er the consciousness of
evil or wrong? Is the sunshine more glorious, the air more quiet,
the sounds of harmony more soothing, the perfume of flowers more
exquisite, or forms of beauty more soul-satisfying to his senses,
than to hers? To all these interrogatories every one will answer,
No!

Where then did man get the authority that he now claims over
one-half of humanity? From what power the vested right to place
woman--his partner, his companion, his helpmeet in life--in an
inferior position? Came it from nature? Nature made woman his
superior when she made her his mother; his equal when she fitted
her to hold the sacred position of wife. Does he draw his
authority from God, from the language of holy writ? No! For it
says that "Male and female created he _them_, and gave _them_
dominion." Does he claim it under law of the land? Did woman meet
with him in council and voluntarily give up all her claim to be
her own law-maker? Or did the majesty of might place this power
in his hands?--The power of the strong over the weak makes man
the master! Yes, there, and there only, does he gain his
authority.

In the dark ages of the past, when ignorance, superstition, and
bigotry held rule in the world, might made the law. But the
undertone, the still small voice of Justice, Love, and Mercy,
have ever been heard, pleading the cause of humanity, pleading
for truth and right; and their low, soft tones of harmony have
softened the lion heart of might, and little by little, he has
yielded as the centuries rolled on; and man, as well as woman,
has been the gainer by every concession. We will ask him to yield
still; to allow the voice of woman to be heard; to let her take
the position which her wants and emotions seem to require; to let
her enjoy her natural rights. Do not answer that woman's position
is now all her natural wants and emotions require. Our meeting
here together this day proves the contrary; proves that we have
aspirations that are not met. Will it be answered that we are
factious, discontented spirits, striving to disturb the public
order, and tear up the old fastnesses of society? So it was said
of Jesus Christ and His followers, when they taught peace on
earth and good-will to men. So it was said of our forefathers in
the great s