rue it is,
that there are real grievances complained of, I hope they may be
redressed after careful and candid consideration.

The time has gone by, sir, when we may say progress must stop. It
is well known that in many particulars the laws are glaringly
unjust in regard to the female sex. The education of the sex is
defective; and this fact unfolds the secret germ of this
movement. We should review the structure of our institutions of
learning, and see whether there be not there room for reform. I
do not believe it to be a part of the duty of women to sit in the
jury-box, to vote, or to participate in all the tumultuous
strifes of life; but I do believe that those who differ from me
in opinion should have respectful hearing. Nor, because women are
not allowed to vote, do I admit that they are precluded from all
agency in the direction of national affairs. They, more than
their husbands, have power over the future history of the
country, by imparting a correct fireside education to their sons.
But there are legal disabilities imposed upon women which I would
be willing to see removed, in regard to property, etc. Whether
those disabilities are of a character to justify affirmative
action on the part of this House or not, is not now the question.
The question simply is, shall this petition be received? I trust
that it may be, and that it may afterward be sent to a select
committee.

Mr. BENEDICT: The gentleman from Onondaga asks that this petition
shall be sent to a select committee of seven, although he admits
that the Judiciary Committee would be more appropriate, if it
would not be sure, if sent to that Committee, to sleep the sleep
of death. Sir, I am one of that Committee, and protest against
any such imputation upon it. I will not only not vote to reject
any petition offered the House, but I will give every petition
sent to any committee of which I am a member a respectful
hearing. This is a petition signed by some 6,000 men and women.
They ask "justice" and relief. What kind of relief they may
desire is no matter. It is enough for me to know that they ask to
be heard. I shall vote to give them a hearing; and I can assure
the gentleman from Onondaga that if sent to the Judiciary
Committee it will sleep no sleep of death, but will be