parents left paupers.

Mrs. Nichols here offered the following resolution:

_Resolved_, That equally involved as they are in all the Natural
Relations which lie at the base of society, the sexes are
equally entitled to all the rights necessary to the discharge of
the duties of those relations.

ELIZABETH OAKES SMITH presented the following resolution offered
by Lucretia Mott:

_Resolved_, That as the imbruted slave, who is content with his
own lot, and would not be free if he could, if any such there be,
only gives evidence of the depth of his degradation; so the woman
who is satisfied with her inferior condition, avering that she
has all the rights she wants, does but exhibit the enervating
effects of the wrongs to which she is subjected.

Susan B. Anthony read the resolutions.[108] The audience called upon
Hon. Gerrit Smith for a speech. His rising was received with cheers.
This was Mr. Smith's first appearance upon our platform, although in
letters to different Conventions he had already expressed his
sympathy. His commanding presence, his benevolent countenance, and
deep rich voice, made a profound impression, and intensified the power
of his glowing words. Being well known in Syracuse for his
philanthropy, his presence added dignity and influence to the
assembly.[109]

Mr. SMITH said: The women who are engaged in this movement are
ridiculed for aspiring to be doctors, lawyers, clergymen, sea
captains, generals, presidents. For the sake of argument
admitting this to be true, what then? Shall we block the way to
any individual aspiration? But women are totally unfit for these
places. Let them try, and their failure will settle the matter to
their own satisfaction. There is not the slightest danger of a
human being holding any position that he is incapable of
attaining. We can not lay down a rule for all women. Because all
women are not born with a genius for navigation, shall we say
that one who is by skill and education able to take observations,
who understands the chart and compass, the dangerous shores,
currents, and latitudes, shall not, if she chooses, be a sea
captain? Suppose we apply that rule to man. Because I can not
stand on my head, shall we deny that right to all acrobats in our
circuses? Because I can not make a steam engine, shall all other