e delegates represented thousands
of women in each State who believe in equal suffrage, and that the
speakers and leaders of the convention voiced the thoughts, hopes and
aspirations of suffragists the world over, he could not help being
stirred profoundly with the conviction not only that equal rights are
inevitable in the near future but also with the compelling faith that
the world is truly marching on in the very best sense and that it can
never again be quite as dark a place to live in as it has been. A
notable feature was the absolute conviction with which these
representatives of the people speak and the unmistakable determination
to win a speedy victory."

The "hearings" before committees of Senate and House took place on the
historic date, April 19, when in 1776 "the shot was fired which was
heard around the world" proclaiming the birth of a republic founded on
the right of every individual to represent himself by his ballot!
Heretofore they had been held in the Marble Room of the Senate
Building and the room of the House Judiciary Committee, which could
accommodate only a very limited number of the delegates and none of
the public. The splendid new office buildings of the two Houses of
Congress were now finished and in the spacious rooms assigned for the
hearings all of the delegates found seats and many others, although a
long line of the disappointed extended down the corridor.

The members of the Senate Committee were Alexander S. Clay (Ga.),
chairman; Senators Joseph F. Johnston (Ala.), Elmer J. Burkett (Neb.),
George Peabody Wetmore (R. I.), Albert J. Beveridge (Ind.). All were
present except Senator Beveridge. Dr. Shaw presided and before
introducing the speakers gave a resume of the petitions which had just
been presented to the Congress, called attention to the names of many
eminent men and women who had signed them and said: "Believing that
the first republic in the world, founded upon the principle of
self-government with 'equal rights for all and special privileges for
none,' should be among the leaders and not the laggards in this great
world movement, your petitioners pray this honorable body to submit to
the Legislatures of the several States for ratification an amendment
to the Federal Constitution which will enable American women to vote."
She continued:

It is not revolutionary on our part to ask a share in our
Government. We are demanding it because it is in accord with
Ame