Women -- Suffrage -- History; Women -- Suffrage -- United States -- History; Women's rights -- History; Women's rights -- United States -- History
In closing she alluded to that portion of Mr. Channing's
Declaration which referred to the code of morals by which a
fallen woman is forever ruined, while the man who is the cause
of, or sharer in her crime, is not visited by the slightest
punishment. "It is time to consider whether what is wrong in one
sex can be right in another. It is time to consider why if a
woman commits a fault, too often from ignorance, from
inexperience, from poverty, because of degradation and
oppression--aye! because of designing, cruel man; being made
cruel by ignorance of laws and institutions,--why such a being,
in her helplessness, in her ignorance, in her inexperience and
dependency--why a being thus situated, not having her mind
developed, her faculties called out: and not allowed to mix in
society to give her experience, not being acquainted with human
nature, is drawn down, owing often to her best and tenderest
feelings; in consequence also of being accustomed to look up to
man as her superior, as her guardian, as her master,--why such a
being should be cast out of the pale of humanity, while he who
committed the crime, or who is, if not the main, the great
secondary cause of it,--he who is endowed with superior
advantages of education and experience, he who has taken
advantage of that weakness and confiding spirit, which the young
always have,--I ask, if the victim is cast out of the pale of
society, shall the despoiler go free?" The question was answered
by a thunder of "No! no! no!" from all parts of the house. A
profound sensation was observable. "And yet," said Mrs. Rose, "he
does go free!!"
Ernestine L. Rose, says the _Plain Dealer_, is the master-spirit of
the Convention. She is described as a Polish lady of great beauty,
being known in this country as an earnest advocate of human liberty.
Though a slight foreign accent is perceptible, her delivery is
effective. She spoke with great animation. The impression made by her
address was favorable both to the speaker and the cause. In speaking
of the _personnel_ of the platform, it says:
Mrs. Lydia Ann Jenkins, of New York, who made an effective
speech, is habited in the Bloomer costume, and appears to much
advantage on the stage. Her face is amiable, and her delivery
excellent. She is as fine a female orator as we have heard. The
address embodied the usual arguments offered in favor of this
cause, and were put in a forcible and convincing manner. We say
convincing, because such a speaker would convince the most
obdurate unbeliever against his will.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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