in its record by applying
this declaration to the lawful women citizens of the United
States.

You will observe that this petition does not ask you to endorse
the enfranchisement of women, but simply to recommend that
Congress submit this question to the decision of the various
State Legislatures. In the name of American womanhood we ask you
to use every means within your power to bring this matter to a
discussion and affirmative vote in your convention.

* * * * *

(To the Democratic delegates.)

Since its inception the Democratic party has had for its rallying
cry the immortal words of Thomas Jefferson, "No taxation without
representation," "Governments derive their just powers from the
consent of the governed." Under this banner wage-earning men,
native and foreign, were endowed with the franchise, by which
means alone an individual can represent himself or consent to his
government, and by this act the party was kept in power for
nearly sixty years.

At the close of the eighteenth century this was a broad view for
even so great a leader to take. In this closing year of the
nineteenth century it would show an equally progressive spirit
if his loyal followers would carry these splendid declarations to
their logical conclusion and enfranchise women.

* * * * *

(To the Populist delegates.)

At the very first National Convention of the People's Party, held
at Omaha in 1892, the preamble of their platform declared that
"equal rights and privileges must be securely established for all
the men and women of the country." In the majority of State
conventions held since that time there has been specific
recognition of equal political rights for women. By admitting
women as delegates in their representative assemblies and by
appointing them to State and local offices, the Populists have
put into practice this fundamental principle of their
organization. Therefore, in asking you to give your influence and
vote in favor of this petition, we are proposing only that you
shall reaffirm your previous declarations.

* * * * *

(To the Prohibition delegates.)

Judging from the honorable record made by your party upon this
subje