of women alone, at that period;
but remember that the age was marked with extravagances and
wickedness in men as well as women. Political life abounds with
these excesses and with shameful outrage. Who knows but that if
woman acted her part in governmental affairs, there might be an
entire change in the turmoil of political life? It becomes man to
speak modestly of his ability to act without her. If woman's
judgment were exercised, why might she not aid in making the laws
by which she is governed? Lord Brougham remarked that the works
of Harriet Martineau upon Political Economy were not excelled by
those of any political writer of the present time. The first few
chapters of her "Society in America," her views of a Republic,
and of government generally, furnish evidence of woman's capacity
to embrace subjects of universal interest.

Far be it from me to encourage women to vote, or to take an
active part in politics in the present state of our government.
Her right to the elective franchise, however, is the same, and
should be yielded to her, whether she exercise that right or not.
Would that man, too, would have no participation in a government
recognizing the life-taking principle; retaliation and the sword.
It is unworthy a Christian nation. But when in the diffusion of
light and intelligence a Convention shall be called to make
regulations for self-government on Christian principles, I can
see no good reason why women should not participate in such an
assemblage, taking part equally with man.

Professor Walker, of Cincinnati, in his "Introduction to American
Law," says: "With regard to political rights, females form a
positive exception to the general doctrine of equality. They have
no part or lot in the formation or administration of government.
They cannot vote or hold office. We require them to contribute
their share in the way of taxes to the support of government, but
allow them no voice in its direction. We hold them amenable to
the laws when made, but allow them no share in making them. This
language applied to males would be the exact definition of
political slavery; applied to females custom does not teach us so
to regard it." Woman, however, is beginning so to regard it.

He further says: "The law of husband and wife, as you gat