the government under which they live. I can imagine none
better than that now accepted by a majority, I believe, of the
American people, namely, evidence of intelligence and the
possession of a certain degree of education and of character
evidenced by the acquirement of a modicum of property and the
payment of a minimum tax. It was for regulation of the full
suffrage in this manner that I contended in our constitutional
convention of 1898, to wit: the admission to the franchise of all
women possessing these qualifications. I still believe that this
would have afforded the best solution of our peculiar
difficulties and have spared us the un-American subterfuge of
"mother tongue" and "grandfather" clause. If a vote could have
been taken immediately after the notable address made by your
distinguished president before the convention, I feel confident
that women would have been admitted to the suffrage in this
State....

Keep ever in your mind that the professional politician is your
implacable enemy. To him an election is not a process for
ascertaining the will of the majority but a battle to be won by
any strategy whose maneuvers do not end within the walls of a
penitentiary. He knows that yours would be an uninfluenceable
vote, that you do not loaf on street corners or spend your time
in barrooms and he could not "get at" you; therefore he will
never consent to your enfranchisement until compelled by the
gathering force of public opinion; then, as usual, he will
probably undergo a sudden change of heart and be found in the
forefront of your line of battle.... Do not rely upon wise and
eloquent appeals to Legislatures and conventions. It is in the
campaigns for the election of the legislative bodies that you
should marshal your forces and use to the full the all-sufficient
influence with which your antagonists credit you. Secure the
election of men who do not give up to party all that was meant
for mankind and your pleas are not so likely to be heard in vain.

The nomination and election of officers, both by secret ballot, were
almost unanimous and no change was made. A cordial letter was received
from Miss Clara Barton. Fraternal greetings from the Baltimore Yearly
Meeting of Friends (Quakers) were given by Mrs. Mary Bentley Thomas
(Md.); from the Supreme Hive