of a
century to the consideration and discussion of the subject, that
an amendment to the federal constitution, analogous to the
fifteenth amendment of that instrument, is the most safe, direct,
and expeditious mode of settling the question. It is the question
of the enfranchisement of half the race now denied the right, and
that, too, the most favored half in the estimation of those who
deny the right. Petitions, from time to time, signed by many
thousands, have been presented to congress, and there are now
upon our files seventy-five petitions representing eighteen
different States. Two years ago treble the number of petitions,
representing over twenty-five States, were presented.

If congress should adopt the pending resolution, the question
would go before the intelligent bodies who are chosen to
represent the people in the legislatures of the various States,
and would receive a more enlightened and careful consideration
than if submitted to the masses of the male population, with all
their prejudices, in the form of an amendment to the
constitutions of the several States. Besides, such an amendment,
if adopted, would secure that uniformity in the exercise of the
right which could not be expected by action from the several
States. We think the time has arrived for the submission of such
an amendment to the legislatures of the States. We know the
prejudices which the movement for suffrage to all without regard
to sex, had to encounter from the very outset, prejudices which
still exist in the minds of many. The period for employing the
weapons of ridicule and enmity has not yet passed. Now, as in the
beginning, we hear appeals to prejudice and the baser passions of
men. The anathema, "woe betide the hand that plucks the wizard
beard of hoary error," is yet employed to deter men from acting
upon their convictions as to what ought to be done with reference
to this great question. To those who are inclined to cast
ridicule upon the movement, we quote the answer made while one of
the early conventions was in session in the State of New York:

A collection of women arguing for political rights and for
the privileges usually conceded only to the other sex is one
of the easiest things in the world to make fun of. There is