Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1872-01-12

WITH THE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE.
The committee appointed by the National wO
mans Suffrage Association yesterday, consist
ing of Miss Susan B. Anthony, Mrs. +. G. Stan.
ton, Miss Joslyn Gage, Miss Daniels, Victoria C.
Woodruff, and Mrs. Isabella Beecher Hooker.
to center with the Senate Judiciary Committee,
performed that duty this morning. Headed by
Hon. Lyman Trumbull, at IL o'clock they pro-
ceeded to the room of the committee, in the
Capitol. Long before that hour the passages
leading to the rooms Of the committee were
crowded to their utmost capacity with those
interested in the movement and others drawn
thither by curiosity. large force of Capitol
police, under Sergeant-at-Arms French, were
kept busy i'm preserving order among the crowd,
which every minute grew larger and more
Troublesome. Mr.. Trumbull directed that both
doors of the committee room be opened and all
allowed to enter who could do 30. At this
there was grand rush, and in few minutes
the room was crowded.
MRS. ISABELLA BEECHRR HOOKER
read an argument which she had prepared,
claiming that the term +" Citizen" az used in
the Constitution, included women, and there
taken by her. The term "citizen" means
either voter or q member Of the nation. She
Chief Justice Cartier, Of the Supreme Court of
the District Of Columbia. The 18th amend
ment, she said, gave them no new rights, but
was q protection to the 18th amendment, which
gave them the right Of suffrage. II the state
could deny the right to vote to women, they
could also deny the right of voting to natural
lied citizens. Would Congress be sustained in
that? For one, she would like to see it tried.
Her conclusions were that all women are citi-
zens and had rights, but Congress or the states
could prescribe their qualifications. She paid
high compliment to the virtue, patriotism and
bravery Of American women, all of whom de-
sire the protection which Congress could give
them. She hoped that the committee would re-
port to the Senate as soon as possible, fayorably
if they could, adversely if they must, so that the
American people can see how much Congress
will help them. She then presenteda book con-
tanning the signatures OF five or six thousand
women asking for their rights. and pledging
themselves to work hand in hand with their bro
theirs and fathers in their grand effort for the
elevation of womankind. She had hoped to pre-
sent the book to Congress, but that body referred
TIT nj to this committee.
MISS SUSAN II. ANTHONY
was the next speaker. She held, in common
with the previous speakers, that woman had
rights, and that they should be respectful. The
republican Congress said to them before the col
Ored man was liberated, "wait till we free the
YOUR case" But have they done as promised:
Nc, they have refused us our rights although
they have given them to the negro. She asked
that they report soon tavorably, or unfavorably
IL they must, so that they can assemble theii
friends and count their strength and forces In
conclusion she hoped that she had impressed her
ideas upon the committee so that they would
think favOrabiy OF their remarks.
MRS. ELIZABETH CADY STANTON
then addressed the committee, taking the same
ground that was advanced by Mrs. Hooker. Sh.
said that at present there were members OF
Congress who held their seats by the votes OF
women. The question as to whether they wer.
legally elected will soon come up in the House O.
Representatives. She claimed to be a person
and citizen, and capable OF voting. She could
read the Constitution and the eloquent speeches
of Senator's, and the last time she looked In her
family bible she saw that she was over twenty
one years of age. GIAughter.l woman
IN Wyoming enjoys all the rights and priyi-
into Nevada sinks into the degradation OF =
slave. Unless Congress passed the bill intro
duccd by Mr.. Butler, and gave them q homoge-
neOus law, women would not be protected
Congress was the place tor their rights and
duties to be decided. However 1t may have
that they are part Of this government and en-
title d to it's benefits. The exercise OF political
power bv women was no new idea and had been
enjoyed long ago. II suffrage was a natural
right, they dit in common with all people
The 14th amendment advances women to citi-
zenship, and clothes them with full power to
become such.
Mrs. Stanton's argument caused much laugh
ter at one part, while at others she created
profound sensation.
MRS. DIR. LOCKWOOD
then presented q petition asking for suffrage
signed by large number Of ladies' residents OF
this city, and made short address.
SENATOR TRUNBULL
said the committee would take the matter under
consideration, and report as soon as possible.
The committee then held a session with closed
doors, and the large number OF spectators sepa-
rated, the majority Of the leaders in great hone.
of their final success. Messrs Trumbull COnk-
ling, Frelinghuysen and Carpenter of the COM
mittee were present.
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