MattL
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I encountered this doing genealogy research. Miles Ledford Langley (my 2nd great grand uncle) who (in his own words) was beat, shot, and imprisoned during the war for being an abolitionist preacher and speaking against the war in Arkansas also was a delegate to the 1868 Arkansas Constitution Convention. There he spoke only two two issues (mentioning he was shot through his lung and had issue speaking for long periods). He spoke against the proposed ban on interracial marriage and he spoke for the equal rights of women.
In reading his argument for women's rights (and the ridicule and laughter he received) I found it quite surprising. Minus a couple parts you'd mistake it for a modern sentiment. This was 52 years before national women's suffrage was passed. From the mouth of a southern Arkansas man (who was born in Arkansas and had deeper roots back in South Carolina, so a scalawag, not a carpet bagger).
pg. 703
'''
That the following section be inserted in the First Article of the Constitution , viz . :
All citizens, twenty-one years of age, who can read and write the English
language, shall be eligible to the elective franchise, and entitled to equal po
litical rights and privileges.
The PRESIDENT. The gentleman from Clark [Mr. LANGLEY ] is entitled to the floor.
Mr. LANGLEY. I believe in freedom of speech . I claim the right to discuss in the fullest and freest manner any and every question pertaining to the rights of the people , or the interests of the country. This right is not derived from any digest of law or decision of court. It is a direct endowment of God ; it is enstamped upon my nature ; it is interwoven with all the elements which constitute me a rational and accountable being . This right I can surrender only with life itself. And the attempt to hinder me from exercising this right on this floor, I indignantly repel as a trespass upon my rights and an insult to my manhood . Sir, for speaking in favor of universal freedom , for advocating the rights, and contending for the interests, of the down-trodden and cruelly oppressed people of our country, especially the colored race , I have been incarcerated in dark and loathsome dungeons, as hellish as the Bastile of France, the Inquisition of Spain , or the Black Hole in Calcutta . But, thank God , time, which tries all things, has wrought a wonderful change. I think , from the indications of yesterday evening, that the “ Conservative ” gentleman ( if he is a gentleman !) who charges me with being non compos mentis, has in · spired some of our “ Radicals ” (?) with his spirit. But, if they think they can intimidate me, they are “ mistaken in their man,” this time. If any gentleman tells me I am to be denied the privilege of speaking, he insults me, and I will not submit to it. I have, as a man, the right of free speech ; and I will fight for it , I will fight for it on this floor or anywhere else, and in any way! I will speak , on this floor, if the room is crammed so full of devils that you can't stick the point of a needle between them !
Mr. CYPERT. If the gentleman will permit me
Mr. LANGLEY. Take your seat, sir !
Mr. CYPERT. If the gentleman will allow me
Mr. LANGLEY. Just take your seat, and keep your seat, sir ! [Great laughter. ] [Mr. Langley reiterated with much earnestness his notice to Mr. CYPERT to be seated , and Mr. CYPERT complied , amid excessive laughter. Mr. LANGLEY continued : ]
I am a Utilitarian. I believe in development, progress, reform , and improvement; and am willing and anxious to do what I can to render all people wise, good , and happy.
The prophetic annunciation, that “ knowledge shall be increased ,” is being more and more verified as we approach nearer and nearer the reign of the “ Prince of Peace," when order, truth, and righteousness shall prevail throughout the whole earth . Progress is an unchangeable law of nature. This is an age of improvement. Reform is the order of the day. We are passing through a crisis unparalleled in the history of the world . We have just struggled through a gigantic war, and are inaugurating a new era in the history of our national policy. We must reconstruct the government of our country on radical principles — universal freedom , impartial suffrage, and equal rights. We must be governed by natural justice . and scientific principles. Scientific truth must be our guide in ethics, in religion , in politics, in social life, and in legal matters.
Shall woman , created the equal of man, be entitled to the same political and legal rights as man ? This is the question ; and it is destined to be the question of questions, the great question of the age, the question of the country for years to come.
I affirm that woman is by nature endowed with equal rights, social, political, and legal, with man .
The right of woman to the elective franchise, etc., is based on the principles of scientific truth . I call special attention to this proposition : That woman does not differ from man in any particular that disqualifies her from rightly exercising the same political and legal rights that he does. (I call special attention , I say, to that proposition . I want men to meet me with argument, on this floor.)
Whether this proposition is true or false, depends, not on prejudice , not on ancient custom , not on modern usage, not on legislative enactment, but on scientific truth . This is a question of science, and can be rightly decided only by scientific knowledge. Anatomy, physiology, and phrenology demonstrate that woman possesses every natural qualification which entitles a man to political and legal rights. ( This is a delicate question ; but a distinguished man has said there are no secrets in physiology.) Man differs from woman as to sex - in physical formation . But the special physical formation of man does not confer on him political and legal rights ; or, if it does, it confers the same rights on woman, for she has her own special physical formation. Woman differs in formation from man ( You may laugh, gentlemen , but this is a scientific argument. It is an independent argument. You may laugh and slur — I do not expect argument from any men that deny the right of free discussion . I have been treated disrespectfully ; and I do not expect to be met by argument; but I may say that I do not mean to reply to anything but a fair argument. I am myself making an argument; and I now resume it.)
Man and woman were created different in the one respect of sex , for specific and important purpose, viz ., the perpetuation of the human race ; which is accomplished by mutual consent, and on terms of equality . Why is man entitled to political and legal rights ? Because he is constituted with reason , conscience, free will, etc., and sustains various important relations to civil society. Woman is created with reason, conscience, free will, etc., and sustains important relations to civil society , and therefore is entitled to the same rights as man .
I challenge you to deny that proposition.
Mr. CYPERT [ in his seat.] I will try it. [Renewed laughter.]
Mr. LANGLEY. She differs from man mentally only as she differs physically. Woman has a finer nervous system , or brain , a purer mind, and a more beautiful physique, than man . And her rights are, to say the least, the same in nature, extent, and value, as those of man . Man and woman are created equal. Their interests are similar. Their rights are the same. They possess the same mental characteristics . Woman possesses the same organs, or faculties of mind , possessed by man . Man is naturally a politician ; he loves his home and country ; and he is allowed to exercise his political rights for his own safety and the good of his country . Woman also has a political faculty , political rights, political interests, political aspirations, and political duties.
The term “ politics ” signifies the science of government. Is not woman a rational and accountable being ? Is not woman interested in the affairs of civil government ? Has she any rights which man is bound to respect? The law of adaptation , or fitness of things, furnishes us with a solid argument in favor of woman's rights.
A man has the right to exercise every organ or faculty which God has given him . A woman has the same right. The possession of the eye implies the right to see. The possession of the ear implies the right to hear. The possession of the intellect implies the right to think . And the possession of the patriotic faculty implies the right to act in matters of politics. The patriotic faculty is as strong in woman , if rightly cultivated , as in man. And it is gross ignorance , or inveterate prejudice, or both combined , which denies woman any political or legal right which is exercised by man .
The right of woman to vote, etc., springs from natural justice. The right to vote is a natural right, springing from the right of self-protection . Self protection is a natural right, to which every member of civil government is fully entitled . The main object of civil government is, to protect the people in their rights. Those cannot be certain of protection who are denied the right of a voice in determining who shall frame their laws, and who shall administer them . I contend that men and women are created with equal rights ; that a government derives its just powers from the con sent of those who are governed ; and that, therefore, woman has the same rights as man in matters of civil government.
Women have, in various ages of the world , made excellent rulers ; proving that they are qualified to rightly act in matters pertaining to civil government. For men to make and enforce laws which deny women their political and legal rights, is usurpation , tyranny, injustice, and wickedness.
The right of woman to vote and hold office is demanded as a matter of good policy.
We need social reform , civil progress, and legal improvement; and to insure success in achieving such desirable objects, we must have the aid of the women . Woman was made to help man. Say what you will, but the sphere of woman is the sphere of man . He cannot do without her. Woman exerts a great influence in politics now ; and what would be her influence if she exercised all her rights ? No society can well succeed without the help of women . The Church must be composed in part of The social party is incomplete without women. Even the Free masons have learned that they cannot well succeed without the influence of the fair sex . And woman will yet be admitted to all the political rights It is only a matter of time. We men need in politics, as in everything else , the soft but potent influence of our mothers, our wives, our sisters , our daughters. Intrigue and corruption do not necessarily belong to politics. Why cannot a people vote , hold civil office, and discuss matters pertaining to their rights and interests, with as much integrity and honesty of purpose as they can consider and transact any other business ? By the aid of woman we can reform our political system , and make politics as pure as religion. Paul says, in effect, “ Only let your politics accord with the Gospel of Christ.” Men who are seeking for self-aggrandizement, loving position and power more than their country , do not understand this. They talk as though politics were a monopoly for a favored few — the aristocracy and their dupes. They pretend to think, succeed in making the most of the people believe, that politics is naturally so corrupt that no pure man has any right to hold office , and that a woman is entirely wrong to even talk about having political rights and privileges. We, as a nation, deny one-half of the people, the purest and best half, their rights, and wonder why we succeed no better. The Democrats say that this is a white man’s government. The Republicans contend that it is a man's government. The “ Equal Rights ” Party affirm that this is , of right, the PEOPLE'S government ! And I contend that to deny any per son any political or legal right, merely on account of sex , or color, is un natural, unjust, and tyrannical. Patriotism , intelligence , and moral virtue, are the only just and proper precedent conditions of enfranchisement. It is a crime to exclude from civil or legal rights any person who possesses these qualifications. Woman is, by nature, as patriotic and intelligent as Woman is more virtuous than MAN ! Man will corrupt any institution, enterprise, or business , from which woman is excluded ! The his tory of the world will establish this proposition. The coarser qualities of man must be counteracted by the pure and ennobling powers of woman . This is essential to complete success in matters of national policy . This , and nothing short of this, will ensure the peace, safety , and intelligence, requisite to national prosperity and happiness. There never can be a millennium of peace and prosperity ,while one-half the people — the better half are denied their just rights. My wife is as well qualified to vote as I am . We have women in our country who are better qualified to hold any civil office, however responsible , than are the men who oppose female suffrage. Society treats woman with great injustice. She is compelled to submit to laws which she has no voice in making. She is compelled to pay taxes, while she is denied the right of representation . She is consigned to infamy for an error which man may commit with impunity. Her hard earnings may be forcibly taken from her by a villainous husband, and she has no legal mode or means of redress .
If woman is equal to man, she is entitled to the same rights. If she is inferior, she is in greater need of protection. Therefore, I say, put the ballot into her hand .
Woman is every way worthy of the confidence which I propose we shall repose in her. She is truer and purer than man . She has more moral integrity than man. She makes a good teacher , author, and orator ; a fine physician , musician , and artist ; an affectionate mother, a confiding sister, a loving wife ! And who will deny that she is naturally qualified to make an excellent politician ?
Mr. CYPERT. I desire to offer the following amendment: Provided , That no man who has a wife shall be allowed to vote when the right is exercised by his wife . [Laughter. ]
I wish to offer a few remarks, in support of the amendment. I hold , sir, that I am a Union man ; and that, not only so far as the Government is concerned , but as regards the relations of families. I do not wish to assist in inaugurating any system that will be likely to give rise to secession in families, and to create conflicting interests between husband and wife. I believe, sir, that the proposition of the gentleman from Clark [Mr. LANGLEY], if carried out, will provoke husband and wife to extreme measures. Revolutions in families will be the consequence. Devastation will spread through the homestead. Children will be snatched from the protection of their fathers and mothers. I contend, sir , that if the right to exercise the elective franchise is given to both the husband and wife , it will be fraught with consequences which cannot, in all their horror, be anticipated by any mind.
On the other hand, I can see no great impropriety in conferring upon woman the right to vote , provided she is the only one, in the family , allowed to exercise that right. I believe that, in many instances, the women are better capable of voting than the husbands; and where that is evident, the dominant mind will, of course , exercise the right. [Laugh ter.] In the case of the gentleman, I will be willing to agree that his wife is more capable than he, of exercising the right of suffrage. ( Renewed laughter. ] But there are some exceptions, to this rule, -cases where the gentleman would be more capable than the lady, of exercising the right; and in those exceptional cases, I would not be willing to bring about the difficulties, between husband and wife, which must inevitably ensue. Hence, the object of the amendment is, to confine the privilege to one individual, at least as between husband and wife. I must confess, sir, I should think it somewhat rash to place the ballot in the hands of women. The gentleman says that women were created equal with man , in every respect. I beg leave to differ.-
Mr. LANGLEY. With the exception of sex , as I explained in a few words.
Mr. CYPERT. I did not understand the sense in which the matter was explained : but I understand the gentleman to admit that there is a slight difference ; I understand that it has been so asserted from the pulpit, and I would not be disposed to question the fact.
Mr. WILSON [ in his seat. ] The gentleman [Mr. LANGLEY]made allowance for that.
Mr. LANGLEY. That does not give to either a claim to exclusive civil rights.
Mr. CYPERT. I can only say, sir, with the pious deacon , — “ Thank God for the variation !” [ Laughter.] Certainly, sir, were it not for that difference, -a difference which I would not change, to -day, if I could , society would be upturned , the world would cease to go on in its great career, the human family would cease to exist, and I am inclined to believe, sir, the extinction of mankind would be the ultimate consequence ! The gentleman spoke with great severity of some“ conservative gentle man.” I do not think I fully understood him . But, in consequence of a previous conversation which I had had with the gentleman , I was about to rise to a privileged question , when the gentleman made me take my seat very quickly. [Laughter.] Unfortunately, in a conversation with him , I did accuse him of being crazy. I meant a joke, then ; but if he will persist in proving to the world that he was crazy, I cannot help it .
Mr. LANGLEY. Sir , you are too crazy to meet my arguments , or even to try. [Laughter .]
Mr. CYPERT. I do not propose to meet all the arguments of the gentleman. . I am no scientific man, and never propose to discuss scientific questions.
Mr. LANGLEY. Why not sit down, then , and let men discuss them who can ? [ Shouts of laughter and applause. ]
Mr. CYPERT. If I thought there was another gentleman in this house , beside the gentleman from Clark , who could discuss that question scientifically , I would sit down. But it is a peculiar order of science, known only to the brain of the gentleman, I believe ; and I confess that I am not capable of discussing it, and rose only to offer these few suggestions in favor of my amendment, in order to ward off the fearful revolution in societies and families, which I was apprehensive the gentleman's proposition , if adopted , would be likely to effect. [Laughter.]
'''
In reading his argument for women's rights (and the ridicule and laughter he received) I found it quite surprising. Minus a couple parts you'd mistake it for a modern sentiment. This was 52 years before national women's suffrage was passed. From the mouth of a southern Arkansas man (who was born in Arkansas and had deeper roots back in South Carolina, so a scalawag, not a carpet bagger).
'''
That the following section be inserted in the First Article of the Constitution , viz . :
All citizens, twenty-one years of age, who can read and write the English
language, shall be eligible to the elective franchise, and entitled to equal po
litical rights and privileges.
The PRESIDENT. The gentleman from Clark [Mr. LANGLEY ] is entitled to the floor.
Mr. LANGLEY. I believe in freedom of speech . I claim the right to discuss in the fullest and freest manner any and every question pertaining to the rights of the people , or the interests of the country. This right is not derived from any digest of law or decision of court. It is a direct endowment of God ; it is enstamped upon my nature ; it is interwoven with all the elements which constitute me a rational and accountable being . This right I can surrender only with life itself. And the attempt to hinder me from exercising this right on this floor, I indignantly repel as a trespass upon my rights and an insult to my manhood . Sir, for speaking in favor of universal freedom , for advocating the rights, and contending for the interests, of the down-trodden and cruelly oppressed people of our country, especially the colored race , I have been incarcerated in dark and loathsome dungeons, as hellish as the Bastile of France, the Inquisition of Spain , or the Black Hole in Calcutta . But, thank God , time, which tries all things, has wrought a wonderful change. I think , from the indications of yesterday evening, that the “ Conservative ” gentleman ( if he is a gentleman !) who charges me with being non compos mentis, has in · spired some of our “ Radicals ” (?) with his spirit. But, if they think they can intimidate me, they are “ mistaken in their man,” this time. If any gentleman tells me I am to be denied the privilege of speaking, he insults me, and I will not submit to it. I have, as a man, the right of free speech ; and I will fight for it , I will fight for it on this floor or anywhere else, and in any way! I will speak , on this floor, if the room is crammed so full of devils that you can't stick the point of a needle between them !
Mr. CYPERT. If the gentleman will permit me
Mr. LANGLEY. Take your seat, sir !
Mr. CYPERT. If the gentleman will allow me
Mr. LANGLEY. Just take your seat, and keep your seat, sir ! [Great laughter. ] [Mr. Langley reiterated with much earnestness his notice to Mr. CYPERT to be seated , and Mr. CYPERT complied , amid excessive laughter. Mr. LANGLEY continued : ]
I am a Utilitarian. I believe in development, progress, reform , and improvement; and am willing and anxious to do what I can to render all people wise, good , and happy.
The prophetic annunciation, that “ knowledge shall be increased ,” is being more and more verified as we approach nearer and nearer the reign of the “ Prince of Peace," when order, truth, and righteousness shall prevail throughout the whole earth . Progress is an unchangeable law of nature. This is an age of improvement. Reform is the order of the day. We are passing through a crisis unparalleled in the history of the world . We have just struggled through a gigantic war, and are inaugurating a new era in the history of our national policy. We must reconstruct the government of our country on radical principles — universal freedom , impartial suffrage, and equal rights. We must be governed by natural justice . and scientific principles. Scientific truth must be our guide in ethics, in religion , in politics, in social life, and in legal matters.
Shall woman , created the equal of man, be entitled to the same political and legal rights as man ? This is the question ; and it is destined to be the question of questions, the great question of the age, the question of the country for years to come.
I affirm that woman is by nature endowed with equal rights, social, political, and legal, with man .
The right of woman to the elective franchise, etc., is based on the principles of scientific truth . I call special attention to this proposition : That woman does not differ from man in any particular that disqualifies her from rightly exercising the same political and legal rights that he does. (I call special attention , I say, to that proposition . I want men to meet me with argument, on this floor.)
Whether this proposition is true or false, depends, not on prejudice , not on ancient custom , not on modern usage, not on legislative enactment, but on scientific truth . This is a question of science, and can be rightly decided only by scientific knowledge. Anatomy, physiology, and phrenology demonstrate that woman possesses every natural qualification which entitles a man to political and legal rights. ( This is a delicate question ; but a distinguished man has said there are no secrets in physiology.) Man differs from woman as to sex - in physical formation . But the special physical formation of man does not confer on him political and legal rights ; or, if it does, it confers the same rights on woman, for she has her own special physical formation. Woman differs in formation from man ( You may laugh, gentlemen , but this is a scientific argument. It is an independent argument. You may laugh and slur — I do not expect argument from any men that deny the right of free discussion . I have been treated disrespectfully ; and I do not expect to be met by argument; but I may say that I do not mean to reply to anything but a fair argument. I am myself making an argument; and I now resume it.)
Man and woman were created different in the one respect of sex , for specific and important purpose, viz ., the perpetuation of the human race ; which is accomplished by mutual consent, and on terms of equality . Why is man entitled to political and legal rights ? Because he is constituted with reason , conscience, free will, etc., and sustains various important relations to civil society. Woman is created with reason, conscience, free will, etc., and sustains important relations to civil society , and therefore is entitled to the same rights as man .
I challenge you to deny that proposition.
Mr. CYPERT [ in his seat.] I will try it. [Renewed laughter.]
Mr. LANGLEY. She differs from man mentally only as she differs physically. Woman has a finer nervous system , or brain , a purer mind, and a more beautiful physique, than man . And her rights are, to say the least, the same in nature, extent, and value, as those of man . Man and woman are created equal. Their interests are similar. Their rights are the same. They possess the same mental characteristics . Woman possesses the same organs, or faculties of mind , possessed by man . Man is naturally a politician ; he loves his home and country ; and he is allowed to exercise his political rights for his own safety and the good of his country . Woman also has a political faculty , political rights, political interests, political aspirations, and political duties.
The term “ politics ” signifies the science of government. Is not woman a rational and accountable being ? Is not woman interested in the affairs of civil government ? Has she any rights which man is bound to respect? The law of adaptation , or fitness of things, furnishes us with a solid argument in favor of woman's rights.
A man has the right to exercise every organ or faculty which God has given him . A woman has the same right. The possession of the eye implies the right to see. The possession of the ear implies the right to hear. The possession of the intellect implies the right to think . And the possession of the patriotic faculty implies the right to act in matters of politics. The patriotic faculty is as strong in woman , if rightly cultivated , as in man. And it is gross ignorance , or inveterate prejudice, or both combined , which denies woman any political or legal right which is exercised by man .
The right of woman to vote, etc., springs from natural justice. The right to vote is a natural right, springing from the right of self-protection . Self protection is a natural right, to which every member of civil government is fully entitled . The main object of civil government is, to protect the people in their rights. Those cannot be certain of protection who are denied the right of a voice in determining who shall frame their laws, and who shall administer them . I contend that men and women are created with equal rights ; that a government derives its just powers from the con sent of those who are governed ; and that, therefore, woman has the same rights as man in matters of civil government.
Women have, in various ages of the world , made excellent rulers ; proving that they are qualified to rightly act in matters pertaining to civil government. For men to make and enforce laws which deny women their political and legal rights, is usurpation , tyranny, injustice, and wickedness.
The right of woman to vote and hold office is demanded as a matter of good policy.
We need social reform , civil progress, and legal improvement; and to insure success in achieving such desirable objects, we must have the aid of the women . Woman was made to help man. Say what you will, but the sphere of woman is the sphere of man . He cannot do without her. Woman exerts a great influence in politics now ; and what would be her influence if she exercised all her rights ? No society can well succeed without the help of women . The Church must be composed in part of The social party is incomplete without women. Even the Free masons have learned that they cannot well succeed without the influence of the fair sex . And woman will yet be admitted to all the political rights It is only a matter of time. We men need in politics, as in everything else , the soft but potent influence of our mothers, our wives, our sisters , our daughters. Intrigue and corruption do not necessarily belong to politics. Why cannot a people vote , hold civil office, and discuss matters pertaining to their rights and interests, with as much integrity and honesty of purpose as they can consider and transact any other business ? By the aid of woman we can reform our political system , and make politics as pure as religion. Paul says, in effect, “ Only let your politics accord with the Gospel of Christ.” Men who are seeking for self-aggrandizement, loving position and power more than their country , do not understand this. They talk as though politics were a monopoly for a favored few — the aristocracy and their dupes. They pretend to think, succeed in making the most of the people believe, that politics is naturally so corrupt that no pure man has any right to hold office , and that a woman is entirely wrong to even talk about having political rights and privileges. We, as a nation, deny one-half of the people, the purest and best half, their rights, and wonder why we succeed no better. The Democrats say that this is a white man’s government. The Republicans contend that it is a man's government. The “ Equal Rights ” Party affirm that this is , of right, the PEOPLE'S government ! And I contend that to deny any per son any political or legal right, merely on account of sex , or color, is un natural, unjust, and tyrannical. Patriotism , intelligence , and moral virtue, are the only just and proper precedent conditions of enfranchisement. It is a crime to exclude from civil or legal rights any person who possesses these qualifications. Woman is, by nature, as patriotic and intelligent as Woman is more virtuous than MAN ! Man will corrupt any institution, enterprise, or business , from which woman is excluded ! The his tory of the world will establish this proposition. The coarser qualities of man must be counteracted by the pure and ennobling powers of woman . This is essential to complete success in matters of national policy . This , and nothing short of this, will ensure the peace, safety , and intelligence, requisite to national prosperity and happiness. There never can be a millennium of peace and prosperity ,while one-half the people — the better half are denied their just rights. My wife is as well qualified to vote as I am . We have women in our country who are better qualified to hold any civil office, however responsible , than are the men who oppose female suffrage. Society treats woman with great injustice. She is compelled to submit to laws which she has no voice in making. She is compelled to pay taxes, while she is denied the right of representation . She is consigned to infamy for an error which man may commit with impunity. Her hard earnings may be forcibly taken from her by a villainous husband, and she has no legal mode or means of redress .
If woman is equal to man, she is entitled to the same rights. If she is inferior, she is in greater need of protection. Therefore, I say, put the ballot into her hand .
Woman is every way worthy of the confidence which I propose we shall repose in her. She is truer and purer than man . She has more moral integrity than man. She makes a good teacher , author, and orator ; a fine physician , musician , and artist ; an affectionate mother, a confiding sister, a loving wife ! And who will deny that she is naturally qualified to make an excellent politician ?
Mr. CYPERT. I desire to offer the following amendment: Provided , That no man who has a wife shall be allowed to vote when the right is exercised by his wife . [Laughter. ]
I wish to offer a few remarks, in support of the amendment. I hold , sir, that I am a Union man ; and that, not only so far as the Government is concerned , but as regards the relations of families. I do not wish to assist in inaugurating any system that will be likely to give rise to secession in families, and to create conflicting interests between husband and wife. I believe, sir, that the proposition of the gentleman from Clark [Mr. LANGLEY], if carried out, will provoke husband and wife to extreme measures. Revolutions in families will be the consequence. Devastation will spread through the homestead. Children will be snatched from the protection of their fathers and mothers. I contend, sir , that if the right to exercise the elective franchise is given to both the husband and wife , it will be fraught with consequences which cannot, in all their horror, be anticipated by any mind.
On the other hand, I can see no great impropriety in conferring upon woman the right to vote , provided she is the only one, in the family , allowed to exercise that right. I believe that, in many instances, the women are better capable of voting than the husbands; and where that is evident, the dominant mind will, of course , exercise the right. [Laugh ter.] In the case of the gentleman, I will be willing to agree that his wife is more capable than he, of exercising the right of suffrage. ( Renewed laughter. ] But there are some exceptions, to this rule, -cases where the gentleman would be more capable than the lady, of exercising the right; and in those exceptional cases, I would not be willing to bring about the difficulties, between husband and wife, which must inevitably ensue. Hence, the object of the amendment is, to confine the privilege to one individual, at least as between husband and wife. I must confess, sir, I should think it somewhat rash to place the ballot in the hands of women. The gentleman says that women were created equal with man , in every respect. I beg leave to differ.-
Mr. LANGLEY. With the exception of sex , as I explained in a few words.
Mr. CYPERT. I did not understand the sense in which the matter was explained : but I understand the gentleman to admit that there is a slight difference ; I understand that it has been so asserted from the pulpit, and I would not be disposed to question the fact.
Mr. WILSON [ in his seat. ] The gentleman [Mr. LANGLEY]made allowance for that.
Mr. LANGLEY. That does not give to either a claim to exclusive civil rights.
Mr. CYPERT. I can only say, sir, with the pious deacon , — “ Thank God for the variation !” [ Laughter.] Certainly, sir, were it not for that difference, -a difference which I would not change, to -day, if I could , society would be upturned , the world would cease to go on in its great career, the human family would cease to exist, and I am inclined to believe, sir, the extinction of mankind would be the ultimate consequence ! The gentleman spoke with great severity of some“ conservative gentle man.” I do not think I fully understood him . But, in consequence of a previous conversation which I had had with the gentleman , I was about to rise to a privileged question , when the gentleman made me take my seat very quickly. [Laughter.] Unfortunately, in a conversation with him , I did accuse him of being crazy. I meant a joke, then ; but if he will persist in proving to the world that he was crazy, I cannot help it .
Mr. LANGLEY. Sir , you are too crazy to meet my arguments , or even to try. [Laughter .]
Mr. CYPERT. I do not propose to meet all the arguments of the gentleman. . I am no scientific man, and never propose to discuss scientific questions.
Mr. LANGLEY. Why not sit down, then , and let men discuss them who can ? [ Shouts of laughter and applause. ]
Mr. CYPERT. If I thought there was another gentleman in this house , beside the gentleman from Clark , who could discuss that question scientifically , I would sit down. But it is a peculiar order of science, known only to the brain of the gentleman, I believe ; and I confess that I am not capable of discussing it, and rose only to offer these few suggestions in favor of my amendment, in order to ward off the fearful revolution in societies and families, which I was apprehensive the gentleman's proposition , if adopted , would be likely to effect. [Laughter.]
'''
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