re that constitutes the
electoral qualifications, but gender and a certain implied brute
force. By this standard legislative bodies have been wont to
judge the exigency of this mighty question. More influential than
woman, though unacknowledged as such by the average legislator of
States and nations, even the insignificant lobster finds earnest
champions where woman's claims fail of recognition; which
assertion the following incident will substantiate: Being present
in the Representatives Hall in Augusta when the "lobster
question" came up for discussion (the suffrage question was then
struggling before the committee), I was struck by the air of
earnestness that pervaded the entire House on that memorable
occasion. And why not? It was a question that appealed directly
to man's appetite, and there he is always interested. After the
morning hour a dozen ready debators sprang to their feet,
eloquent in advocating the rights of this important member of the
crustacean family. The discussion waxed into something like
enthusiasm, when finally an old tar exclaimed with terrific
violence: "Mr. Speaker, I insist upon it, this question must be
considered. It is a great question; one before which all others
will sink into insignificance; one of vastly more importance than
any other that will come before this honorable body during this
session!"

DIRIGO.

In closing this chapter it is fitting to mention some of our
faithful friends in Maine, whose names have not appeared in
societies and conventions as leaders or speakers, but whose
services in other ways have been highly appreciated.

Rockland is the home of Lucy and Lavinia Snow, who, from the
organization of the first society in 1868, have never failed to
send good words of cheer and liberal contributions to all our
National conventions. Another branch of the worthy Snow family,
from the town of Hamlin, has given us equally generous coaedjutors
in Mrs. Spofford and her noble sisters in Washington.

As early as 1857, Mrs. Anna Greeley and Miss Charlotte Hill of
Ellsworth constituted themselves a committee to inaugurate a course
of lyceum lectures in that town, taking the entire financial
responsibility. Miss Hill was an excellent violinist and taught a
large class of boys and girls, and also played at balls and
part