ws:

We have not a ghost of a show for success. Our cause can be
compared with the work of prohibition, always remembering ours is
the more unpopular. Last year the Methodist church led off in State
conference and declared for prohibition. It was followed by every
other church, except the German Lutheran and Catholic, even the
Scandinavian Lutherans voting largely for it. Next the Republican,
the strongest party, stood for it, because if they did not it meant
a party break. The Farmers' Alliance were solid for it. The
leaders were put to work, a large amount of money was collected and
representative men went out in local campaigns. It was debated on
the street, and men of influence converted those of weaker minds.

Now what have we? 1st.--The Lutherans, both German and
Scandinavian, and the Catholics are bitterly opposed. The
Methodists, our strongest friends everywhere else, are not so here.
2d.--We have one party openly and two others secretly against us.
3d.--While this county, for instance, gave $700 to prohibition, it
gives $2.50 to suffrage and claims that for hall rent, the amount
then not being sufficient. 4th.--When I suggested to the committee
to start a vigorous county campaign and get men of influence to go
out and speak, they did not know of one man willing to face the
political animosities it would engender.

With the exception of the work of a few women, nothing is being
done. We have opposed to us the most powerful elements in the
politics of the State. Continuing as we are, we can't poll 20,000
votes. We are converting women to "want to vote" by the hundreds,
but we are not having any appreciable effect upon the men. This is
because men have been accustomed to take new ideas only when
accompanied by party leadership with brass bands and huzzahs. We
have a total lack of all. Ours is a cold, lonesome little movement,
which will make our hearts ache about November 5. We must get
Dakota _men_ in the work. They are not talking woman suffrage on
the street. There is an absolute indifference concerning it. We
need some kind of a political mustard plaster to make things
lively. We are appealing to justice for success, when it is
selfishness that governs mankind....

The campaign was continued, however, with all the zeal and ability whic