7th. As producers of wealth to be freed from all restrictions on
their industry; to be remunerated according to the work done, and
not the sex of the workers, and whether married or single, to be
secured in the ownership of their gains, and the use and
distribution of their property.
8th. As intelligent persons, to have ready access to the best
means of culture, afforded by schools, colleges, professional
institutions, museums of science, galleries of art, libraries,
and reading-rooms.
9th. As members of Christian churches and congregations, heirs of
Heaven and children of God, to preach the truth, to administer
the rites of baptism, communion, and marriage, to dispense
charities, and in every way to quicken and refine the religious
life of individuals and of society.
The mere announcement of these rights, is the strongest argument
and appeal that can be made, in behalf of granting them. The
claim to their free enjoyment is undeniably just. Plainly such
rights are inalienable, and plainly too, woman is entitled to
their possession equally with man. Our whole plan of government
is a hypocritical farce, if one-half the people can be governed
by the other half without their consent being asked or granted.
Conscience and common sense alike demand the equal rights of
women. To the conscience and common sense of their
fellow-citizens, let women appeal untiringly, until their just
claims are acknowledged throughout the whole system of
legislation, and in all the usages of society.
And this introduces the next suggestion I have to offer.
II. Forms of petition should be drawn up and distributed for
signatures, to be offered to the State Legislatures at their next
sessions. These petitions should be directed to the following
points:
1st. That the right of suffrage be granted to the people,
universally, without distinction of sex; and that the age for
attaining legal and political majority, be made the same for
women as for men.
2d. That all laws relative to the inheritance and ownership of
property, to the division and administration of estates, and to
the execution of Wills, be made equally applicable to women and
men.
3d. That mothers be entitled, equally with fathers, to become
guardians of their children.
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