was held in quite the northern part of the State, at Norfolk,
November 30 and December 1. This was much appreciated by the
citizens, whose locality was at that time not much frequented by
speakers on any topic.[470] The first annual meeting, held at
Lincoln in February, 1882, found a large number of delegates,
each with reports of kindred local work, ready to receive the
record of this year of preparation. Everything indicated a
favorable termination to the effort, as it became evident that
all sections of the State were being aroused to active interest.

The address of the president, Mrs. Harriet S. Brooks, was
entitled, "Work, Wages and the Ballot." It was a review of a
lecture given earlier in the season by Chancellor Fairchild
of the University, in which he had taken the ground that the
work of women should not receive the same wages as that of
men. Rev. Dr. McNamara and others spoke briefly and
earnestly. Miss Lydia Bell, at the closing evening session,
gave an address which, to use the words of the reporter,
"for felicity of composition, strength of argument, and
beauty of delivery, fully merited the special resolution of
thanks unanimously given by the society."[471]

The work of organizing and lecturing was continued with as much
zeal and efficiency as the busy days and limited resources of the
women would permit. Many of the counties held conventions, took
count of their friends, and prepared for a vigorous campaign. As
the summer advanced, at picnics, old settlers' gatherings,
soldiers' reuenions, fairs, and political conventions,--wherever
a company of people had assembled, there interested women claimed
an opportunity to present the subject to audiences it would
otherwise have been impossible to reach. With but few exceptions,
officials extended the courtesies asked.

During the summer of 1882, the work was greatly aided by the
lectures of Margaret Campbell and Matilda Hindman; and during the
month of September by Helen M. Gougar. The American Suffrage
Association, at its annual meeting in 1881, elected Hon. E. M.
Correll president, as a recognition of his services to the cause
in Nebraska, and in 1882, it held its annual meeting in Omaha,
September 12 and 13. Lucy Ston