ago
by the famous Declaration of Independence which shook to the
foundation all recognized power and proclaimed the right of the
individual as above all forms of government; but while thus
declaring itself, it has held the women of the nation accountable
to laws they have had no share in making, and taught as their one
duty, that doctrine of tyrants, unquestioning obedience. Liberty
to-day is, therefore, but the heritage of one-half the people,
and the centennial will be but the celebration of the
independence of one-half the nation. The men alone of this
country live in a republic, the women enter the second hundred
years of national life as political slaves.

That no structure is stronger than its weakest point is a law of
mechanics that will apply equally to government. In so far as
this government has denied justice to woman, it is weak, and
preparing for its own downfall. All the insurrections,
rebellions, and martyrdoms of history have grown out of the
desire for liberty, and in woman's heart this desire is as strong
as in man's. At every vital time in the nation's life, men and
women have worked together; everywhere has woman stood by the
side of father, brother, husband, son in defense of liberty;
without her aid the republic could never have been established;
and yet women are still suffering under all the oppressions
complained of in 1776; which can only be remedied by securing
impartial suffrage to all citizens without distinction of sex.

All persons who believe republican principles should be carried
out in spirit and in truth, are invited to be present at the May
convention.

MATILDA JOSLYN GAGE, _President_.

SUSAN B. ANTHONY, _Chairman Executive Committee_.

This May anniversary, commencing on the same day with the opening
of the centennial exhibition, was marked with more than usual
earnestness. As popular thought naturally turned with increasing
interest at such an hour to the underlying principles of
government, woman's demand for political equality received a new
impulse. The famous Smith sisters, of Glastonbury, Connecticut,
attended this convention, and were most cordially welcomed. The
officers[5] for the centennial year were chosen and a campaign[6]
and congressional[7] committee appointed to take charge of affairs
at