nt for a vote. I know
they are determined to vote favorably. When it is necessary that
women shall vote for the support of liberty and equality I shall
be ready to cast my vote in their favor. The black man's vote is
necessary to this at this time....

Mr. BUCKALEW: I desire to say before the vote is taken on this
amendment that I shall vote in favor of it because of the
particular position which it occupies. A vote given for this
amendment is not a final one. I understand it to pronounce an
opinion upon the two propositions which have been undergoing
consideration in the Senate, in a comparative manner, if I may
use the expression. In voting for this proposition I affirm
simply that the principles and the reasonings upon which the bill
itself, as reported by the committee, is based, would apply with
equal, if not increased force, to the particular proposition
contained in the amendment. If that be affirmed, then recurs the
question whether it is proper, whether it is expedient at this
time to increase, and very extensively increase, suffrage in this
country. I do not understand that the general argument on that
question is involved in the present motion. I do not understand
that it comes up of necessity in considering the proposition
covered by the amendment of my colleague which stands simply in
contrast with that contained in the bill. I presume there are
several gentlemen, members of this body, who will vote with
reference to this consideration and who will reserve their
opinion, either openly or in their own consciousness, upon the
general or indirect question of the extension of suffrage to the
females of the United States.

But the occasion invites some remarks beyond the mere statement
of this point. The debates which have been going on for three
days in this Chamber will go out to the country. They will
constitute an element in the popular discussions of the times and
awaken a large amount of public attention. This is not the last
we shall hear of this subject. It will come to us again; and I am
persuaded that one reason why it will come again is that the
arguments against the proposed extension of suffrage have not
been sufficient; they have been inadequate; they have been placed
upon grounds which will not endure debate. Thos