e to be protected in society
and not to be the prey of man, that they shall have the ballot to
protect themselves. It is the only thing in a free government
that can protect any one; and whether it is a natural right or an
artificial right it is nonsense to discuss. It is a necessary
right; it is necessary to freedom; it is necessary to equal
rights; it is necessary to protection; it is necessary for every
class to have the ballot if we are to have a square deal.

Mr. BOREMAN.--I had not intended to utter a word. I supposed the
bill would pass upon the report which was made by the committee.
I am inclined now to think that if it had not been for the
unfortunate, if I may say so, amendment offered by my friend from
California [Mr. Sargent] it would have passed long since. But
this question of woman suffrage is one upon which all our friends
probably do not desire to vote either one way or the other, and
it is a very convenient way to get rid of voting on the question
directly to lay this bill on the table. Fortunately that question
has been settled for the present, and I am glad the Senate has
seen fit not to lay the bill on the table.

Mr. EDMUNDS.--The Senator speaks about people not wishing to vote
on the amendment directly; and as I made the motion to lay on the
table I assume that he refers to me. I beg to disabuse his mind
on that subject, inasmuch as I am opposed to the amendment and am
perfectly free to vote against it, and in doing so I suppose I
represent, according to the latest advices I have, a very large
majority of the people of Vermont.

Mr. BOREMAN.--I agree with the Senator from Vermont on the
subject of woman suffrage myself.

Mr. EDMUNDS.--Then I hope the Senator will not suggest that I am
trying to dodge the question by moving to lay the bill on the
table.

Mr. BOREMAN.--Not at all. I did not allude to the Senator who
made the motion; and the remark I made was more intended to be
playful than serious. I simply thought that probably the bill had
enough friends to pass it if that subject was not mooted. I may
be mistaken. However, I shall be glad to have a vote on the bill
either with or without woman suffrage incorporated in it. I shall
vote against incorporating it, but if it is put there I shall
nevertheles