And even where this direct
agency could not be traced, the general fact that the atmosphere was full
of the agitation had much to do with all the reforms that took place.
Legislatures, unwilling to give woman the ballot, were shamed into giving
her something. The chairman of the judiciary committee in Rhode Island told
me that until he heard women argue before the committee he had not
reflected upon their legal disabilities, or thought how unjust these were.
While the matter was left to the other sex only, even men like Sir Samuel
Romilly forgot the wrongs of woman. When she began to advocate her own
cause men also waked up.
But now that they are awake they ask, Is not this sufficient? Not at all If
an agent who has cheated you surrenders reluctantly one half your stolen
goods, you do not stop there and say, "It is enough. Your intention is
honorable. Please continue my agent with increased pay." On the contrary,
you say, "Your admission of wrong is a plea of guilty. Give me the rest of
what is mine." There is no defence like self-defence, no protection like
self-protection.
All theories of chivalry and generosity and vicarious representation fall
before the fact that woman has been grossly wronged by man. That being the
case, the only modest and honest thing for man to do is to say,
"Henceforward have a voice in making your own laws." Till this is done, she
has no sure safeguard, since otherwise the same men who made the old
barbarous laws may at any time restore them.
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