he lady. She
said:

_Mr. President and Delegates of the Convention:_--We have
met with such unexpected kindness in the reception which you
have accorded us to-night, that we find it hard to give
expression to anything but thanks. When we remember the
persistent and aggressive efforts which our energetic
sisters of the North put forth before they could obtain a
hearing before any legislative assembly, we find ourselves
lost in a pleasing astonishment at the graciousness which
beams upon us here from all quarters. Should we even now be
remanded to our places and have our petitions met with an
utter refusal, we should be grieved to the heart, we should
be sorely disappointed, but we never could cherish the least
feeling of rebellious spite toward this convention of men,
who have shown themselves so respectful and considerate
toward the women of Louisiana.

Perhaps some of the gentlemen thought we did not possess the
moral courage to venture even thus far from the retirement
in which we prefer to dwell; perhaps they thought we would
not dare to appear in person before this formidable body and
speak for our own cause. Be assured that a resolute and
conscientious woman can put aside her individual preferences
at the call of duty, and act unselfishly for the good of
others. You are our witnesses that we have not wearied you
by our importunities, nor have we sought in any disingenuous
manner to influence you in our favor. We are simply here in
response to your own courteous invitation to explain our
ideas and opinions on the great question of woman's
enfranchisement. The ladies who have already addressed you
have given you our arguments, and in eloquent language have
made their appeal, to which you could not have been
insensible. It only remains for me to give you some of my
own individual views in the few words which are to conclude
this interview.

We assure you we are not cherishing any ambitious ideas of
political honors and emoluments for women. We do not wish to
become governors or legislators, nor have we any inordinate
desire to obtain seats i