The only measure not passed unanimously was the call for the vote. Even the sort of people who would attend a woman's rights convention could not conceive of a world in which women could vote. Not even Mott was willing to ask for that, but Stanton held firm, and Frederick Douglass joined her in insisting that women could not secure any right without the ability to choose leaders and make laws. A furious debate began, with some arguing that they would lose the other demands if they held firm for the vote. Finally, Frederick Douglass stood up to speak.
Suffrage is the power to choose rulers and make laws, and the right by which all others are secured.
The measure passed by the tiniest majority. This article was originally published by Suite 101 . Visit Terrie Bittner's homeschooling web page . We welcome your comments on this and other topics. Please visit our message board .