The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-02-14
MRS. Gait their Choice
Woman Suflragists Unanimously
Elect Her President.
Mrs. Blake withdraws From the Con-
tc>t-The Eastern Contingent Dis
appointcd-susnu II. Anthony E"-
rolled Among the Honorary Presid-
ing ofgcer--Thc Sessions To-day.


Small groups of women were scattered
throughout the vast auditorium OF the
Church of Our Father yesterday before tie
opening of the afternoon session of the
Woman's Suffrage Association, and dis
cussed the merits and shortcomings Of tie
arguments OF the "remonsti ants as OF
fered at the Congressional hearings yester-
day morning. 1t seemed 10 be the prevail
ing opinion, however that the Congress
sonal committees did not treat the SUI
fragists fairly in not permitting them to
refute what they termed the many m sead-
ing and false statements made by the re
inons,rants" in their addresses. The
women of the Suffrage Association feel
eiated, however. at the weak argument
made by their opponents, and say that thsy
have done more toward the cause of sui
frage by coming to the hearings and say
ing against suffrage what they did than ii
they had stayed away
The afternoon session convened at >
o'clock, and was called to order by Miss
Va AhN
sessions were read and adopted.
Miss Anthony appointed as chairman of
teliers for the election of officers Mis-
Harriet May Mills, of New York. with the
following assistants: Helen Hammon Butt.
Mississippi: Mrs. II. Burgess. Maine; Mrs.
Ella Bell. Ohio; Mrs. Ida Porter Boyer.
Pennsylvania: Mrs. Haskell. Kansas: Mrs.
Helen Shaw, Massachusetts,; Mrs. Hack
staff. New York. and Miss Holden. OF
Louisiana. Mrs. Boyer not being present,
Miss Moser James was appointed TO ael in
her place.
Miss Anthony then announced that the
three women who stand highest In the in
formal vote will be the candidates aud
their names will be presented for election
as officers.
Mrs. Blake asked the privilege OF a per-
sonal explanation. She said that for long
time past she had received words OF love
and encouragement from all parts OF the
country for which she now wished 10
press her heartfelt thanks. Concluding.
she said And / now desire TO Withdraw
my name from consideration at your eiec-
ton"
Mrs. Blake's withdrawal has caused con-
siderable disappointment and concern 20
Rev. Anna Howard Shaw announced that
the first ONCE to be voted for was presi-
dent. and the tellers proceeded to collect
the informal votes for nomination. The
same course WAS pursued with respect to
all other Offices TO be voted for.
She then recited the circumstances OF the
hearing before the judiciary Committee OF
the House. She paid tribute TO the Chair
man of the committee. MIR. Ray. who not
only treated the Suffragists with all due
respect. but with Kindness
A resolution was carried TO instruct the
secretary TO cast the ballot for presiden
for Mrs. Carrie Chapman Gait, which Was
done accordingly by the secretary. Rev.
Shaw appointed Miss Anthony TO conduct
Mrs. Gait to the platform.
Mrs. Gait made a charming address of
thanks, saying that the honors connected
with the Office are not anything like its
responsibilities. She said that she had
never been an aspirant for the Office bur
that she had been importuned by her many
friends to allow her name to stand for the
presidency She reluctantly consented. and
she desired now to thank them for the hon
ors bestowed upon her. She said thai Miss
Anthony is greater than the association
and would never have successor. She
could never attempt to do as much no mat
ter how she may exert her endeavors a.
Miss Anthony had done. Miss Anthony
Mrs. Gait said, was at the head OF the as
ISOLATION not only as president, but also
with her whole individuality
Mrs. Rachel Foster Avery moved 10
make Susan B. Anthony honorary president
OF the association. which was done the
whole audience rising TO their feet with
the exception of Mrs. Hay a member OF
the California delegation.
Miss Anthony thanked and said she was
proud and happy TO have her name appear
under that of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, her
illustrious predecessor
The election of officers was then rTo-
ceeded with, the following being elected:
Rev. Anna Howard Shaw, Vice President.
Mrs. Avery, Corresponding Secretary: Alice
Stone Blackwell, Recording Secretary:
Mrs. Harriet Taylor Upton. Treasurer;
Laura Clay and Catherine MeCulloch.
Auditors.
resolution was passed TO convey a
vote OF thanks to the Congressional COM
mittees for having granted the hearings
Alice Stone Blackwell offered a resolu-
ton. which was adopted, condemning the
statements made by the remonstraniS be-
fore the Congressional committees. The
resolution was later ordered to be print ed
The large auditorium was taxed last
night 10 It's utmost cdiaClty. ana the diSleS
were thronged with men and women anN
icus to catch a glimpse OF the newly
elected president Mrs. Carrie Chapman
Gait. The programme was very attiac-
tive one and was also responsible for the
large attendance OF members, friends. and
remonstrantc.
Loud applause greeted Miss Anthony
when she stepped to the front of the pla,-
form and declared the session opened. She
presented as the first speaker of the even
ing Mabel Loomis Todd, of Massachusetts
whose theme. The Village Beautiful -
was ably handled and elected much APP
piause.
Grace Greenwood Lippincott, who de-
clared that she was mot a young convert
TO the cause. made happy address,
teeming with witticism, and was followed
by A. lmogene Paul. one of the women
superintendent of the Chicago street
cleaning department. who talked upon the
! nature Of her employment.
Nine. Sofia Lvoona Friedland spoke OF
1.-THE Russian Woman" most felicitously.
Mrs. Cornwall. OF Colorado, spoke on the
beneficial results OF woman suffrage ia
Colorado. aud May Wright SeWall. the
President of the International Council OF
Women. spoke al length on the tyranny of
the majority.
Interesting sessions will he held today,
beginning at 10 a. m, the feature OF the
evening being the address of Harriet
stanton Blatch. of England, on War and
the Work OF Women"
The celebration OF Susan r. Anihony's
l. l.