he District; and they further say
that no reason can be given why a man of one color should not
vote as well as a man of another color, especially when both are
equally members of the same society, equally subjected to its
burdens, equally to be called upon to defend it in the field, and
all that. I agree to a great portion of that. I do not know and
never did know any very good reason why a black man should not
vote as well as a white man, except simply that all the white men
said, "We do not like it." I do not know of any very good reason
why a black woman should not marry a white man, but I suppose the
white man would give about the same reason, he does not like to
do it. There are certain things in which we do not like to go
into partnership with the people of different races and between
whom and ourselves there are tribal antipathies. It is now
proposed to break down that barrier, so far as political power
may be concerned, and admit both equally to share in this
privilege; and since the barrier is to be broken down, and since
there is to be a change, I desire another change, for which I
think there is quite as good a reason, and a little better,
perhaps, than that offered for this. I propose to extend this
privilege not only to males, but to females as well: and I should
like to hear even the most astute and learned Senator upon this
floor give any better reason for the exclusion of females from
the right of suffrage than there is for the exclusion of negroes.
I want to hear that reason. I should like to know it.

Now, for my part, I very much prefer, if the franchise is to be
widened, if more people are to be admitted to the exercise of it,
to allow females to participate than I would negroes; but
certainly I shall never give my consent to the disfranchisement
of females who live in society, who pay taxes, who are governed
by the laws, and who have a right, I think, even in that respect,
at times to throw their weight in the balance for the purpose of
correcting the corruptions and the viciousness to which the male
portions of the family tend. I think they have a right to throw
their influence into the scale; and I should like to hear any
reason to be offered why this should not be. Taxation and
representation ought to go hand in hand.