of Independence says:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are
created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with
certain inalienable rights; that among these are life,
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The word "men" in that connection does not mean males, but it
means the human family; that all human beings are created equal.
This will hardly be denied. I remember it was formerly contended
that the Declaration of Independence in this clause did not
include black people. It was argued learnedly and frequently, in
this Chamber and out of it, that the history surrounding the
adoption of that declaration showed that white men only were
intended. But that was not the general judgment of the people of
this country. It was held to embrace all colors and all races. It
embraces both sexes; not simply males, but females. All human
beings are created equal. That is the foundation principle of our
Government. It then goes on to say:

That, to secure these rights, governments are instituted
among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of
the governed; that, whenever any form of government becomes
destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to
alter or abolish it, and to institute a new government,
laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its
powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to
effect their safety and happiness.

If these rights are fundamental, if they belong to all human
beings as such, if they are God-given rights, then all persons
having these God-given rights have a right to use the means for
their preservation; the means is government: "To secure these
rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just
powers from the consent of the governed." I ask you whether the
women of this country have ever given their consent to this
Government? Have they the means of giving their consent to it?
The colored men had not given their consent to it. Why? Because
they had not the right to vote. There is but one way that the
consent to government can be given, and that is by a right to a
voice in that government, and that is the right to vote. I know
it was argued in times past in regard to