The pauperism and extreme degradation of the drunkard's family is mainly chargeable to the laws, which wreck the energies, by merging the means of the wife and mother in the will of the irresponsible husband and father.
With these views—gathered from facts and heart-broken confidences open to few—I appeal to you in the name of the most sacred affections—I protest, in behalf of humanity, against compelling the unfortunate of my dependent sex to choose between their present bondage of means and divorce.
To the Christian, who shrinks from divorce, as separating what God hath joined, I appeal to carry out the principle, preserving everywhere what God hath joined. Hath He not joined mother and child in body and spirit? Sever them not. Hath He not joined in each human being necessities and ability to supply them? But, alas! by man's carpentry, the ability of woman to supply her wants is pressed into the service of man's carnal and wicked appetites, to supply him with liquid fire, while herself and babes become miserable paupers in body and in mind!
I leave the subject here, praying that God may bless your deliberations, and guide you into all truth.
C. I. H. Nichols.
Yours, for the oppressed, ever,
Syracuse Convention, Sept. 8, 9, 10, 1852.
ELIZABETH CADY STANTON'S LETTER.
Seneca Falls, Sept. 6.
My Dear Friends:—As I can not be present with you, I wish to suggest three points for your sincere and earnest consideration.