., of the constitution, in relation to
the qualifications of electors, respectfully report that
they have had the same under consideration, and have
directed us to report the same back to the House without
amendment, and recommend that it do pass and ask to be
discharged from the further consideration of the subject.

The reasons which have influenced the committee in
recommending an amendment so radical and sweeping in the
changes which it will create if finally adopted by the
people, are briefly these: The question of granting the
right of suffrage to women equally with men, is one that has
been seriously and widely agitated for years, and while,
like other political reforms which change in any
considerable degree the old and established order of things,
it has met with strong opposition, on the other hand it has
been ably advocated by men and women distinguished alike for
their intellectual ability and their excellent judgment.
Although we believe that there should be certain necessary
and proper restrictions to the exercise of the elective
franchise, we are of the opinion that there are reasonable
grounds to doubt whether the distinction of sex in the
matter of voting, is not, in a large measure, a fictitious
one. The interests of women in all matters pertaining to
good government are certainly identical with those of men.
In the matter of property their rights conceded by law are
equal, and in some respects superior to those of men; and if
the principle of no taxation without representation is a
just one as applied among men, it would seem that it might
in justice be extended to women. As the reasons given above
are strongly urged by the advocates of woman suffrage, and
as several petitions, numerously signed by citizens of the
State, asking for some action on the part of the House in
this matter, are in the hands of the committee, we have
deemed it advisable, although not equally agreed as to the
main question involved, to recommend the passage of the
resolution by the House, in order that the people of the
State may have an opportunity of expressing their will