the
feminine part of mankind are so much below the masculine in point
of intelligence as to disqualify them from exercising the right
of suffrage on that account. If it be asserted and conceded that
the feminine intellect is less vigorous, it must also be allowed
that it is more acute; if it is not so strong to strike, it is
quicker to perceive. But at all events, it will not be contended
that there is such a difference in the intellectual capacity of
the sexes as that that alone should be a disqualification from
the exercise of the right of suffrage. Still less will it be
contended that the female part of creation is less virtuous than
the masculine. On the contrary, it will be conceded by every one
that morality and good order, religion, charity, and all good
works appertain rather more to the feminine than to the masculine
race.

The argument that women do not want to vote is no argument at
all, because if the right to vote is conferred upon them they can
exercise it or not, as they choose. It is not a compulsory
exercise of power on their part. But I think that argument is
partly disproved by the Convention to which the Senator from
Pennsylvania referred yesterday, whose arguments he said were
worthy of consideration even in this Chamber. I think they are,
and I think it would be very difficult for any one in this
Chamber to disprove them. Nor is it a fair statement of the case
to say that the man represents the woman in the exercise of
suffrage, because it is an assumption on the part of the man; it
is an involuntary representation so far as the woman is
concerned. Representation implies a certain delegated power, and
a certain responsibility on the part of the representative toward
the party represented. A representation to which the represented
party does not assent is no representation at all, but is adding
insult to injury. When the American Colonies complained that they
ought not to be taxed unless they were represented in the British
Parliament, it would have been rather a singular answer to tell
them that they were represented by Lord North, or even by the
Earl of Chatham. The gentlemen on the other side of the Chamber
who say that the States lately in rebellion are entitled to
immediate representation in this Chamber would h