ngton is the modern Rome to which all roads lead, the
bright cynosure of all eyes, and is alike the hope and fear of
worn-out politicians and aspiring pilgrims. From this great center
varied influences radiate to the vast circumference of our land.
Supreme-court decisions, congressional debates, presidential
messages and popular opinions on all questions of fashion,
etiquette and reform are heralded far and near, awakening new
thought in every State in our nation and, through their
representatives, in the aristocracies of the old world. Hence to
hold a suffrage convention in Washington is to speak to the women
of every civilized nation.

The Twelfth Annual Convention of the National Association assembled
in Lincoln Hall, January 21, 1880. Many distinguished ladies and
gentlemen occupied the platform, which was tastefully decorated
with flags and flowers, and around the walls hung familiar
mottoes,[53] significant of the demands of the hour. On taking the
chair Susan B. Anthony made some appropriate remarks as to the
importance of the work of the association during the presidential
campaign. Mrs. Spencer called the roll, and delegates[54] from
sixteen States responded.

Mrs. Gage read the call:

The National Association will hold its twelfth annual convention
in Lincoln Hall, Washington, D. C., January 21, 22, 1880.

The question as to whether we are a nation, or simply a
confederacy of States, that has agitated the country from the
inauguration of the government, was supposed to have been settled
by the war and confirmed by the amendments, making United States
citizenship and suffrage practically synonymous. Not, however,
having been pressed to its logical results, the question as to
the limits of State rights and national power is still under
discussion, and is the fundamental principle that now divides the
great national parties. As the final settlement of this principle
involves the enfranchisement of woman, our question is one of
national politics, and the real issue of the hour. If it is the
duty of the general government to protect the freedmen of South
Carolina and Louisiana in the exercise of their rights as United
States citizens, the government owes the same protection to the
women in Massachusetts and New York. This year will again witness
an exciting presidential election, and this question of momentous
impor