marriage shall not be simply a domestic union as in
early days, or a social one as it has now become, but a complete
and perfect union, conferring equal rights on both parties. I
desire light from the source of light. The question is frequently
asked, "What more do these women want?" A lady in Cincinnati told
me that she did not desire any change, for she thought we had now
entirely the best of it; while the men toiled in their shops and
offices, the women walked the streets splendidly dressed, or
lounged at home with nothing to do but spend the money their
husbands earned. I never understood the elevating effect of the
elective franchise until I went to England, where so few enjoy
it. I attended a political meeting during the canvass of Derby,
as a reporter for three or four political papers in the United
States. One of the candidates proposed to legislate for universal
suffrage; his opponent replied by showing the effect of it upon
France, which he declared was the only country in which it
existed. "You forget," exclaimed one, "America!" "America! never
name her! a land of three millions of slaves." The multitude
would not believe this; they shouted in derision, whenever the
speaker attempted to resume. America was their last hope. If that
country was given up to slavery, they could only despair. Party
leaders rose and tried to calm them as Christ calmed the sea, but
they could do nothing. "You are an American," said one near me;
"get up and defend your country!" What could I say? I spoke,
however, and pledged them that the stain of slavery should be
wiped out.

Mr. WISE, of North Carolina, made a long and learned address,
treating principally of geology and women. He claimed for woman
more even than she for herself. He said: "Women are generally
more competent to vote than their husbands, and sisters better
fitted to be judges than their brothers, the mother more capable
of wisely exercising the elective franchise than her booby son."

LUCY STONE said: The last speaker alluded to this movement as
being that of a few disappointed women. From the first years to
which my memory stretches, I have been a disappointed woman.
When, with my brothers, I reached forth after the sources of
knowledge, I was reproved with "It isn't fit for you; it does