first step, which is agitation, towards getting them altered or
repealed. [Cheers.] It often seems to me that another reason why
women themselves are not more enthusiastic upon this question of
the franchise is, that from their earliest childhood they are
taught that the first duty of women is unselfishness, the putting
of their own interests and wishes behind those of others. Any
discussion of this great question only brings forth hysterical
clamor that "women should stay at Home"--with a very big "H."
[Laughter and cheers.] Well, I have been examining a little into
the conduct of those ladies who do stay at home so much, and what
do I find? Why, that they rush about and seem like the changing
colors of the kaleidoscope, now collecting at a bazaar, anon
singing at a concert, with no end of publicity [cheers], but as
long as no rational object is promoted by their action, it is all
counted as staying quietly home in the nursery, whether they have
children or not. That is their notion of being "thoroughly
domesticated." [Laughter.] Now, much as I could wish myself that
men had done their duty and agitated for us, in this case it is
an undeniable fact that they have not shown that readiness, I may
say eagerness, to begin that one could have wished; it therefore
changes at once into one of those duties men have not seen their
way to do, and so becomes of necessity women's work.

A series of meetings[559] after this was held in Bath, Newcastle
and London.

The audiences heartily concurred with the speakers that the time
when a reform bill was before parliament was the fittest and most
opportune moment in which to press forward the claim of women to
representation.

We may observe once again with pride, how hearty and cheering have
always been the sympathy and assistance that men have rendered to
women in this movement in England. At no time has there been a
possibility of a feeling of bitterness between the sexes or a
conviction that their interests were antagonistic, for the plain
reason that there have always been men working side by side with
women. Our suffrage meetings have been attended and supported by
political leaders, members of parliament, town councils or
prominent movers among the working-class associations. Except in
the great demonstrations, which for special reasons were confined
exclusively to wom