eakers and the brainiest women in South Dakota, but we
were informed there was absolutely no room for us. Finally a friend
secured admission for ten on the very back of the platform, where
we could neither see nor hear unless we stood on our chairs. We
begged a good seat for Miss Anthony but no place could be made for
her. Soon after the convention opened, an announcement was made
that a delegation was waiting outside and that back of this
delegation would probably be 5,000 votes. It was at once moved and
seconded that they be invited in, and a committee was sent to
escort them to seats on the floor of the house. In a moment it
returned, followed by three big, dirty Indians in blankets and
moccasins. Plenty of room for Indian men, but not a seat for
American women!

We asked for a chance to address the delegates, but the chairman
adjourned the convention, and then announced that we might speak
during the recess. That night we went back again to the hall, and
the resolution committee not being ready to report, the audience
called for leading speakers, but none of them dared say a word
because they did not yet know what would be in the platform.
Finally when no man would respond they called for me, and I went
forward and said: "Gentlemen, I am not afraid to speak, for I know
what is in _our_ platform and I know also what I want you to
introduce into yours."

She then made her plea. It was cordially received, but the platform
entirely ignored the question of woman suffrage. This was true also of
the press and party speakers during the campaign, with one exception.
Hon. J. A. Pickler was renominated for Congress, and in his speech of
acceptance declared his belief in woman suffrage and his regret that the
Republicans did not adopt it in their platform. He was warned by the
party leaders, but replied that he would advocate it even if he
imperilled his chances for election. He spoke in favor of the amendment
throughout his campaign and was elected without difficulty. His wife,
Alice M. Pickler, was one of the most effective speakers and workers
among the Dakota women and, although Mr. Pickler was a candidate, she
did not once speak upon Republican issues but confined herself wholly to
the question of woman suffrage. She was as true and courageous as her
husband. Although fair reports of the suffrage meetings were pub