doctrine. He has been of this opinion long since,
I am gratified to learn. I have reflected much on this subject,
and within the last few months I have settled down in my
determination, and that is to advocate this great measure. Why
have I so recently arrived at that conclusion? In the last few
months the women's war upon the whisky trade and intemperance at
large has prompted me thus to declare unequivocally for them and
their glorious efforts. It is from them and with them that I
hope, judging from their success up to this time, to save this
great Nation from the worst curse known to the human family, that
of intemperance; and I believe it is they and only they through
Almighty God who can do it. Man has been found incompetent and
unable to perform that great and desired object. And gratified am
I to receive the idea from my distinguished friend, that if women
had the right to vote they would not be expelled from many
pursuits as they now are, or be compelled to go upon the streets
as they now are, seeking in self-defense the preservation of man.
The effect of this measure on politics has been so well described
by the distinguished Senator from Indiana that I need not comment
upon that branch of the subject. They would tend to purify the
atmosphere morally, either at the ballot-box or anywhere else, I
care not where it may be. They are more directly interested in
good morals, in the temperance of the world and everything
bearing on that line, than the husbands are. I think it is a
right they are entitled to in every sense of the word, and from
this time henceforth I am a woman's rights man.

Mr. MERRIMON.--Mr. President, I will not yield to any Senator in
the measure of my respect for and admiration of woman; I do not
propose by any act or word of mine to detract from her dignity or
to diminish the pleasures she may enjoy in this life; but I claim
the right to be the judge, in conjunction with herself, of what
is best calculated to elevate and protect her dignity and promote
her happiness. I do not believe that woman herself believes that
her dignity would be elevated or her happiness promoted by
putting her upon an exact equality, civilly or politically, in
both points of view, with man; and very strong and controlling
evidence of that fa