ng on the platform with the
sun lighting up their silver hair like an aureole and their faces
radiant with hope, as "The Star Spangled Banner" sung by an Indian
boy raised a tumult of applause while the flag floated away revealing
the idealized mother and babe.[151]

The national suffrage convention gave to the cause in Oregon a new
birth. Some of the most prominent men in the State appeared on its
platform and urged another campaign and political leaders in private
conference with its officers assured them that the time was ripe for
success. Encouraged by this assurance and in response to the strong
appeal of the leaders among the women of the State, the National
Association pledged its support. The suffragists for the most part
were now fully convinced that if the amendment was to be carried in
1906 there must be state-wide, systematic organization and in answer
to their request the National Board sent to assist them two of its
best organizers, Miss Mary N. Chase and Miss Gail Laughlin. By the end
of 1905 forty-two clubs had been formed in Portland and committees
outside. Newspapers were giving full reports of meetings and the
Portland _Journal_ was publishing each Sunday articles on suffrage by
Mrs. Sarah A. Evans, editor of the woman's page. At a State convention
held in Portland on November 8 the attendance was so great it was
necessary to adjourn to a larger hall. Mayor Harry Lane welcomed the
convention and took an unequivocal position in favor of woman
suffrage. Statesmanlike addresses were made by Miss Laughlin and Miss
Laura Clay of Kentucky. A special Campaign Committee had been
organized to cooperate with the State and national workers.[152]

The great leader of women, Susan B. Anthony, had passed away in March,
1906, her thoughts on the Oregon campaign to the very last, and,
carrying out her wishes, the following group of women came at once to
assist the women of the State: Dr. Shaw, Miss Clay, Miss Blackwell and
Miss Gordon, national officers; her sister and niece, Miss Mary and
Miss Lucy Anthony; Mrs. Ida Porter Boyer of Pennsylvania, Miss Laura
Gregg of Kansas, Mrs. Mary C. C. Bradford of Colorado. Miss Laughlin
was already there. Added to the able Oregon workers a more efficient
body of women never had charge of a suffrage campaign. Centrally
located headquarters were at once opened in Portland, which soon
became the Mecca for the suffragists from all over the State. The
above trained campaigners subm