tices of
the peace. We think such a law would be valid.

C. W. WALTON,
WM. G. BARROWS.

The right of women to hold office was affirmed in the message of
Governor Dingley, January, 1875:

In response to the questions propounded by the governor and
council, a majority of the justices of the Supreme Court have
given an opinion that, under the constitution of Maine, women
cannot act as justices of the peace, nor hold any other office
mentioned in that instrument; but that it is competent for the
legislature to authorize persons of either sex to hold any
ministerial office created by statute. As there can be no valid
objection to, but on the contrary great convenience in, having
women who may be acting as clerks in public or private offices
authorized to administer oaths and take acknowledgment of deeds,
I recommend the passage of an act providing for the appointment
of persons of either sex, to perform such official duties.
Indeed, if further legislation be necessary to establish that
principle, I suggest the justice and expediency of an enabling
act recognizing the eligibility of women to office in the same
manner as men; for I know of no sufficient reason why a woman,
otherwise qualified, should be excluded from any position adapted
to her tastes and acquirements, which the people may desire she
should fill.

The legislature passed the bill recommended by the governor.

In 1875 the Constitutional Committee, by a vote of six to two,
defeated the proposition to so amend the constitution as to make
women electors under the same regulations and restrictions as men.

The Maine Woman Suffrage Association held its third annual
meeting at Augusta on January 12, 1876, in the hall of the House
of Representatives, the use of which had been courteously
extended to the association. The hall and galleries were crowded
in every part with an intelligent audience, whose close attention
through all the sessions showed an earnest interest in the cause.

The meeting was called to order by Judge Kingsbury of Portland,
president of the association.[184] Prayer was offered by Miss
Angell of Canton, N. Y. Judge Kingsbury made the introductory
address. Addresses were also made by H. B. Blackwell, Miss