the Government, from the
very commencement of the struggle, said to the South, "You have
openly thrown down the gauntlet to fight for Slavery; we will
accept it, and fight for Freedom," the rebellion would long
before now have been crushed. (Applause). You may blame Europe as
much as you please, but the heart of Europe beats for freedom.
Had they seen us here accept the terrible alternative of war for
the sake of freedom, the whole heart of Europe would have been
with us. But such has not been the case. Hence the destruction of
over a quarter of a million of lives and ten millions of broken
hearts that have already paid the penalty; and we know not how
many more it needs to wipe out the stain of that recreancy that
did not at once proclaim this war a war for freedom and humanity.

And now we have got here all around us Loyal Leagues. Loyal to
what? What does it mean? I have read that term in the papers. A
great many times I have heard that expression to-day. I know not
what others mean by it, but I will give you my interpretation of
what I am loyal to. I speak for myself. I do not wish any one
else to be responsible for my opinions. I am loyal only to
justice and humanity. Let the Administration give evidence that
they too are for justice to all, without exception, without
distinction, and I, for one, had I ten thousand lives, would
gladly lay them down to secure this boon of freedom to humanity.
(Applause). But without this certainty, I am not unconditionally
loyal to the Administration. We women need not be, for the law
has never yet recognized us. (Laughter). Then I say to Abraham
Lincoln, "Give us security for the future, for really when I look
at the past, without a guarantee, I can hardly trust you." And
then I would say to him, "Let nothing stand in your way; let no
man obstruct your path."

Much is said in the papers and in political speeches about the
Constitution. Now, a good constitution is a very good thing; but
even the best of constitutions need sometimes to be amended and
improved, for after all there is but one constitution which is
infallible, but one constitution that ought to be held sacred,
and that is the human constitution. (Laughter). Therefore, if
written constitutions are in the way of human freedom, suspend
the