was right and gave us justice.

Mrs. WILBOUR remarked that a lady of the district near her said
she had obtained 1,500 signatures in one ward of the city to a
petition.

Senator PATTERSON inquired what the effect would be in case women
were allowed to vote, if there were a difference of opinion
between the husband and wife on some political question--where
the authority of the family would rest?

Mrs. STANTON replied that there was always a superior will and
brain in every family. If it was the man, he would rule; if it
was the woman, she would rule. Individuality would be preserved
in the family as well as in society.

Hon. Mr. WELKER wanted to know if the women in the District had
shown any interest in the movement yet.

Mrs. STANTON replied that they had; they had attended the
sessions of the Convention held here, and all she had spoken to
were in favor of it.

Mrs. WILBOUR said the petition of 1,500 women of the District
asking for suffrage had been presented to Congress this very
winter.

Hon. Mr. COOKE said that the Committee on the District of
Columbia could not get enough time allowed them by the House to
transact the necessary business of the District during the short
morning hour to which they were limited by the rules, and he
feared they would be unable to get the action of the House on the
subject.

Miss ANTHONY said that they must make time enough to present the
bill at least; and asked if women had the right to vote, and make
and unmake members, if they could not then find time to plead
woman's cause?

The honorable member was obliged to answer this pertinent
question in the affirmative.

Senator HAMLIN said the