But we have the good fortune to-night to have at the table many women of letters, who have in an eminent degree exercised the substance of power, inasmuch as they have domesticated themselves at thousands of firesides where their faces have never been seen.  Their brain-children have been welcomed and adopted by fathers and mothers, by brothers and sisters, as members of the family; and their sayings and doings are quoted as though they were “blood” relations.  Two instances recur to my memory.  In lecturing in various portions of the country, I have often been a guest in private houses.  On one occasion I happened to mention Mrs. Whitney as a lady I had often met; and, instantly, old and young crowded round, pouring in a storm of questions, demanding to know where the author of “Faith Gartney” lived, how she looked, and was she so delightful in society as she was in her books.  On another occasion, my importance in a large family was raised immensely when a chance remark indicated that I numbered Miss Alcott among my friends.  All the little men and all the little women of the household, all the old men and all the old ladies, rallied round me, in order that I might tell them all I knew of the author of “Little Women” and “Little Men.” [Applause.]

Now these are only two examples of the substance of power which cultivated women already possess.  That such women, and all women, can obtain the formal power of voting at elections is, in the end, sure, if they really wish to exercise that power; and that the power is withheld from them is not due to the opposition of men, but is due to the fact that they are not, by an overwhelming majority, in favor of it themselves.  When the champions of woman’s rights get this majority on their side, I have a profound pity for the men who venture to oppose it. [Applause.]

ANDREW DICKSON WHITE

COMMERCE AND DIPLOMACY

[Speech of Andrew D. White at the 111th annual dinner of the New York Chamber of Commerce, May 13, 1879.  The President of the Chamber, Samuel D. Babcock, introduced Mr. White as follows:  “The next toast is ’Commerce and Diplomacy—­twin guardians of the world—­Peace and Prosperity.’ [Applause.] The gentleman who is to respond to the toast is one who is about to represent our country at the Court of Berlin.  I am quite sure there is not a man present who does not feel that a more creditable representative of the people of the United States could not be sent abroad. [Applause.] I hope, gentlemen, you will receive him with all the honors.”]

MR. CHAIRMAN AND GENTLEMEN:—­Speaking in this place and at this time I am seriously embarrassed; for when charges have been made upon the American people on account of municipal mismanagement in this city, now happily past, we have constantly heard the statement made that American institutions are not responsible for it; that New York is not an American city. [Applause.] I must confess that when very hard pressed I have myself taken refuge in this statement.