ustice--taking their
first lessons in contempt for all womankind--being indoctrinated
into the incapacities of their mothers, and the lordly, absolute
rights of man over all women, children, and property, and to know
that these are to be our future presidents, judges, husbands, and
fathers; in sorrow we exclaim, alas! for that nation whose sons
bow not in loyalty to woman. The mother is the first object of
the child's veneration and love, and they who root out this holy
sentiment, dream not of the blighting effect it has on the boy
and the man. The impression left on law students, fresh from your
statute books, is most unfavorable to woman's influence; hence
you see but few lawyers chivalrous and high-toned in their
sentiments toward woman. They can not escape the legal view
which, by constant reading, has become familiarized to their
minds: "_Femme covert_," "dower," "widow's claims," "protection,"
"incapacities," "incumbrance," is written on the brow of every
woman they meet.

But if, gentlemen, you take the ground that the sexes are alike,
and, therefore, you are our faithful representatives--then why
all these special laws for woman? Would not one code answer for
all of like needs and wants? Christ's golden rule is better than
all the special legislation that the ingenuity of man can devise:
"Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." This, men
and brethren, is all we ask at your hands. We ask no better laws
than those you have made for yourselves. We need no other
protection than that which your present laws secure to you.

In conclusion, then, let us say, in behalf of the women of this
State, we ask for all that you have asked for yourselves in the
progress of your development, since the _Mayflower_ cast anchor
beside Plymouth rock; and simply on the ground that the rights of
every human being are the same and identical. You may say that
the mass of the women of this State do not make the demand; it
comes from a few sour, disappointed old maids and childless
women.

You are mistaken; the mass speak through us. A very large
majority of the women of this State support themselves and their
children, and many their husbands too. Go into any village you
please, of three or four thousand inhabitants, and you will find