The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1877-06-15

NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. ACTION AND FAVOR
ABLE MISUNDERSTANDING SPEECHES.
In pursuance to the call issued through
the columns of the Sentinel, the friends
of WOman's Suffrage of Union county
met at the NJ. E. Church, in La Grande,
on Saturday, May 10Th, at 2 o'clock.
The weather, which during the morn
ing bade fair to be lovely, suddenly
changed about noon, and a drenching
rain poured down in torrents during the
entire afternoon. This unlocked for ele-
mentary freak prevented many from at
tending, who were anxious to be pres
ent. Quite a large congregation, how
ever, had assembled before the descend
ing rain made it too disagreeable to
reach the church.
The meeting was called to order by
Mrs. DR.. Proebstel, and on motion, Mrs.
]. H. Hendershott, of Forest Cove, was
elected President. On motion of NJ. Ba-
ker, Esq, E. s. McComas was elected
Secretary.
Mrs. Hendershott stated the object of
the meeting to be for the purpose of
general consultation of the friends of
women, and to take into consideration
the best and most expeditions means of
laying before the approaching session
of Congress the claims of A merican citi-
zens to the elective franchise who are
now denied the grand privilege, merely
on account of sex. Mrs. Proebstel, also,
being called for, came forward and read
very able address, urging the claims
of her sex to the right to assist in max
ing laws to which they, like all others,
were required and expected to yield i'm
plIcit obedience, citing the uDjustness
of existing statutes in regard to widows,
and discussing the subject in a fair, i'm
partial and candid manner, which
seemed to carry conviction to the minds
of the hearers. Mrs. HenGershott being
called for, addressed the meeting at
some length, she, also, referring to
many changes in our statutes that she
considered far behind the requirements
of the age. Both of these speakers
evince much research and careful study
of the subject, and establish the fact
that they are fully capable of sustain
ing their opinions against the opposi-
tion of the best talent that can be ar
rayed against them in the community
in which they live. E. s. McComas,
by request, addressed the meeting, set
ting forth his views on the suffrage
question, after which NJ. Baker was
called to the stand. Mr.. Baker advo-
Gated the justness of the claims of wOm-
en- to the free and undisputed right to
the elective franchise, in an able, earn
est, eloquent and characteristically for
chile speech, which was well received
by the audience. Mrs. J. B. Eaton, Jr.,
being called for, addressed the meeting
logically, and displayed much ability
in promptly meeting arguments offered
by those who adhered to the negative
of the question under consideration. A.
G.. EdmOnds, also, delivered very elO-
quent argument in favor of the natural
right of women to participate in max
ing laws for the government of nations
and society, claiming that she has the
same natural rights as man, but that
she has been unjustly defrauded of the
right. Many others spoke briefly, as
surfing the society of their earnest SYM
pathy with the movement and willing
ness to cooperate and do all in their
power to advance the cause to the crown
ing point of success.
Among those who spoke earnestly in
favor of thorough and permanent organ
ization were, J. B. Eaton, Jr., Prof. J.
l.. Carter, Mrs. j. r. Ladd, Mrs. A.
Morrison, Mrs. J. L. Carter ct al.
On motion, Mrs. J. H. Hendershott,
Mrs. VIM. Proebstel, and E. S. McComas
were appointed a committee to prepare
constitution and bylaws for perma-
nent organization.
NJ. Baker moved that when this meet
ing adjourn, it adjourn to meet at the
call of the abOve-named eammittee both
as to time and place, which motion pre-
vailed.
On motion, the Sentinel was requested
to publish the proceedings of this meet
ing.
The next meeting will probably OCCUR
some time in June, at Union, of which
due notice will be given, and at which
it is hoped the friends in Union. county
will endeavor to be present.-Nountain
Sentinel.