New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1853-03-17

A CouvennOh u teo Tcoptc OF Mbssc'u'
setts, chosen expressly to revise and reform
their State Constitution, will assemble in Bos.
ton q few weeks hence. A majority Of its
members were chosen as Reformers. by the Co
alition of parties otherwise protesting the most
antagonist opinions. We shall soon see how
much Reform they can endure. and We hope
for some decidedly Progressive action. But
whether they are ready to come up to the
standard of Principle embodied in the presm.
bic to the Declaration of Independence there
is great reason to doubt. And yet We are sure
there is no resting place from Political and
constitutional agitation short Of that
The Right of Woman to an equal voice In
making and modifying the Laws BY which she.
in common with Man, is controlled-her right
at least to say whether she insists upon that
Right in her own behalf, or is willing to waive
il in behalf Of her thus acknowledged lord and
master-is emphatically asserted. The Con-
vention must affirm or plainly deny it, The
following Memorial and Petition are now in
circulation in Massachusetts,. We trust they
may be numerously signed; We family hope
their prayer may be, as it clearly ought to be,
granted. Atleast, let Woman say whether she
claims or valves right to voice in making
the Laws:
THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION AND EQUAL
POLITICAL RIGHTS.
FELLOW CITIZENS: In May next Convention viii
assemble 10 revise the Constitution Of the Common
wealth At such time, the right and duty OF every
one to point out whatever he deems erroneous and i'm
perfect In that Instrument and press ts amendment on
public attention. We deem the extension TO Woman oil
sll civil rights measure OF vital importance to the
welfare and progress of the State On every principle
of natural justice well by the nature OF our lnsi
uons she as fully entitled Msn 10 vote and to be
eligible 10 Office In Governments based on Force, It
might be pretended with some pausioihty that oman,
being supposed physically weaker than Man. should De
excluded from the State. But ours is a Government
pTofessedh resting on the consent of the governed
Woman surely Is competent TO give them consent az
Man
Our Revolution claimed that tdra'ioa and representa-
non should be coextensve While, then, the properly
and labor Of Woman subject to taxation, she Is en-
titled to a voice in fixing the amount OF taxes ana the
use of them when collected Whileshc ia liable TO be
punished for crime she Us entitled TO voice In making
the laws that regulate punshments.
IL would be a disgrace 10 our schools ana civil lnsu
tons for any 20 argue that Massachusetts
who has enjoyed the full advantage OF all the culture,
is not competent 10 form opinion on ci'h a'eers
AZ the ilerate foreigner landed but few years oeore
upon our shores,-unable 10 read or wrhe,-oy DO
means free from early prejudices and hte aoqunn'eu
with our institutions Yet such men are aio"eu u
vote - e
Woman. az wife mother daughter, and owner OF
property, has important rights to be protected Inc
whole history Of legislation, so unequal between Tue
sexes shows that she cannot safely trust these 10 the
other sex Neither her rights mother, wife daughter
orlaborer have received full legislative protccton
Besides our institutions not based on the ides OF one
class sect receiving protection from ancther put on
the worecognzed rule thst each class or sect is emu
lied TO such civil rights will enable IL to protect ise
The exercise CT civil rights one OF the best means OF
education. Interest in great questions and the discus
sion of them under momonous responsibility call torth
all the faculties and them to their fullest strength
The grant OF these rights on the part OF society woud
quickly lead TO the enjoyment by woman OF smart In
the higher grades OF professional employment Inuee
without these mere book study Ia often but waste OF
time The learning for which no use Is found or anti
cipaled istOo frequently forgotten almost as soon o. ac
quired. ., MI
The influence of such share on the moral condition
of sociey ia still more important Crowded now into
few employmcnts women starve each other by close
competition and too often vice borrows oyerwhemmg
power of temptation from poverty. open 70 woman
rreat variety employ ments and her wages In cach
will rise The energy and enterprise of the highly
endowed will lind full scope IN honest effort and me
frghtfal vice OF our cities will be stopped at l"
fountain head.
We hint, very briefly at these matters circular
Ike this will pot allow room for more.
Some may think il too sooa to expect any action
from tie Convention Many facts lead US to think that
public opinion is advanced on this question than
s generally supposed Beside, there can be no time 20
TO call public sttenton radical changein our
civil polty as now when the whole framework OF our
Government 70 be subjected 10 examination and dis
cusson 10 IA TOO early 70 begin the discussion Oh
any desired change To urge claim on the Conven-
top 10 bring the question before the proper tribunal
aud secure az the time, the immediate attention OF
the general public.
Msssachusetts. though che has Tel the way in most
other reo rms has in this fallen behind her rivals
senng 20 learn 10 the protection Of the property Of
married women, Of many younger states. Let W re-
deem Tor her the old prominence aud urge her to set
noble exsmple in THE the most important OF all civil
reforms To this end we ask you TO join with US in
the accompanying petition to the Constitutional Conven-
ton.