e debate was long and animated, but although there was intense
feeling it was conducted in perfectly temperate and respectful
language. Those participating were Rachel Foster Avery, Katie R.
Addison, Henry B. Blackwell, Alice Stone Blackwell, Carrie Chapman
Catt, Annie L. Diggs, Laura M. Johns, Helen Morris Lewis, Anna Howard
Shaw, Frances A. Williamson and Elizabeth U. Yates speaking for the
resolution; Lillie Devereux Blake, Clara B. Colby, Cornelia H. Cary,
Lavina A. Hatch, Harriette A. Keyser, J. B. Merwin, Caroline Hallowell
Miller, Althea B. Stryker, Charlotte Perkins Stetson, Mary Bentley
Thomas and Victoria C. Whitney speaking against it.

Miss Anthony was thoroughly aroused and, leaving the chair, spoke
against the resolution as follows:

The one distinct feature of our association has been the right of
individual opinion for every member. We have been beset at each
step with the cry that somebody was injuring the cause by the
expression of sentiments which differed from those held by the
majority. The religious persecution of the ages has been carried
on under what was claimed to be the command of God. I distrust
those people who know so well what God wants them to do, because
I notice it always coincides with their own desires. All the way
along the history of our movement there has been this same
contest on account of religious theories. Forty years ago one of
our noblest men said to me: "You would better never hold another
convention than allow Ernestine L. Rose on your platform;"
because that eloquent woman, who ever stood for justice and
freedom, did not believe in the plenary inspiration of the Bible.
Did we banish Mrs. Rose? No, indeed!

Every new generation of converts threshes over the same old
straw. The point is whether you will sit in judgment on one who
questions the divine inspiration of certain passages in the Bible
derogatory to women. If Mrs. Stanton had written approvingly of
these passages you would not have brought in this resolution for
fear the cause might be injured among the _liberals_ in religion.
In other words, if she had written _your_ views, you would not
have considered a resolution necessary. To pass this one is to
set back the hands on the dial of reform.

What you should say to outsiders is that a Christian has neither
more nor less rights in our