hy of comment, though the
liberality of the few is of little avail until in their
ecclesiastical assemblies, as organizations, they declare the
equality of woman not only before the law, but in all the offices
of the church. Mrs. Katharine R. Doud was chosen president of the
convention; Mrs. Olin gave the address of welcome, to which Mrs.
Sewall responded. Mrs. Doud, in the _Advocate_, thus sums up the
three days' meetings:

During the past week a woman's council has been held in
Racine, the success of which has been most noticeable. The
different sessions have been attended by large audiences of
intelligent men and women, who have very thoughtfully and
carefully weighed and discussed the various questions under
consideration.

From the beginning to the end there has never been a hitch
or jar; the myriad wheels of the machinery required to make
smooth the workings of such large assemblies have moved so
quietly, and have been so well oiled and in such perfect
order as to be absolutely unnoticed; really, one might have
been tempted to feel that the machine had no master, no
controlling hand.

But now that the council is over; now that we can pause and
begin to estimate the good that has been done; now that the
seed is sown, from which, please God, a grand harvest shall
be reaped--now we can look back and see how one brain has
planned it all. One clear-eyed, far-seeing will gathered
together these women of genius, who have been with us; one
practical, mathematical brain made all estimates of expense,
and accepted all risks of failure; one hospitable heart
received a house full of guests, and induced others to be
hospitable likewise; and one earnest, prayerful soul--and
this the best of all--besought and entreated God's blessing
upon the work. Need we tell you where to find this
master-hand which has planned so wisely? the strong will,
the clear brain, the warm heart, the pure soul? We all know
her; she is indeed a noble woman, and her name--let us
whisper lest she hear--is Olympia Brown Willis.

The following sketch of the leading events of her life, shows how
active and useful she has bee