ging the Constitution
of all invidious distinctions on the ground of color--while creating
such distinctions for the first time in regard to sex.

In the face of all opposition they scattered their petitions
broadcast, and in one session of Congress they rolled in upwards of
ten thousand. The Democrats treated the petitioners with respect, and
called attention in every way to the question.[52] But even such
Republicans as Charles Sumner presented them, if at all, under
protest. A petition from Massachusetts, with the name of Lydia Maria
Child at the head, was presented by the great Senator under protest
as "most inopportune!" As if there could be a more fitting time for
action than when the bills were pending.

During the morning hour of February 21st, Senator Henderson, of
Missouri, presented a petition from New York.

SUFFRAGE FOR WOMEN.

Mr. HENDERSON: I present the petition of Mrs. Gerrit Smith and
twenty-seven other ladies of the United States, the most of them
from the State of New York, praying that the right of suffrage be
granted to women. Along with the petition I received a note,
stating as follows:

I notice in the debates of to-day that Mr. Yates promises,
at the "proper time" to tell you why the women of Illinois
are not permitted to vote. To give you an opportunity to
press him on this point I send you a petition, signed by
twenty-eight intelligent women of this State, who are
native-born Americans--read, write, and pay taxes, and now
claim representation! I was surprised to-day to find Mr.
Sumner presenting a petition, with an apology, from the
women of the republic. After his definition of a true
republic, and his lofty peans to "equal rights" and the
ballot, one would hardly expect him to ignore the claims of
fifteen million educated tax-payers, now taking their places
by the side of man in art, science, literature, and
government. I trust, sir, you will present this petition in
a manner more creditable to yourself and respectful to those
who desire to speak through you. Remember, the right of
petition is our only right in the Government; and when three
joint resolutions are before the House to introduce the word
"male" into the Federal Constitution, "it is the proper