Equal Suffragists

A convention of the Second District Equal Suffrage Association of Michigan has been in session in this city for three days this week. The first session was held Monday afternoon and the meetings closed Wednesday. This gathering brought to our city many of Michigan's most brilliant and progressive women. An engagement with the Students' Lecture Association at thfs time made it possible for Miss Susan B. Anthony to be in attendance upon the sessions throughout. Monday forenoon was occupied with receiving delegates, assigning them to places of entertainment, getting acquainted, etc. It the afternoon the convention assembled in Newberry hall and effected an organization. Mrs. Mary Stocking Knaggs was called to the chair and after making a few remarks, she introduced Susan B. Anthony. Miss Anthony seetned well acquainted with the history of this movement in Michigan, which she reviewed at some length. She also spoke of municipal suffrage in Kansas, and gave an outline of the coming campaign in New York. She alluded to the two states, Wyoming and Colorado, which already have equal suffrage, in glowing terms. Mrs. Knaggs then gave a history of the municipal suffrage law. Mrs. Ann W. Bassett was asked for, and she in turn asked for Dr. McAndrew of Ypsilanti, who told many pleasing reminiscences and stories. Mrs. Eassett then related her experiences at the Vpsilanti school election, after which the convention adjourned until evening. There was a large attendance at the evening session and the exercises began with prayer by Rev. J. W. Bradshaw, and then came the Battle Hymn of the Republic. In the absence of the mayor, Judge Harriman gave the address of welcome and the Michigan E. S. A., after listening to the speech certainly understood that they were thrice welcome to our beautiful cit,y. The response was given by Mrs. Helen P. Jenkins, of Detroit, in her usual happy style. She made a most excellent impression on thpse who heard her. After the response Miss Octavia W. Bates delivered an address on "Woman's Work at the Exposition. " The address was instructive and entertaining and well delivered. She said the recognition of wornen as a class in the preparations for, and government of the exposition was the first thingof the kind in the history of the world. Miss Emily B. Ketcham, president of the organization, followed with an address and expressed her appreciation of the cordial welcome extended to them and reviewed the work accomplished during the past few years. Following Miss Ketcham came an address by Rev. Anna Shaw on "Woman's War for Peace." Miss Shaw is perfectly at home on the rostrum, uses no notes in speaking, and commands the attention of her audience. She is earnest and enthusiastic in her advocacy of equal suffrage and presents a strong argument. Her address was one of the best of the convention. Tuesday forenoon was devoted to a business session. A very interesting programme was called in the afternoon. "The America Undiscovered by Columbus" was the subject of a brilliant address by Miss Shaw. Miss Anthony spoke on "Our New Star, Colorado, and Our Two Hoped fo? Stars, Kansas and New York." An interesting address was given by Mrs. Clara McAdow, of Montana, who was a inember or the board of lady managers of the World 's Fair. Her subject was "Woman's Work at the Fair." In the evening an address was given by Rev. Caroline J. Bartlett, of Kalamazoo, on "What Could College Women do with Municipal Suffrage?" Miss Anthony also spoke on "Political Equality the Right of the Citizen and Duty of the State." Wednesday tnorning was occupied with a business meeting account of which is given elsewhere. In the afternoon short addresses were given by various prominent people who were present. Representative H. W. Xewkirk, Prof. John Dewey, Dr. Boon, of the Ypsilanti Normal School, Rev. Caroline J. Bartlett, of Kalamazoo, Helen P. Jenkins, of Detroit, Judge N. W. Cheever and others. A reception noticed elsewhere was tendered the delegates in the evening. The convention seems to have aroused a great deal of interest in the city.