Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1873-10-30
Report from the Maine Woman Suf-
frase Association.

To Col. T. ". Higginson. Chairman Of the
american W0ndn Suffrage Association.
The Maine Woman Suffrage Association.
organized at Augusta on the 29th aud 30th
OF last January, owes its existence. in 4
great degree. 10 the perseyering and Wen
derfully effective labors of Mrs. Margaret
W. Campbell. Assisted By her husband.
she began in October. 1872, to speak in the
towns and cities of this State. Hundreds
of witnesses attest the fact that where she
succeeded in obtaining fair hearing "A
lively interest was excited. especially
among the women 10 whom she appealed.
There are several towns of considerable
size where she left substantial unanimity
in favor of really democratic franchise
Accordingly. after the meeting of the
Legislature in January. the times were
ripe for the organization OF permanent
society under whose direction the work
might be continued. \ Convention was
called with this purpose in view. which
was very largely attended. 4 State
Society was organized. auxiliary 10 the
American Woman Suffrage Association.
Lucy Stone. Julia Ward Howe, Margaret
W. Campbell, Miss Eastman. Joshua Nye.
W. y. Whitehouse, Rev. Mr. Adams and
Rev. Mr.. Kinds We're the principal speak
ers. variety of causes have somewhat
impaired the usefulness and activity of the
Association. and it has not given so much
practical aid in promoting the growth Of
right popular feeling as was expected
But it serves for beginning. Under its
auspices Mrs. Campbell was heard by the
Judiciary Committee of the Legislature
OH the subject of resolve in favor of
striking the word male from the Consti-
tuition. The committee was largely made
up OF conservative lawyers. and a majority
reported adversely. But minority, con-
sisting of Mr.. Dingley, Governor-elect of
Maine. Senator Chaplin and Mr.. Titcomb
of Augusta, reported the resolve. and their
report was substituted for that OF the
majority in the House by vote of "a to
SO. and in the Senate by vote of IL to H.
But being afterwards put on its passage
the resolve was defeated, twO-thirds
vote being required to sdbmit to the peo-
pie proposed change in the Constitution.
But on the decisive vote it barely failed of
majority in each House.
Mrs. Campbell resumed her labors in the
state some weeks ago. meeting with very
gratifying success. though unhappily
forced TO rely largely on her own energy
and perseverance in all her movements.
l believe there is no field in which the
friends of Woman Suffrage can work with
so reasonable a probability of immediate
success as Maine. Though the lack Of
prominent and energetic leaders gives the
appearance Of apathy, yet the masses of
the people are widely indoctrinated with
liberal opinions. The fact that nearly
one-half the members Of two successive
Maine Legislatures have voted for Woman
Suffrage, shows how strong hold the re-
form movement has quietly obtained.
There is no doubt but that II the American
Association would consent to concentrate,
to some degree. its efforts on this field.
with definite purpose to have the expert
meit tried in one State at an early day,
the women of Maine would vote for
electors of President and Vice-President
in 1876. even il the power to vote at State
elections were not at once conferred. For
the Legislature may clothe women with
the power to vote for President by q
simple majority vote, no amendment Of
the Constitution being required.
GEORGE CLIFFORD,
Corresponding Secretary of Maine Woman
Suffrage Association.
Vassaltoro, Oct. 6.