if I really thought so; if I thought
that the purity of politics would be sullied, I would not say
another word! (Laughter). I do not want to take anything from the
celestial graces of politics! (Renewed laughter). I will admit
that woman is an excitable creature, and I will admit that
politics needs no more excitement; but sometimes, you know,
things are homoeopathic. A woman's excitement is apt to put out a
man's; and if she should bring her excitability into politics, it
is likely that it would neutralize the excitement that is already
there, and that there would be a grand peace! (Laughter). But,
not to trifle with it, woman is excitable. Woman is yet to be
educated. Woman is yet to experience the reactionary influence of
being a public legislator and thinker. And let her sphere be
extended beyond the family and the school, so that she should be
interested in, and actively engaged in, promoting the welfare of
the whole community, and in the course of three generations the
reaction on her would be such that the excitement that she would
bring into public affairs would be almost purely moral
inspiration. It would be the excitement of purity and
disinterested benevolence.

It is said, furthermore, "Woman might vote for herself, and take
office." Why not? A woman makes as good a postmistress as a man
does a postmaster. Woman has been tried in every office from the
throne to the position of the humblest servant; and where has she
been found remiss? I believe that multitudes of the offices that
are held by men are mere excuses for leading an effeminate life;
and that with their superior physical strength it behooves them
better to be actors out of doors, where the severity of climate
and the elements is to be encountered, and leave indoor offices
to women, to whom they more properly belong. But, women, you are
not educated for these offices. I hear bad reports of you. It is
told me that the trouble in giving places to women is that they
will not do their work well; that they do not feel the sense of
conscience. They have been flattered so long, they have been
called "women" so long, they have had compliments instead of
rights so long, that they are spoiled; but when a generation of
young women shall have been educated to a stern sense of right