The New York herald., 1869-05-29
ANsA DICKINSON ON WOMAN's SUFFGAGE.

Anna f. Dickinson delivered q discourse lash sven
Ing In the Cooper Institute on Woman's Suffrage.
There was large audience present, among whom
the ladies were very fairly represented and these,
from time TO time, gave unmstakable manifesta-
tions OF approval Of all the best parts in favor Of the
chosen subject. The meeting was presided over by
Mrs. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who, in a few words.
introduced Miss Dickinson, who was received with
great applause.
Miss Dickinson said That in the words OF Pat
rick Henry she would exclam on behalf or herself
and her sex, Gve us liberty give US death" When
women have once exercised the right OF voting, and
when they have surrendered that right, 1t will be
time enough for their opponents to say that she is
not equal to the task. When A. I. Stewart declined
act Secretary Of State, he admitted himself in
capable for task and he retired. 1t Will under
similar circumstances be time enough to say women
not equal to tine task Of voting, Of the enjoyment
Ot equal rights when she abandOns her rights and
privileges in that respect It would not be
OF few these of immured in prison for
offences, aud who were willing to remain
there objected to another woman desiring to be lreed
an they say do not let her CO. lock the doors and
throw away the key. IL was absurd to think tnat
to please men. Did men suppose they gratliied
women when they spat out their tobacco Juice on
their floors, and pulled out their foul smoke INTO
their eyes We're women pleased when with dirty
sneaklDg boots they came IN al late nours to their
s upon their sofas and lounges Were women to De
pleased when men returned TO their homes after
Speeding their nights IN billiard rooms and saloons,
nj half-past one and Two In the mornlngy Were
women to be pleased when men taeir husbands,
returned after late hours from operas and theatres
and boon compani0nships But the places ana causes
Of meas absence were too numerous ~ recaptulate.
Are women to be pleased when men SO seldom at
home scarcely looked at their children? 1t was said
that wOmaI's influence was powerful TO make laws.
She might refer TO the hlstorytof Pompadour, Mail-
tenon and Du Barry in France; II was the law In
France tnat woman could reign from the throne;
but IL was well known fact that these women
regned supreme from behind the throne. And the
past, why should it be ignored and useless now.
Woman's influence and power must be dragged from
the darkness into the face Of the and into the
face or the nation and be held amcnable to the law
1t cannot make or protect. There must always be
move in desired direction before the termination
or the object Is reached. The thunder OF the 1rst
cannon OF the late war did more against slavery
than all the 1ulmnations and denunciations Of all
The anti-slavery meetings and conventions that were
ever held. IL Is "a fact the one proclamation Of
Abraham Lincoln did more TO destroy slavery than
all the speaking and talking OF all the reformers that
ever lived, though they spoke with the tongues
OF angels The extension of the right to vote
opened o new sphere to women-a sphere which
men did not desire to them enter On-Invading
sphere which men Claimed that they were alone
adapted for Men say that they are the natural law
makers Of the universe. Well now II Is question
whether 1t Is not woman's duty to improve ON this
natural law. Men will DC better lawmakers when
they have women 10 asss, them in their labor. Iti
not right for 10 be alone IN politics. II was not
right, according to scripture lor man To be Alone Ia
Eden, and certainly IL In not right for him 10 be
surrounded by the worst influences The best proof
OF this Is In the thought of the way tney are
doing things ut Washingt0n-the way they are Trans
acting the a0airs OF tue nation The system OF
national housekeeping carried ous at Washington
was disgrace TO the women OF America. There
was not woman In the United States wn0 would
not be ashamed 10 keep house as Uncle SANS houses
kept ut Washington. Appausc.) The evils OF the couD-
try arose from the struggle OF politicians for office.
Politics was an Indecent struggle Tor Office every
man for himself and the devil iaSe the hindmost n
woman was justified in following her husband to
nrnR n IN gn4
she not justified IN taking an interest In things at
home-an interest in the domestic circle, IN the
public matters near home. that may make or
John Randolph once entered virginia
garments Iorihe struggling Greeks, and being nrorm
ed OF the work Randolph said. Ladies' the tireeks
that require your assistance are ai your own doors
II il sail that should not leave the shelter OF
their own homes to interfere with national politics.
Un this subject the HERALD In late editorial said
women have demonstrated by their own action on
this question the need Of larger cultivation before
they claim the right they do. she would AK the
elected to 10 to Albany VINO can compare favorabIy
in intelIIgence and culture and edusatlon
Sna wH nss M ngweSsss nns s-ns ss sss AnH0n Men y
REPRESENTATIVE but elected by Your votes as repre-
would like the HgRAiD to ind any editor reporter
among its stan OF either who can compare, In writ
s Pom paoS who c s voud
like the HERALD to ind among Its stan any two Of
Its editors, who turn up their editorial noses at
woman's rights, worthy TO hold candle to the
young women on that platform. It was JUS
lice, not mercy, woman demanded. 1t is
the ballot for woman that Will give lands,
houses, gardens bread and light to all. she
claimed the ballot for woman as the hlgh water
mark OF political equality and Justice. America mas
been made the highway for the universe from the
Atlantic 10 the Pacific. To whom was the world In
debted for this highway but to q womanS Five
crowned heads had turned away with contempt from
the man who first dreamed Of the existence OF this
great Continent. woman sold her diamonds and
jewels that the cause Of science might prosper.
woman. therefore, gave this Continent to America.
let, then, America give the freedom Of the world to
woman. tAppause.)
Throughout her discourse Miss Dickinson was
warmly npnlauded.