best samples of the female sex; and that the bulk of the male sex is superior to the bulk of the female sex.

We see this proved whichever way we turn. In history, which shines the brighter, the male sex, or the female? Look among Sovereigns. Where is the female Cæsar? the female Alfred? the female Alexander? Or take Legislators. What woman have we to compare with Solon or Lycurgus? Where are the female philosophers, moreover? Where is their Socrates, their Plato, their Newton? In literature, too; are the great names those of the fairer, or of the sterner sex? Homer, Shakspere, Milton, Byron, what ladywriters equal these?

I shall not enter into the philosophical part of the question at all. Facts are the strongest arguments, and these I have produced. Besides, I dare say that some of my supporters will choose that view of the matter; and into their hands I am quite willing to resign it.

I feel that I should weaken my cause were I to say more. I therefore commit the question to the fair and full discussion of the meeting, quite convinced that a just conclusion will at length be arrived at.

SECOND SPEAKER.-Sir, My friend who has just resumed his seat has regarded this question

as it is answered by history. I will view it by the light of reason and philosophy.

I think then that women were meant to be inferior to men. The female of every kind of animal is weaker than the male, and why should a distinction be made with the human species? The sphere which the female is called upon to fill is the domestic one. To rule and to command is the sphere of man. He is here to govern and to guide. Now the exercise of authority requires greater mental power than the duties of the other sex demand; and I think that man would not have been called upon to rule had not greater power been conferred upon him. What would follow if Woman were endowed with the sharpest intellect? Why that instead of tempering society with grace and softness, she would embitter it with the asperities of debate; that instead of being man's comforter and better angel, she would be his intellectual antagonist, ever at wordy war with him; that instead of refining the hearts of those who come within the reach of her gentle influence, she would continually spur, excite, and agitate their minds. Where would be man's refuge from the corroding cares of life and thought? Where would be his domestic comfort and happiness? Where would be the unutterable delight that now dwells in the magic word "HOME,” if Woman were more intellectually subtle than she

is? All these true joys would be lost to us; and woman, instead of earning our gratitude and affection by creating them, would be studying metaphysics, diving into theology, or searching out new stars. It seems to me that the very happiness of the world depends upon the inequalities and differences existing in the minds of the sexes, and therefore I shall vote with my friend the opener.

THIRD SPEAKER.-Sir, I rise to defend the ladies. I admit the ability of my two friends who have preceded me, but I dispute their arguments, and I utterly deny their conclusions. I shall deal with the opener only, and leave the other gentleman to the tender mercies of succeeding speakers.

Our friend referred us to History: very unfortunately, I think. He spoke of Rulers. Where is the female Cæsar? said he, and the female Alexander? I am proud to reply-Nowhere. No, Sir, the fair sex can claim no such murderers, no such usurpers, no such enemies of mankind. They cannot boast of having carried fire and sword amongst defenceless nations for the sake of conquest and plunder; of having trodden down, with remorseless heel, the sweet flowers of peace and domestic happiness; of having spread desolation and death wherever they have

gone. But perhaps it is as Heroes that our friend would have Cæsar and Alexander viewed! Well, then, the fair sex has its heroes too! Look among martyrs; you will find them there; among dauntless demanders of right; you will find them there; among patient endurers of calamity and sorrow; you will find them there! They have no Alexanders, they have no Cæsars; but they have the courage and the bravery of the best of them and they have greater virtues besides, to which the others cannot lay the shadow of a claim.

FOURTH SPEAKER.-Without intending to pronounce an absolute opinion upon the question now under debate, I may perhaps be permitted to offer you a few observations.

I have generally noticed, Sir, that intellectual strength is a good deal modified by, and dependent upon, physical power. Physical power seems, indeed, absolutely necessary to the possessor of intellectual strength; otherwise his mental strength wears him out. Now, if woman has equal mental power, how is it that her frame is physically weaker? Either man has too much bodily power, or woman too little: a proposition which I imagine cannot be sustained.

Further woman's brain is smaller than man's; and does not this of itself prove inferiority of

mental strength? Philosophers tell us that the size of the brain is always the criterion of intellectual power: if this be so, the matter is, I suppose, at once decided for us. I wait, however, to be convinced by the stronger side.

FIFTH SPEAKER.Then, I, Sir, will try to convince my friend. I will try to convince him that he should adopt the cause of the ladies. The fair sex have not yet had justice done them. What is the argument employed to prove their inferiority? Simply this: that they are not such strong rulers, such learned lawgivers, or such great poets. But suppose I grant this; the sexes may be mentally equal, notwithstanding. For, if I can show that the female sex possess qualities which the male sex do not; qualities which, though widely different from those named, are quite as valuable to the world; I establish an argument in their favour quite as strong as that against them. And I can prove this. In affection, in constancy, in patience, in purity of sentiment, and in piety of life, they as far surpass man, as man surpasses them in mere bodily strength. And what qualities are superior to these? Is strength of intellect superior to strength of heart? Is the ability to make laws superior to the power that wins and keeps affection? Is a facility in making rhymes superior to