ee on the Political Rights of Women was secured in the
Lower House by a vote of 75 yeas, 45 nays, after a spirited contest.
One was refused in the Senate by a tie vote. Much interest and
discussion among the members resulted and a favorable sentiment was
created. Mrs. Wait was made president, Mrs. Johns, vice-president. A
second convention was held this year in Salina, October 28, 29, with
"Mother" Bickerdyke and Mrs. Colby as the principal speakers. A large
amount of work was planned, all looking to the end of securing
Municipal Suffrage from the next Legislature.

During 1886 the State Woman's Christian Temperance Union, under the
presidency of Mrs. Fannie H. Rastall, zealously co-operated with the
suffrage association in the effort for the Municipal Franchise, Miss
Amanda Way, Mrs. Sarah A. Thurston, Miss Olive P. Bray and many other
able women making common cause with its legislative committee and
working for the bill. About 9,000 suffrage documents were distributed.

This autumn eleven conventions in the congressional districts of the
State were held under the efficient management of Mrs. Johns and Mrs.
Wait, beginning at Leavenworth, October 4, 5, and following at
Abilene, Lincoln, Florence, Hutchinson, Wichita, Anthony, Winfield,
Independence, Fort Scott and Lawrence. Miss Susan B. Anthony,
vice-president-at-large of the National Association, Mrs. Colby and
Mrs. Elizabeth Lyle Saxon of New Orleans, were the speakers. They were
greeted by crowded houses, Miss Anthony especially receiving an
ovation at every place visited.

In October the American W. S. A. held its national convention in
Topeka. Lucy Stone, Henry B. Blackwell, the Rev. Anna Howard Shaw and
Mrs. Julia Ward Howe, of Massachusetts, and the Hon. William Dudley
Foulke and Mrs. Mary E. Haggart, of Indiana, were present. The meeting
was of incalculable benefit at this time. For the next few months Mrs.
Gougar, with her strong speeches, was everywhere in demand; Mrs. Saxon
was continuously at work; Mrs. Zerelda G. Wallace of Indiana made a
number of powerful addresses, and the whole State was aroused in the
interest of the bill.

Instead of holding the usual State convention in 1886 it met in
Topeka, Jan. 11-13, 1887, when the Legislature was in session, and was
largely attended for success seemed near at hand. Mrs. Belva A.
Lockwood of Washington, D. C., made an able address. The other
speakers were Professor Carruth, the Rev. C. H. Rogers, Mrs. Saxon