The principle of our holy religion that is assailed is one that lies deep in my heart. Could I ask the heavens to listen; could I beseech the earth to be still, and the brave men who possess the spirit of a Washington to hear what I am about to say! I am the daughter of a Master Mason, who, when leaping from the windows of Carthage jail pierced with bullets, made the Masonic sign of distress; but, gentlemen, (addressing the representatives of the press that were present) those signs were not heeded except by the God of heaven. That man, the prophet of the Almighty, massacred without mercy! He is now with those who are crying, "Wait a little longer, until the blood of your brethren, the martyrs, is shed." [Applause.] Sisters, this is the first time in my life that I have dared to give utterance to this fact, but I thought I could trust my soul to say it on this occasion, and I say it now in the fear of Israel's God, and I say it in the presence of these gentlemen, and I wish my voice could be heard by the whole brotherhood of Masons throughout our proud land. That Institution I honor. If its principles were practiced and strictly adhered to, would there be a trespass upon virtue? No indeed. Would the honorable wife or daughter be intruded on with impunity? Nay verily. Would that the ladies of America, with the honorable Mrs. Hayes at their head; would that the Congress of the United States, the law-makers of our nation, could produce a balm for the many evils which exist in our land through the abuse of virtue, or could so legislate that virtue could be protected and cherished as the life which heaven has given us! We, in common with many a woman throughout our broad land, would hail with joy the approach of such deliverance, for such is the deliverance that woman needs.