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Minutes from the Rochester Woman's Rights Convention
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and signed, "Lords of Creation" in reply to a pastoral letter written some years since. _
M D Codding objected to that part of the declaration in regard to women political action, he thought it sufficient for women to vote through their fathers husbands, and brothers, but concluded by wishing them God a hearty God speed. He was asked whether he voted by proxy that he thought it ^so^ desirable for women.
Frederic [Frederick] Douglass remarked that the only true basis of rights was the capacity of individuals, and as for himself he dared not claim a right which he would not concede to Woman- In reference to the enfranchisement of Woman it need not be questioned whether she would use that right or not he contended that man should not withhold it from her - he alluded to the oppressive customs in the Old World which deprived Woman of her rights, ^so wronged Woman that they^ subjected her to the most laborious as well as degrading means for a livelihood_ He would see them her elevated to an equal position with man, in every relation of life_
Afternoon Session
A large audience convened.
Opportunity for prayer was given._ A long and interesting letter from James C Jackson approving the objects of of the convention was read._ [Sarah C Owen then presented an address portraying the evils to which women are subject. [Sarah D Fish also read an address setting forth some of the causes of womans degredation and urging them ^her^ earnestly to come forward to the work of reformation ^elevation^.
Several resolutions were read to which L Mott ably advocated, 'tho she thought them too tame they ^She^ wanted something more stirring.
[Mrs Roberts reported the average price of labour for sempstresses [seamstresses] to be from 31 to 38 cts per day, board from $1.25 to $1.50 per week to be deducted therefrom and they are generally obliged to take half or more than half in due_ bills. [Mrs Gawley corroborated the statement, having herself experienced some of the oppressions of this portion of our citizens and expressed her gratitude that the subject was claiming attention.