wrote: "The Democrats have now abandoned their old
dogmas and accepted those of the Republicans, while the latter have
stepped up higher to labor reform and woman suffrage. Forney's
editorial in the Philadelphia Press of July 11 states positively that
the woman suffrage cause is espoused by the Republican party. I tell
you the Fort Sumter gun of our war is fired, and we will go on to
victory almost without a repulse from this date." But Mrs. Stanton
could not share in her optimism, and replied: "I do not feel jubilant
over the situation; in fact I never was so blue in my life. You and Mr.
Blackwell write most enthusiastically, and I try to feel so and to see
that the 'Philadelphia splinter' is something. Between nothing and
that, there is no choice, and we must accept it. With my natural pride
of character, it makes me feel intensely bitter to have my rights
discussed by popinjay priests and politicians, to have woman's work in
church and State decided by striplings of twenty-one, and the press of
the country in a broad grin because, forsooth, some American matrons
choose to attend a political convention. Now do I know how Robert
Purvis feels when these 'white mules' turn round their long left ears
at him. But let the Democrats and Liberals do what they may, the cat
will mew, the dog will have his day. Dear friend, you ask me what I
see. I am under a cloud and see nothing."

Under date of August 19, Henry Wilson wrote Miss Anthony: "Your
cheerful and cheering note came to me in Indiana. In great haste I can
only say that I like its spirit, believe in its doctrines, and will
call the attention of the Republican committees, both national and New
York, to your suggestions, and trust and believe that much good may
result from carrying into effect its suggestions."

On July 16 Miss Anthony had received a telegram from Washington to come
at once for a conference with the Republican committee. Her sister and
mother were very ill and she would not leave them, even for such a
summons. On the 24th another telegram came, but it was not until the
29th that she felt safe in leaving the invalids. When she reached
Washington, the chairman of the committee said: "At the time we sent
our first telegram we were panic-stricken and had you come then, you
might have had what you pleased to carry out your plan of work among
the women; but now the crisis has passed and we feel confident of
success; nevertheless, we will be glad of your co-op