MR. R. I know that. Here is the _Delta_ with a long account of your case, and the decision of the Solicitor of the Treasury. MARY (_coming forward_). Let me see it! I have heard nothing about it. We have had no mail since we got in. MR. R. (_reads from the newspaper emphatically_). “One of the richest papers on the woman question that has ever emanated from an official source is the opinion of Solicitor Rayner on the question whether licenses should be granted women to command steamboats. He says: ‘Instead of being master in name, while some one else performs the duties, why does she not let some one else be master in name? She would not stand her watch at night in the cold. She would not enforce the discipline on a Mississippi steamer. She would not tramp to the rooms of shippers and consigners to do the banking business—’” MARY (_interrupting_). Why! that is just what I have been doing for the last five months. MR. R. (_reads on_). “‘All the accounts concur in describing the lady who makes this application as one of high character, business qualifications, and highest worth. But, in the application of what is with me a principle, the higher the character and worth, the greater my difficulty in asking that the license asked for to command a Mississippi steamboat be granted. Because it would be assigning a position to woman which God, in his providence, never intended her to fill. K. Rayner, Solicitor of the Treasury.’” (_Holds out paper to her._) MARY. What does he mean? I am sure God has permitted me to fill this position, and (_reverently_) if He had not permitted it, and helped me, too, I never could have done it so well. How unjust this man is! Oh, Mr. Rayner! can you not comprehend that, when a woman _can do_ a man’s work, she ought to have the legal right? (_Comes forward, takes the paper, and reads to herself. To him_) But see, Mr. Romberg. Here is something else about it; something from the Secretary of the Treasury. (_Reads_) “The United States Revised Statutes say that whenever any person applies to be licensed, the inspectors shall diligently inquire as to the character of the person, whether male or female. I see no reason, then, in unwritten or in written law, why Mistress Miller may not lawfully demand an examination; and, if she proves herself duly qualified, have a license to serve as master of a vessel. Let the local inspectors carefully examine her, and if they are satisfied that she can be safely intrusted with the duties and responsibilities of a master of a steam vessel, let them grant her a license, according to section 4439. Chas. J. Folger, Secretary of the Treasury.”