ve been more than ever convinced
of it since I have read the opinions of one of the foremost men
of this or any other age--John Stuart Mill.

But I say to the Senator from Pennsylvania that while these are
my opinions, while I will vote now or at any time for woman
suffrage, if he or any other Senator will offer it as a distinct,
separate measure, I am unalterably opposed to connecting that
question with the pending question of negro suffrage. The
question of negro suffrage is now an imperative necessity; a
necessity that the negro should possess it for his own
protection; a necessity that he should possess it that the nation
may preserve its power, its strength, and its unity. We have
fought that battle, as has been stated by the Senator from
Illinois; we have won negro suffrage for the District of
Columbia, and I say I believe we have won for all the States; and
before the 4th of March, 1869, before this Administration shall
close, I hope that the negro in all the loyal States will be
clothed with the right of suffrage. That they will be in the ten
rebel States I can not doubt, for patriotism, liberty, justice,
and humanity demand it.

This bill, embodying pure manhood suffrage, is destined to become
the law in spite of all opposition and all lamentations. I am
opposed, therefore, to associating with this achieved measure the
question of suffrage for women. That question has been discussed
for many years by ladies of high intelligence and of stainless
character--ladies who have given years of their lives to the
cause of liberty, to the cause of the bondman, to the cause of
justice and humanity, to the improvement of all and the elevation
of all. No one could have heard them or have read their speeches
years ago, without feeling that they were in earnest. They have
made progress; these women have instructed the country; women,
and men too, have been instructed; progress is making in that
direction; but the public judgment is not so pronounced in any
one State to-day in favor of woman suffrage, as to create any
large and general movement for it. Time is required to instruct
the public mind and to carry forward and to concentrate the
public judgment in favor of woman suffrage. All public men are
not in its favor as is the Senator from Oh