From the proposed class legislation in Congress, it is evident we have not yet learned wisdom from the experience of the past; for, while our representatives at Washington are discussing the right of suffrage for the black man as the only protection to life, liberty and happiness, they deny that “necessity of citizenship” to woman, by proposing to introduce the word “male” into the Federal Constitution.  In securing suffrage but to another shade of manhood, while disfranchising 15,000,000 women, we come not one line nearer the republican idea.  Can a ballot in the hand of woman and dignity on her brow, more unsex her than do a scepter and a crown?  Shall an American Congress pay less honor to the daughter of a President than a British Parliament to the daughter of a King?  Should not our petitions command as respectful a hearing in a republican Senate as a speech of Victoria in the House of Lords?  Do we not claim that here all men and women are nobles—­all heirs apparent to the throne?  The fact that this backward legislation has roused so little thought or protest from the women of the country but proves what some of our ablest thinkers already have declared, that the greatest barrier to a government of equality is the aristocracy of its women; for while woman holds an ideal position above man and the work of life, poorly imitating the pomp, heraldry and distinction of an effete European civilization, we as a nation never can realize the divine idea of equality.

To build a true republic, the church and the home must undergo the same upheavings we now see in the state; for while our egotism, selfishness, luxury and ease are baptized in the name of Him whose life was a sacrifice, while at the family altar we are taught to worship wealth, power and position, rather than humanity, it is vain to talk of a republican government.  The fair fruits of liberty, equality and fraternity must be blighted in the bud till cherished in the heart of woman.  At this hour the nation needs the highest thought and inspiration of a true womanhood infused into every vein and artery of its life; and woman needs a broader, deeper education such as a pure religion and lofty patriotism alone can give.  From the baptism of this second Revolution should she not rise up with new strength and dignity, clothed in all those “rights, privileges and immunities” which shall best enable her to fulfill her highest duties to humanity, her country, her family and herself?

    On behalf of the National Woman’s Rights Central Committee,

    ELIZABETH CADY STANTON, President; SUSAN B. ANTHONY, Secretary.