Mary monologue (Act 5) — Captain Mary Miller : $b A drama

What does he mean? I am sure God has permitted me to fill this position, and (_reverently_) if He had not permitted it, and helped me, too, I never could have done it so well. How unjust this man is! Oh, Mr. Rayner! can you not comprehend that, when a woman _can do_ a man’s work, she ought to have the legal right? (_Comes forward, takes the paper, and reads to herself. To him_) But see, Mr. Romberg. Here is something else about it; something from the Secretary of the Treasury. (_Reads_) “The United States Revised Statutes say that whenever any person applies to be licensed, the inspectors shall diligently inquire as to the character of the person, whether male or female. I see no reason, then, in unwritten or in written law, why Mistress Miller may not lawfully demand an examination; and, if she proves herself duly qualified, have a license to serve as master of a vessel. Let the local inspectors carefully examine her, and if they are satisfied that she can be safely intrusted with the duties and responsibilities of a master of a steam vessel, let them grant her a license, according to section 4439.