this
testimonial, but she was very happy that evening when the spacious
parlors were crowded with the leading men and women of the day.
Although her opinions and methods had been many times attacked by the
newspapers, they now united in cordial congratulations. The New York
World, in a long account, thus described the affair:

A large number of friends and admirers of the private virtues and
public services of Miss Anthony assembled at the Woman's Bureau in
Twenty-third street last evening to congratulate the lady upon this
auspicious anniversary, and to wish her the customary "many happy
returns of the day." The parlors were dazzling with light, the
atmosphere laden with perfume, the walls covered with beautiful
works of art, and the sweet sounds of women's laughter and silvery
voices filled the apartments. Miss Susan B. Anthony stood at the
entrance of the front parlor to receive her numerous friends. She
wore a dress of rich shot silk, dark red and black, cut square in
front, with a stomacher of white lace and a pretty little cameo
brooch. All female vanities she rigorously discarded--no hoop,
train, bustle, panier, chignon, powder, paint, rouge, patches, no
nonsense of any sort. From her kindly eyes and from her gentle
lips, there beamed the sweetest smiles to all those loving friends
who, admiring her really admirable efforts in the cause of human
freedom, her undaunted heroism amid a dark and gloomy warfare, were
glad to press her hand and show their appreciation of her character
and achievements.

Every daily paper in the city had some pleasant comment, while scores
of loving and appreciative letters were received. Accompanying these
were many beautiful gifts and also checks to the amount of $1,000.[52]

[Illustration:

SUSAN B. ANTHONY
AT THE AGE OF 50, FROM A PHOTOGRAPH BY SARONY.]

After the guests had assembled, Isabella Beecher Hooker announced that
Anna T. Randall would read a poem written for the occasion by Phoebe
Gary.[53] She was followed by Mrs. Hooker, who read some delightfully
humorous verses from her husband, John Hooker, dedicated to Miss
Anthony. There were more poetical tributes, recitations by Sarah Fisher
Ames and other well-known elocutionists, and then a call for the
recipient of all these honors. Miss Anthony stepped forward, completely
overwhelmed and, after stammering her thanks for the unexpected ovati