striking the word "male" from the
State constitution, be submitted to the qualified electors of the
State. Can there be any possible danger in trusting those who
have trusted us? They, not we, are the law-makers. An assembly is
elected only because it would be inconvenient for all the
citizens to vote upon every statute. But when any change in the
fundamental law is seriously asked, it should be remitted to the
people without hesitation, especially when that proposed change
will render our logic consistent, and our institutions
harmonious; when it will enforce the democratic doctrine that, in
society, every human being has a right to do anything that does
not interfere with the rights of others, and when it will
establish equality in place of partiality, and vindicate the
principle of All Rights for All. We therefore recommend the
adoption of the following resolution: [Here follows a resolution
submitting to the people an amendment of the constitution giving
women the right to vote equally with men.]

The members of the committee who signed this early declaration in
favor of the rights of women should be remembered with honor. They
are Henry Ashley, William Steele and J. D. Gallup, jr. The
resolution recommended received 93 votes in the House of
Representatives, against 111 in opposition. So strong an expression
in favor of it at that time is a noteworthy fact in the history of
the cause.

The petitions that called out this able report were secured through
the influence of Frances Ellen Burr, who may be said to have been
the pioneer of woman suffrage in Connecticut. She had made several
attempts, through conversations with influential friends, to
organize a State society many years before. From the inauguration
of the State association until the present time Miss Burr has been
one of its most efficient members, and has done more to popularize
the question of woman suffrage throughout the State than any other
person. Her accomplishments as a writer and speaker, as a reporter
and stenographer, as well as her connection with the _Hartford
Times_ (a journal that has a very large circulation in the State),
edited by her brother, have qualified her for wide and efficient
influence. Her niece, Mrs. Ella Burr McManus, edits a column in
that paper, under the head of "Social Notes." She is also an
advocate of suffrage for women, and makes telling