Matilda Joslyn Gage over
the signature of "M." and replied in the Star: "If the author should
turn out to be a man, I should have no objection to point out his
inaccuracies through your columns, but if the writer is a lady, why,
really, I don't know what I shall do. If I thought she would consent to
a personal interview, I should like to see her." Some man, signing
himself "A Reader," having criticised him in a perfectly respectful
manner for making the above distinction, the reverend gentleman replied
to him through the Star: "His impertinence is quite characteristic. He
probably knows as much about the Bible as a wild ass' colt, and is
requested at this time to keep a proper distance. When a body is trying
to find out and pay attention to a lady, it is not good manners for 'A
Reader' to be thrust in between us." In all the speeches and articles
in favor of woman's rights there was not one which was not modest,
temperate and dignified. Almost without exception those in opposition
were vulgar, intemperate and abusive.

No more brilliant galaxy of men and women ever assembled than at this
Syracuse convention, and the great question of the rights of woman was
discussed from every conceivable standpoint. Hundreds equally able have
been held during the last half century, and these extensive quotations
have been made simply to show that fifty years ago the whole broad
platform of human rights was as clearly defined by the leading
thinkers, and in as logical, comprehensive and dignified a manner, as
it is today. There was as much opposition among the masses of both men
and women against _all_ that they advocated as exists today against
their demand for the ballot, perhaps more; yet the close of the century
finds practically all granted except the ballot; the full right to
speak in public; nearly the same educational and industrial
opportunities; in many States almost equal legal rights, and not one
State now wholly under the English common law, which everywhere
prevailed at that time. The prejudice against all these innovations is
rapidly disappearing but it still lingers in regard to the yielding of
the suffrage, except in the four States where this also has been given.
In not one instance have these concessions been made in response to the
"voice of the people," but only because of the continued agitation and
unceasing efforts of a few of the more advanced and progressive
thinkers of each generation.

[Footnote 11: The Tr