Carrie Chapman Catt

“ The leaders of these governments have announced that the vote has been or will be given to their women in recognition of the devotion, sacrifice, skill and endurance of women in their varied service to their country under the strain of war. Our Republic stands upon the threshold of what may prove the severest test of loyalty and endurance our country has ever had. It needs its women; and they are ready — as fearless, as willing, as able, as loyal as any women of the world. ”

“ Speaker, the women of our country appreciate the fact that you are yourself an advocate of our cause, but we do not presume upon your interest when we ask for a House Suffrage Committee. We ask it because the world is calling to the Congress of the United States to make better time if it would hold its place as Leader in the march of world democracy. ”

“ You will realize that our women will feel a less exalted patriotism, a less unselfish spirit of devotion, a less spontaneous desire to serve, if they are forced to carry a conviction that the monarchies of the world have been more just to their women citizens than this Republic has been to us. ”