me of the debates of this time indicate that
the appreciation of human rights was growing, nor were allusions
wanting making a direct application of the principle to women.
The debates and resolutions connected with the ratification of
the fourteenth amendment are historically and logically connected
with the growth of the idea of woman's political equality. The
man who, from regard for justice and civil liberties, advocates
the right of franchise for additional classes of men, easily
extends the thought until it embraces woman. On the other hand
the man who sees men enfranchised whom he deems unworthy to use
the ballot, thinks it a disgrace to withhold it from intelligent
women. Gov. Alvin Saunders,[459] in his message urging the
ratification of the fourteenth amendment said:

The day, in my opinion, is not far distant when property
qualifications, educational qualifications, and color
qualifications, as precedent to the privilege of voting,
will be known no more by the American people, but that
intelligence and manhood will be the only qualifications
necessary to entitle an American citizen to the privilege of
an elector.

Later, Acting-governor A. S. Paddock[459] in his message said:

I should hail with joy a radical change in the rule of
suffrage which would give the franchise to intelligence and
patriotism wherever found, regardless of the color of the
possessor.

The majority report of the committee to whom was referred that
portion of the governor's message which related to rights of
suffrage, was as follows:

We hold that the dogma of partial suffrage is a dangerous
doctrine, and contrary to the laws of nature and the letter
and spirit of the Declaration of Independence.

[Signed:] ISAAC WILES, WILLIAM DAILEY, GEORGE CROW.

A minority report was brought in by S. M. Curran and Aug. F.
Harvey. On its rejection Mr. Harvey introduced this
resolution:

_Resolved_, That we, the members of the House of
Representatives, of the legislature of Nebraska, are in
favor of impartial and universal suffrage, and believe fully
in the equality of all races, colors and sexes at the
ballot-box.

This w