th. That
demeanor I explain as an unconscious tribute to what "Madam
Grundy" would have thought had she known of our conclave.

At that meeting one point only was definitely settled; which was,
whether the new society should take a name which would conceal
from the public its primary object, or one which would clearly
advertise it. The honesty of the incipient organization was
vindicated by its deciding upon the latter. I do not record in
detail the initiative steps of this flourishing society in order
to awaken in its members any humiliating memories, but because
the fact that ten conscientious, upright persons could thus
secretly convene in an obscure room, and that such a question
could agitate them for more than two hours, is the best
indication that could be given of the conservative atmosphere
which enveloped Indianapolis, even as late as 1878. The next
meeting was appointed for April 2, at the residence of Mrs.
Zerelda G. Wallace. Notices were inserted in the papers, and in
the meantime some pains was taken to secure not only the presence
of persons who had not previously been identified with any reform
movement, but also that of some well-known friends. It was
attended by twenty-six men and women, representing various
religious and political parties, most of whom enjoyed the
advantages of education and social position, and resulted in a
permanent organization under a constitution whose first article
is as follows:

This organization shall be known as the Indianapolis Equal
Suffrage Society, and shall consist of such men and women as
are willing to labor for the attainment of equal rights at
the ballot-box for all citizens on the same conditions.

On the principle that that which has some restrictions is most
desired, membership was at first hedged about with certain
formalities. While most reform organizations welcome as members
all who will pay their annual fee and subscribe to the
constitution, this society requires that the names of candidates
be presented at one meeting and formally balloted on at the next,
thus providing a month for consideration. Since 1878 this
society[330] has held forty-three public meetings, and
distributed throughout the city several thousand tracts. At
intervals the society