say that our intellect is as capable as man's to
assume, and at once to hold, these rights, or that our hearts are
as willing to enter into his actions; for if we did not believe
it, we would not contend for them, and if men did not believe it,
they would not withhold them with a smothered silence.... In
closing, she said: There will be one effect, perhaps unlooked
for, if we are raised to equal administration with man. It will
classify intellect. The heterogeneous triflings which now, I am
very sorry to say, occupy so much of our time, will be neglected;
fashion's votaries will silently fall off; dishonest exertions
for rank in society will be scorned; extravagance in toilet will
be detested; that meager and worthless pride of station will be
forgotten; the honest earnings of dependents will be paid;
popular demagogues crushed; impostors unpatronized; true genius
sincerely encouraged; and, above all, pawned integrity redeemed!
And why? Because enfranchised woman then will feel the burdens of
her responsibilities, and can strive for elevation, and will
reach all knowledge within her grasp.... If all this is
accomplished, man need not fear pomposity, fickleness, or an
unhealthy enthusiasm at his dear fireside; we can be as dutiful,
submissive, endearing as daughters, wives, and mothers, even if
we hang the wreath of domestic harmony upon the eagle's talons.

Thus for twenty minutes the young and beautiful stranger held her
audience spell-bound with her eloquence, in a voice whose pathos
thrilled every heart. Her husband, hat and cane in hand, remained
standing, leaning against a pillar near the altar, and seemed a most
delighted, nay, reverential listener. It was a scene never to be
forgotten, and one of the most pleasing incidents of the Convention.

Sarah Owen read an address on woman's place and pay in the world of
work. In closing, she said:

An experienced cashier of this city remarked to me that women
might be as good book-keepers as men; but men have monopolized
every lucrative situation, from the dry-goods merchant down to
whitewashing. Who does not feel, as she sees a stout, athletic
man standing behind the counter measuring lace, ribbons, and
tape, that he is monopolizing a woman's place, while thousands of
rich acres in our western world await his coming? This year, a