Abby Kelley – on the Woman Question

From the Connecticut Observer, an item from Kelley, Berlin, Feb 3, 1840
Responding to the argument, advanced by many, that public opinion is against having women speak in public meetings, here is part of what she says:

“… I would appeal to common sense, whether pubic opinion is a safe guide? Has not this same despot, ruling with an iron sceptre, legalized every sin?  Farewell, then, public opinion  — thou art an unsafe a bad teacher. Let us call upon common sense to guide us in this country……. If we can but obtain the pure waters of truth, why should we be so scrupulous about the form of the vessel through which we receive it?:”   Common sense is not thus scrupulous.”