our presence. I thought he would grapple with the fact, that
those ladies came to us who have no slavery from a country in
which they have slaves, as the representatives of two millions
and a half of captives. Let gentlemen, when they come to vote on
this question, remember, that in receiving or rejecting these
ladies, they acknowledge or despise [loud cries of No, no]. I ask
gentlemen, who shout "no," if they know the application I am
about to make. I did not mean to say you would despise the
ladies, but that you would, by your vote, acknowledge or despise
the parties whose cause they espouse. It appears we are prepared
to sanction ladies in the employment of all means, so long as
they are confessedly unequal with ourselves. It seems that the
grand objection to their appearance amongst us is this, that it
would be placing them on a footing of equality, and that would be
contrary to principle and custom. For years the women of America
have carried their banner in the van, while the men have humbly
followed in the rear. It is well known that the National Society
solicited Angelina Grimke to undertake a mission through New
England, to rouse the attention of the women to the wrongs of
slavery, and that that distinguished woman displayed her talents
not only in the drawing-room, but before the Senate of
Massachusetts. Let us contrast our conduct with that of the
Senators and Representatives of Massachusetts who did not disdain
to hear her. It was in consequence of her exertions, which
received the warmest approval of the National Society, that that
interest sprung up which has awakened such an intense feeling
throughout America. Then with reference to efficient management,
the most vigorous anti-slavery societies are those which are
managed by ladies.

If now, after the expression of opinion on various sides, the
motion should be withdrawn with the consent of all parties, I
should be glad. But when I look at the arguments against the
title of these women to sit amongst us, I can not but consider
them frivolous and groundless. The simple question before us is,
whether these ladies, taking into account their credentials, the
talent they have displayed, the sufferings they have endured, the
journey they have undertaken, should be acknowledged by us,