ost distinguished men to speak
on the woman suffrage platform, and Henry Wilson writes from the
chamber of the Vice-President his regrets that he can not accept her
invitation. Benjamin F. Butler replies: "As a rule I have refused to
take part in any convention in the District of Columbia about any
matter which might come before Congress. I have gone farther out of my
way in that regard in the matter of woman suffrage than in any other.
Having given evidence that I am most strongly committed to the
legality, propriety and justice of granting the ballot to woman, I do
not see how I can add anything to it. Hoping that your cause may
succeed, I have the honor to be, very truly yours."

Her cousin, Elbridge G. Lapham, M. C., of New York, says in a letter:
"I am persuaded the time is fast hastening when woman will be accorded
the exercise of the right your association demands. With that secured,
many other advantages, now denied, will surely and speedily follow. I
can see no valid objection to the right of suffrage being conferred,
while there are many and very cogent reasons in favor of it. As has
been said, you may go on election day to the most degraded elector you
can find at the polls, who would sell his vote for a dollar or a dram,
and ask him what he would take for his _right to vote_ and you couldn't
purchase it with a kingdom."

[Autograph: Elbridge G. Lapham]

She found it possible even to interview the President of the United
States on this question. During a conversation with General Grant one
day on Pennsylvania Avenue, she said, "Well, Mr. President, what are
you going to do for woman suffrage?" In a hearty, pleasant way he
answered, "I have already done more for women than any other President,
I have recognized the right of 5,000 of them to be postmasters." There
were always distinguished men to champion this cause, but the chief
drawback was expressed in a letter from that staunch supporter, Hon.
A.G. Riddle, in 1874:

There is not, I think, the slightest hope from the courts; and just
as little from politicians. They never will take up this cause,
never! Individuals will, parties never--till the thing is done. The
Republicans want no new issues or disturbing elements. The
Democrats are certain that the Republicans are about to dissolve;
and they want to hold on as they are. Both think this thing may,
perhaps will come, but now is not the time; and with both, there
never w