New-York tribune., 1869-05-22
WoulY SUFFRAGE IN MASSACHUSETTS,.
REPORT OF THE JOINT SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF
THE HOUSE AND SENATE.

REPORT OF THE JOINT SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF
THE HOUSE AND SENATE.
The Joint Special Committee, to whom was
committed the petition OF George W. Stacy and 50 Others
citizens OF Milford. praying for an amendment Of the
Constitution OF tho State 80 as to extend Suffrage to
women, on tho terms with men, and the numerous
other petitions In aid thereof; also the petition Of Mrs
Dolley Chandler, and 1oi other women, OF Ian
caster, as follows; "Tho undersigned women
OF Lancaster, believing that the exercise
OF the elective franchise would diminish the purity tho
dignity, and the moral influence OF woman, and bring
Into the family circle dangerous element OF dlscord,
without securing additional strength, efficiency or Wis
dom TO the Government OF the nation, respectfully petit
ton that We may allowed TO remain under the proec
ton OF that Government In tho condition allotted us by
nature by custom, and by region"-have duly consid
cred the same and submit report OF which the follow
ing is an abstract:
About 5000 intelligent women and men OF Massachu
setts-tho majority OF them women, have asked for
woman suffrage their petition s worthy Of careful con-
alteration. Publc meetings woro held aud full oppor
tunty given 70 those In favor TO tho opponents TO tho
petton 10 set forth their views the subject From the
very first the Committee declared themselves strongly
I'm favor Of granting TO women tho suffrage. The follow
ing extracts tho report will show their views OF the
benefits that will from granting TO women the
franchise:
Female labor will not long 20 unrewarded be turned
of with mere pttanco but women Will demand and ro
ceye wages in the same proportion for services rem
dered the other sex. OiCo viii also follow the ballot
Not that every Will leave the Kitchen and paror
and rush at to tho caucus ana hulls OF leglslh
ton. But Just far aud fast Hs she shows caphcy
aud adaptation aud the people desire her services she
Will COhe to share with men the hOnors ana emo
uments OF office. Aud who doubts the capacity ana
adaptation OF occupy places on school commit
MI the offices Of parish church. ana pup
lie chares TO be managers Of savings institutions aud
trust funds 10 be administrators aud guardians tO be
clerks, bOokkeepers, and saeswOmen 10 be teachers In
all our public and private schools, sunday SCHOOLS,
semnaries, colleges aud medical lnSututonst Indeed
she peculiarly fitted for all these Nor Will she
long. with the ballot In her hand be excluded from
share In the positions In tho civil service OF our National
aud State governments. We believe she IS peculiarly
fitted TO I'LL many Of the places the POsOnlce Depart
ment; aud we should rejoice 10 the poor. the unOr
tunate, the patriotic women OF the country Nil these
have lost husband aud sons aud brothers IN the
who have tOiled, aud suffered, and sacrificed,
at home hnd IN hospitals and sanitary work. for the sue
cess OF tho loyal cause Aud glad TO see IN our
night To Office; and hope he will lnaugurae policy IN
TINS direction lar more cXtcysvO than ho has yet done
When women are elected 10 Oco doubt some VIII be
elected who are UNIT for it The best women may
We Will endeayor 10 put the right In the right
place. When we IND woman with the military ca
pacy OF Joan or Arc wo shall make her our General
When We meet with one with tho executive ability OF Le-
President, and not before. Public speaking
by women VIII also follow tho franchise as
n more common thing-uOt that they VIII desire
It, but public opinion VIII encourage and sustain It.
20 exercise rational choice should three
rcquisites with these he Is safe doposary O political
power. These requisites are nrS desire for e puDo
welfare; second, capacity 10 Judge OF tho character
capacity 10 Judge OF the effect OF public measures III.
faut5 would De excluded not possessing the second