The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1872-02-01

| fa'N " O4thN y IChIGt
that the audience at the erstom-house last
evening was so small. The occasion was
worthy of larger attendance. The lec-
ture OF Mrs. Gordon, especially, if con-
sidered only as display of oratorical
| powers and abilities, was a full and rich
compensation for the expense and trouble
OF attendance. The audience, though
small, was far from insignificant IN an in
tellectual point of view, and the attention
paid to the remarks of the ladies' was Of
the most earnest and respectful char
acter.
About eight o'clock Mrs. Bodeker, of
this city, Mrs. Gage and Mrs. Gordon en-
tered the courtroom together, and quietly
took seats near the clerks desk. Present.
~ Mrs. Bodcker rose, and after brief re-
ference to the present status of the woman
question and the proposed discussion of it
IN Richmond, introduced Mrs. NJ. Joslyn
Gage, of Fayetteville, New York. That
lady-a modest, handsome, erect, middle
aged woman-took the stand, and mme-
dlately began her discourse. She spoke
rapidly, and entirely er tempore. She traced
the history of all movements, in all countries,
for the amelioration of the condi-
tion of woman, and especially the efforts
of the liberal and enlightened in our own
country for the improvement of her condi-
ton. The prejudices OF sex were fast CIV
ing way. Schools and colleges were OPEN
ing to her. Her claim to the ballot was
founded upon the fundamental principles
of the government, and this is the one thing
needlul to puriiication of the social and
political atmosphere of The nation. As a
speaker, Mrs. Gage is not at all impressive.
but her manner was Enthusiastically that of
a well-bred, refined, and cultivated lady.
At the close of her remarks, Mrs. Bode-
ker rose and introduced Mrs. Laura De |
Force Gordon to the audience, who came
yet confidently, to the stand,
and took up her subject with the grace and
ease of true orator. 1t is stated that |
tins lady was at one time a regular candi- |
date for the California State Senate, and |
that she came within one vote of being |
elected. She had not proceeded far with |
her lecture last night before we had made |
up our mind that, had we been a qualified |
voter III her district at that time we should |
have supplied the lacking ballot. Mrs.
Gordon handled her subject with consum- |
mate skill. She exhibited a wonderful |
command of language. Her sentences were
characterized by grace and elegance of |
rarely equalled by the most
celebrated male orators whom we have
ever heard. In this respect we have no |
hesitation In pronouncmg this lady per-
Iect success. Her arguments upon the
nam proposition, namely, female suffrage,
we're strong and pointed, evincing careful
study of the whole subject. She met
he usual objections to the extension
)f the elective franchise to the women of
he country in mastery style, and who'll
y demolished them as insufficient to the
mind of any intelligent and rejecting per-
ION. She dwelt upon the inadequate pay
If the working women of the land, claim.
ng that their lack of political power and
influence was the ruling cause of their deg
'adatlon and virtual exclusion from places
u equal honor and profit with men,
Mrs. Gordon's lecture possessed great
persuasive force, and convinced us that her
influence in the cause is to bo measured
'nly by the opportunities and facilities at
Ter command to reach the public ear. We
annot refrain from giving her friendly
mt to beware of the Democratic party
I is true, we regarded her alusion to that
organization last night as clever pull at
he political wires, with the view, perhaps,
# familiarlzing herself with party machine
y; but her own clear mind must realize
he absurdity ofexpecting any reform what
yer through the agency of the so-called
Democratic party of the United States.
Tho ladies' will lecture again tonight at
he same place, and we hope the court
oom Will be filled with our citizens.