dy
investigation by the committee. As to suffrage, she pointed
out that women do not come under the head of paupers,
minors, felons, rebels, idiots or aliens, and that the
reasons existing for the disfranchisement of such persons do
not apply to native-born, loyal women. She showed that women
are not represented in the government of the district,
though taxed by it, and by law cannot properly protect
themselves, their children, or their property, nor hold
municipal office, however fit. A wife cannot hold property
in the district except by proxy. Women understand their
needs and condition better than men, and should be free to
regulate them. The swarms of foreigners who are freely
admitted to the polls know less of our institutions than the
masses of our women. Women have voted and held the highest
offices in other countries with great success. Are our women
less capable than these? At the conclusion Mrs. Corner
returned thanks to the committee for their attention; and
the latter, without expressing an opinion on the matter,
complimented the speakers on the ability and eloquence with
which their views had been presented. It was also stated
that a large number of petitions would be presented in
support of the bill. The committee expressed themselves as
unable, by reason of the lateness of the session and the
pressure of other business, to promise an early report. The
interview lasted about an hour, and was very cordial and
pleasant on both sides.

September 25, 1868, the Universal Franchise Association held its
first annual meeting[526] at Union League Hall, Mrs. Josephine S.
Griffing presiding. A letter was read from Senator Pomeroy,
stating that he was willing to act as president of the society.
In closing he said:

I trust the friends will unite in one association. We have
but one object in view, and should all labor together to
accomplish this end, viz.: the enfranchisement of every
citizen, with no partiality for race or sex. The American
citizen is the only safe depository for the ballot, and the
only safeguard for individual and national liberty. Let us
labor to r