A delegation, consisting of Mrs. Hooker, Mrs. De Force Gordon, and Miss Anthony, was sent by the National Woman Suffrage Association to the Presidential Conventions held by the Liberal Republicans at Cincinnati, the Democrats at Baltimore, and the Republicans at Philadelphia. The fruit of all the earnest labor of this delegation was a splinter in the Republican platform. This, however, was something to be grateful for, as it was the first mention of woman in the platform of either of the great political parties during our National existence. On the strength of this plank the following address was issued :
GRANT AND WILSON—APPEAL TO THE WOMEN OF AMERICA FROM THE NATIONAL WOMAN SUFFRAGE ASSOCIATION.
Women of the United States, the hour for political action has come. For the first time in the history of our country woman has been recognized in the platform of a large and dominant party. Philadelphia has spoken and woman is no longer ignored. She is now officially recognized as a part of the body politic. The fourteenth plank of its platform declares: .
The Republican party mindful of its obligations to the loyal women of America expresses gratification that wider avenues of employment have been open to women, and it farther declares that her demands for additional rights should be treated with respectful consideration.
We are told that this plank does not say much, that in fact it is only a "splinter ;” and our “liberal” friends warn us not to rely upon it as a promise of the ballot to woman. What it is, we know full better than others. We recognize its meagerness; we see in it the timidity of politicians; but beyond and through it all, we farther see its promise of the
and methods may be fairly set forth, and considered by the representatives from many reform movements now ready for united action ; such as the Internationals, and other Labor Reformers—the friends of peace, temperance, and education, and by all those who believe that the time bas come to carry the principles of true morality and religion into the State House, the Court, and the market place. This convention will declare the platform of the People’s Party, and consider the nomination of candidates for President and Vice-President of the United States, who shall be the best possible exponents of political and industrial reform. The Republican party, in destroying slavery, accomplished its entire mission. In denying that ‘citizen’? means political equality, it has been false to its own definition of Republican Government ; and in fostering land, railroad, and money monopolies, it is building up a commercial feudalism dangerous to the liberty of the people. The Democratic party, false to it a name and mission, died in the attempt to sustain slavery, and is buried beyond all hope of resurrection. Even that portion of the Labor party which met recently at Columbus, proved its incapacity to frame a national platform to meet the demands of the hour. We therefore invite all citizens who believe in the idea of self-government; who demand on honest administration ; the reform of political and social abuses ; the emancipation of labor, and the enfranchisement of woman, to join with us and inaugurate a political revolution which shall secure justice, liberty, and equality to every citizen of the United States.
Matilda Joslyn Gage
