opponents, if they have any reason
among them, reflect that these exhibitions are, in reality, some
of the strongest arguments that can be offered to support the
claims which we stand here to advocate? Do they not show, on the
one hand, that men, by whom such an overpowering superiority is
arrogated, can betimes demean themselves in such a way as to show
that they are wholly unfit for the lofty functions which they
demand as their exclusive right? And, on the other hand, do they
not conclusively show, that women are possessed of, at least,
some of those qualities which assist in calmness of deliberation
during times of excitement and even danger? I think it was really
a beautiful sight to see how calm the women remained during last
evening's excitement; their self-possession I consider something
truly admirable. I know that in the tumult and noise it would
have been vain for any woman to raise her voice in an attempt to
check it. Indeed, I am satisfied the outrage was predetermined,
and I regret that the aid of the police had to be called in to
quell it. Had there been here a company of women who were taught
to rely upon others, they would, doubtless, have felt bound to
scream for "their protectors"; but the self-reliance displayed,
which must have its basis in a consciousness of the truth and
justice of our cause, and which kept the members of the
Convention unmoved, amid all the prevailing confusion, gives us
matter of real congratulation. Let us rejoice in this, my
friends; and let us remember, that when we have a true
cause--while our cause rests on the basis of right--we have
nothing to fear, but may go on unmoved by all these petty
circumstances, by which we may be surrounded.

Mr. BURLEIGH said: A request was made last night by some person,
I don't know who, or rather a challenge was offered, that three
good reasons should be given why women should vote. Perhaps, had
the person making this demand had this question put to him,
namely: "What reasons are there why men should vote?" he would
have considered them so self-evident as to make any answer
superfluous. Yet it would be found difficult, I apprehend, to
assign any reason why men should vote, which would not be found
to be an equally good one for extending the elective franchise to