Woman’s Rights Convention

September 15, 1848

An account of a convention, held at the Unitarian Church, in the city of Rochester, August 12.

During the convention, W.C. Nell reads an address which he intends to be supportive of the rights of women.   Lucretia Mott objects to some portions of what Nell has said, fearing that he has indulged in the language of flattering compliments which men have learned to use when speaking of women.  Nell disclaims any such intention of flattery.  In her remarks, Mott indicates that there is some evidence that men are improving in this habitual way of thinking …. “though there are some evidences of improvement — instance the reform in the literature of the day — the sickly sentimentality of the ‘Ladies Departmeent,’ is fast disappearing, it being perceived that her mind requires more substantial food.  She also objected to calling man a tyrant, it is power that makes him tyrannical, and woman is equally so when she has irresponsible power.”

Comments are closed.