lendid campaign in Douglas
county, the stronghold of the opponents of all kinds, was seen in the
small adverse majority of 1,188. Throughout the campaign the Omaha
_Daily News_ valiantly championed the amendment and the _Bee_ and the
_World Herald_ as strongly opposed it. The National American Suffrage
Association contributed $4,000 in cash, the services of two
organizers--Miss Jane Thompson and Miss Elsie Benedict--and paid the
travelling expenses of a number of national speakers.

* * * * *

The State convention of 1914 was held in Omaha in December and it was
decided to organize more thoroughly and to seek the advice of the
National Association as to how and when to try again. The board which
had served throughout the campaign was re-elected. When it had begun
there were not fifty clubs in the State; when it ended there were
nearly 500 and it was desired to hold them together as far as
possible. The opponents had insisted that women did not want the
ballot and it was arranged to have an enrollment under the direction
of Mrs. Wheeler. This was continued until the names of 30,000 women
had been enrolled as desiring the suffrage. The press work was
continued and the never-ending effort to educate the people.

The convention of 1915 was held at Columbus in October, was well
attended, with a good program. Mrs. Edna M. Barkley was elected
president. In October, 1916, the convention was held at Hastings. Mrs.
William Jennings Bryan was guest of honor and gave the opening address
on Sunday evening in the Congregational church. Mrs. Catt, now
national president, was present and remained two days. The association
expected to appeal to the voters again in 1918 for full suffrage and
she thought it was in good condition to do so. Her inspiring presence
and her very able address given to a large evening audience made this
one of most notable conventions. Mrs. Barkley was re-elected
president.[110]

In January, 1917, the National Association was beginning the "drive"
to obtain partial suffrage from the Legislatures and Nebraska was
urged to undertake it. The board agreed to concentrate on a bill which
would be constitutional and would permit women to vote for all
officers not specified in the State constitution and upon all
questions not referred to in it.

The bill was introduced by Senator C. E. Sandell of York county and
Representative J. N. Norton of Polk county. Mrs. Barkley was chairman
o