elegate body, but usually only those voted who were especially
connected with the work of the association. Before the present
convention adjourned a basis of delegate representation was adopted,
and provision made that hereafter only regularly accredited delegates
should be entitled to vote.

The resolution calling upon Congress to take the necessary measures to
secure the ballot for women through an amendment to the Federal
Constitution, was vigorously opposed by the Southern delegates as
contrary to States' Rights, but was finally adopted. There was some
discussion also on the resolution which condemned the disfranchising
of Gentile as well as Mormon women, but which approved the action of
Congress in making disfranchisement a punishment for the crime of
polygamy. A difference of opinion was shown in regard to the latter
clause. This closed the convention.

As a favorable Senate report was pending, no hearing was held before
that committee.

The House Judiciary Committee[28] granted a hearing on the morning of
February 20. The speakers, as usual, were introduced to the chairman
of the committee by Miss Anthony. The first of these, Mrs. Virginia L.
Minor, had attempted to vote in St. Louis, been refused permission,
carried her case to the Supreme Court and received an adverse
decision.[29] Miss Anthony said in reference to this decision: "Chief
Justice Waite declared the United States had no voters. The Dred Scott
Decision was that the negro, not being a voter, was not a citizen. The
Supreme Court decided that women, although citizens, were not
protected in the rights of citizenship by the Fourteenth Amendment."
Mrs. Minor said in part:

I do not stand here to represent rich women but poor women.
Should you give me the right to vote and deny it to my sister I
should spurn the gift. Without the ballot no class is so helpless
as the working women. If the ballot is necessary for man, it is
necessary for woman. We must have one law for all American
citizens.

The Supreme Court has half done the work. When my case came up,
and I asked them that the same law should protect me as protected
the negro, the court said, "When the State gives you the right to
vote, we will perpetuate it; the United States has no voters." I
want to ask you one question. If there are no United States
voters, what right has the U. S. Court to go into the State of
New York, arrest