Columbus, 1858.
The following petition, numerously signed by both men and women, citizens of this State, was, at the first session of the Legislature, referred to the undersigned Select Committee:
"Whereas, The women of the State of Ohio are disfranchised by the Constitution solely on account of their sex;
"We do, respectfully, demand for them the right of suffrage—a right which involves all other rights of citizenship—one that can not, justly, be withheld, as the following admitted principles of government show:
"First. 'All men are born free and equal.'
"Second. 'Government derives its just power from the consent of the governed.'
"Third. 'Taxation and representation are inseparable.'
"We, the undersigned, therefore, petition your honorable body to take the necessary steps for a revision of the Constitution, so that all citizens may enjoy equal political rights."
Your Committee have given the subject referred to them a careful examination, and now
Report.