Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-01-30
Woman's Suffrage Convention.

The numerously signed call for O State
Convention for the formation of Woman's
Suffrage Association met with an enthusiastic
response at Granite Hall last evening, the
hall being perfectly packed, and extra seats
being put in. There were large number
present from different parts of the State, and
the audience was about equally divided be-
| tween the sexes. Some ladies and gentlemen
took seats on the platform.
The convention was called to order by
Hon. J. J. Eyeleth.
Mr.. Eveleth said he understood that the OF
ioct of the convention was the discussion OF
the right of woman to the ballot. He then
read the call, with some Of the names at
tached thereto.
In order to effect the organization, he nom
mated Hon. Joshua Nye as President of the
convention. Mr.. Nye came forward and
thanked the convention for the honor con-
ferred. He did indeed esteem it an honor to
be associated with the noble men and women
Of the land. Had from his youth been en-
listed in the cause for which the meeting is
held The longer he lived, the more was he
convinced of the just claims of woman to the
ballot. Thought we had reason to thank
God for the progress that has been made in
the right direction, and the full triumph can
not be far off.
Rev. Mr.. Quinby offered prayer.
G.. l.. Snow OF Rockland was made secreta-
ry.
The following committee on finance was
appointed: Mrs. NJ. w. Campbell, Mrs. C.
4 nn nv Mrs w kr-
Mrs. Crossman.
Mrs. Campbell of Boston was the first
speaker. She said that just half of the peo-
pie are now represented in the government.
Wanted the careful and prayerful attention of
those present to consideration of facts of vital
interest that would be discussed during the
session.
Miss Eastman of Lowell, Mass, was the
next speaker, who said the question really
was, ought women to want to vote? What
will be gained by it?-~hat will be lost?
Some thought this movement to abolish
women altogether. Some object and say that
woman will be out of her sphere. Who can
define a woman's sphere? 1t never has been
done. She then considered 'womans sphere"
in different countries, showing that the ideal
sphere cannot be found.
The centre of this sphere is to be found in
woman's nature, and varys with every differ
ent nature. Woman is not fitted to vote, say
some. This objection she turned to ridcule
by citing some of the ineapacities of the male
sex. But then woman is for enumeration
But man has not been able to support her in
that position. This creature, designed for
ornamentation, washing, sewing, sweeping!
The men talk of supporting their wives. 1t
never seems to occur to them that she earns
anything. 1t would create discord in the
family, says one. What only one person of
authority in your home? then it is tropic
seattle calm OF to-day succeeded by the tor
nado tomorrow She then considered the
against women. She claimed that women
could represent herself and her property bet
ter than any one else could do it for her.
Those who have taken steps in advance in
this great movement have been the means Of
swinging open the college doors to woman,
opening the various avenues of trade and
business, and giving to her rights that before
were denied her.
The expression that ''yoting does not
amount to much any way" was considered.
The ballot is great safeguard. Without it,
justice to her is impossible. They ought to
vote as a means of education. Woman must
lie weighed with the responsibility of the bal
lot, to give up the foolish fashions that de-
stroy. Woman needs the ballot for protec
ton.
She closed with an eloquent allusion to the
noble sacrifices of Florence Nightingale, and
urged that they showed woman's capacities
for larger field than they now occupy. She
drew beautiful picture of the home of the
future when woman has claimed and entered
into the full enjoyment of all her rights.
The convention then adjourned.
AT ten O'Clock this morning there will be a
meeting at the same place for the organiza-
ton of Womans Suffrage Association.
There will also be meetings this afternoon at
2 l-2 o'clock, and this evening at 1.o
o'clock. Julia Ward Howe and Lucy Stone
will positively be present.