So their trains were quietly laid, and the match was
not applied until all Atlantic was ringing with the protestations
of the unwilling conscripts and the laments of their families.
Then came, like three claps of thunder in one, sympathy for the
women, acquiescence in their rights, and invitations to them,
everywhere, to take part in the Democratic caucuses and
conventions. Most of the prominent women of the State were deluded
for a time by this manifestation, and acted with the party for the
sake of the sex.
I had no idea, however, what the practical result of this movement
would be, until, a few weeks before election, I was calling upon
Mrs. Buckwalter, and happened to express my belief that we
Republicans were going to carry the State again, by a large
majority.
"I am very glad of it," said she, with an expression of great
relief, "because then my vote will not be needed."
"Why!" I exclaimed; "you won't decline to vote, surely?"
"Worse than that," she answered, "I am afraid I shall have to vote
with the other side.
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