aited to have the money in
hand, had she feared to take the chances, her work never would have
been done; and unless some one else had been developed who could and
would assume the risk and manage the business part of the State
campaigns, the progress of woman, slow as it has been, would have been
still longer delayed. The one ruling characteristic of her life ever
has been courage, moral and physical. There never have been hardships
which she feared to endure, never scorn, ridicule or abuse which she
did not dare face. While she might have risen to a high position and
commanded a large salary as teacher, or have lived at home in restful
comfort, she voluntarily chose the hardest field of work the world
offered, one shadowed with obloquy, holding out no prospect of money or
fame and no hope of success except through long and bitter conflict.

Soon after the Albany convention Lucy Stone wrote: "God bless you,
Susan dear, for the brave heart that will work on even in the midst of
discouragement and lack of helpers. Everywhere I am telling people what
your State is doing, and it is worth a great deal to the cause. The
example of positive action is what we need.... Does not Channing
deserve the blessing of all the race for his fidelity to the cause of
women? I believe he understands better than any others, unless it be
Higginson and Phillips, just what we need. Give my love and best wishes
to the household of faith." Channing, when she wanted him to preside at
a meeting, answered facetiously: "Napoleon will not be surprised that a
corporal of an awkward squad hesitates to appear in command where the
general-in-chief is present."

[Autograph:

Affectionately
Lucy Stone]

It was at the close of this Albany convention that Miss Anthony decided
to abandon the Bloomer costume. The subject had been occupying her
sleeping and waking hours for some time, and it was only after a long
and agonizing struggle that she persuaded herself to take the step. In
order to show how very serious a question this had been with the women,
it will be necessary to go into a somewhat detailed account of this
first movement toward dress reform.

The costume consisted of a short skirt and a pair of Turkish trousers
gathered at the ankle or hanging straight, and was made of ordinary
dress materials. It was first introduced at the various "water cures"
to relieve sick and delicate women, often rendered so by their
unhealthful mode of dress, an