en are so
alike that for that reason no harm is done by suppressing women,
what harm can be done by elevating them to equality? If the
natures be different, what right can there be in refusing
representation to those who might take juster views about many
social and political questions?

Our Government is founded, not on the rule of the wisest and
best, but upon the rule of all. The learned and the ignorant, the
wise and the unwise, the judicious and the injudicious are all
invited to assist in governing, and upon the broad principle that
the best government for mankind is not the government which the
wisest and best would select, but that which the average of
mankind would select. Laws are daily enacted, not because they
seem the wisest even to those legislators who pass them, but
because they represent what the whole people wish. And, in the
long run, it may be just as bad to enact laws in advance of
public sentiment as to hold on to laws behind it. Upon what
principle in a Government like ours can one-half the minds be
denied expression at the polls? Is it because they are untrained
in public affairs? Are they more so than the slaves were when the
right of suffrage was conferred on them? It is objected that to
admit women would be temporarily to lower the suffrage on account
of their lack of training in public duties. What is now asked of
us is not immediate admission to the right, but the privilege of
presenting to the Legislatures of the different States the
amendment, which can not become effective until adopted by
three-fourths of them. It may be said that the agitation and
discussion of this question will, long before its adoption, have
made women as familiar with public affairs as the average of men,
for the agitation is hardly likely to be successful until after a
majority, at least, of women are in favor of it.

We believe in the educating and improving effect of participation
in government. We believe that every citizen in the United States
is made more intelligent, more learned and better educated by his
participation in politics and political campaigns. It must be
remembered that education, like all things else, is relative.
While the average American voter may not be all that impatient
people desire, and is far behind his