thing itself
is so universally approved by our community, that the only wonder
is that when we propose to extend this franchise to all the
people alike anybody is found in opposition to it.

Mr. YATES: Mr. President, I propose to occupy the time of the
Senate for but a few moments by way of explanation of my position
on this subject. Honorable Senators seem to think there is some
little embarrassment in the position in which we are placed upon
this question. There is certainly none whatever to my mind. I
must confess, after an examination of this question, that
logically there are no reasons in my mind which would not permit
women to vote as well as men, according to the theory of our
Government--a Government of the people, by the people, and for
the people.

But, sir, that question as to whether ladies shall vote or not is
not an issue now. That was not the question at the last election.
That was not the question that was argued in another part of this
Capitol. That was not embraced in the bill now before us for
consideration. Questions of a different character engross our
attention; and, sir, we have but one straightforward course to
pursue in this matter. While I may and do indorse, I believe,
substantially all that my honorable friend from Ohio has said,
and while I can not state perhaps a good reason why under our
form of government all persona, male and female, should not
exercise the right of suffrage, yet we have another matter on
hand now. We have fought the fight, and our banners blaze
victoriously in the sky. The honorable Senator from Pennsylvania
stands humbled and overcome at his defeat, and he might just as
well bow his head before the wheels of that Juggernaut of which
he spoke, which has crushed him to the earth, and say, let the
_vox populi_, which is the _vox Dei_, be the rule of this land.

I believe that this issue will come, and if the gentleman
proposes to make it in the next elections, I shall be with him
perhaps on the question of universal suffrage; for, sir, I am for
universal suffrage. I am not for qualified suffrage; I am not for
property suffrage; T am not for intelligent suffrage, as it is
termed; but I am for universal suffrage. That is my doctrine.
But, sir, when it is proposed to crush out the will of