Evening star., 1902-02-12
DEMAND THE BALLOT
National Association Of Wo-
men Suffragists in Session.
PRESIDENTS ADDRESS
MR.. MACFARLAND EXTENDS
OFFICIAL WELCOME.
International Conference Elects Tenn
porary Oficers-The Proceedings Of
Afternoon Session.

Inc nrSt business OF the morning Win
the delegates to the National American
Woman's Suffrage Association was the
meeting Of the first international suffrage
conference, which was held in the Riggs
House pariors. 1t was called to order by
Mrs. Carrie Chapman Gait, as president
Of the association, which had invited the
conference. She asked for nominations for
officers for temporary organization. On
motion Of Mrs. Florence Fenwick Mil
Ter Of England Miss Susan B. Anthony was
elected chairman, amid applause. Miss
Anthony took the chair, saying 1t was two
years since she had presided over any
thing. Miss Vida Goldstein Of Australia. a
slender, graceful young woman with dark
eyes and hair was chosen secretary.
The roll call showed the following list Of
delegates:
England Mrs. Florence Fenwick Miller
formerly member of the London school
board and editor Of the Woman's SignaD.
Australia, Miss Vida Godste editor of
Womans Sphere.
Canada Mr.. James L. Hughes. Toronto.
Chile, Senorita Carolina Holman, Huido-
bro
Turkey Miss Florence Fensham dean of
the American College for Girls at Constan-
tinople
Russia. Mrs Sophia Levona Friedland
Norway, Mrs Gudrun Drewsen.
Sweden, Mrs. Emmy Eyald.
Germany, Fraulein Antonio Stole.
United States of America, Miss Susan B.
Anthony, Mrs. Rachel Foster Avery. Rev.
Anna H. Shaw, Mrs. Carrie Chapman Gait.
In order that the American delegates
might not have an undue preponderance it
was unanimously areed that each fogreign
country, even If it had only one delegate
here, should have four votes. 1t was also
decided that committee of five be ap-
pointed to consider a plan for forming an
International organization and report to the
next meeting Of the international confer
ence. Mrs. Miller, Miss Goldstein Fraulein
Stole, Mrs. Drewsen and Mrs. Rachel Fos-
ter Avery were chosen
Mrs. Avery Mrs. Evald and Miss Fensham
were made a committee to draft declara-
tion Of principles The next meeting Of the
international conference will be held at the
Riggs House from to 1890 next Friday
morning.
In Regular Session.
The National American Woman Suffrage
Association met in its thirty fourth annual
convention at the First Presbyterian
Church at 2:3O this afternoon A notable
body Of women gathered upon the platform
about the national president. Mrs. Carrie
Chapman Gait, and the large audience
present was evidently determined to ap-
prove and enjoy everything on the some
what lengthy program. Flags and flowers
were much in evidence as decorations, and
yellow stars, was prominent
Rev. John Van Schaick opened the con-
vention with prayer. after which Miss Eta
l.. Maddox Of Baltimore led in congrega-
tional singing.
The address of welcome was delivered by
Henry B. F. Macfarland, president OF the
board OF commissioners Of the District
of Columbia, who was warmly welcomed.
Commissioner Macfarland's Address.
Mr. Macfarland said:
ION behalf of the government Of the
District of Columbia 1 have the honor to
welcome you to the national capital. With
out regard to differing opinions as to your
cause. the District is glad to greet such a
distinguished gathering Of women. 1t Is
appropriate that you should meet here
from year to year, not only because this
Is the political heart Of the nation, not
only because Washington is the city to
which all the tribes come up, but because
there are here representatives Of all the
best elements Of our population, as we'll
as OF all the states of the Union, and there
fore broad and catholic spirit hospitable
to IDEAS and generous toward reforms.
Then. too like all Americans, you are
stockholders in the American capital. You
have the interest that all intelligent men
and women the country over have in its
upbuilding and Identification. You want
1t to be. doubt not, the best equipped ana
the most beautiful capital in the world.
You will inspect / hope, the artistic mod
els, photographs and sketches now on ex-
h1b1ttOn at the COrcOran Gallery OF Art, as
iHust atoms OF the splendid project Just
submitted by the Senate park commission
for the systematic development Of the park
system Of the District of Columbia, and will
share the general admiration for it ard the
general desire to see 1t carried out. Doubt
less you feel as much at home here-at
least we hope you do-as II you were all
residents.
The Cause, as Well.
Nevertheless we want to offer you Off
cfally a cordial welcome. Personally, well
come not only you, but your cause. In COM
mon, believe, with the majority of intelli-
gent men, I think that you have won your
case on the argument. Equal suffrage is
equal justice, and there Is no reason why
such women as you should be classed in
the states for any purposes with idiots and
criminals. Here In the District you would
not be, for we are all equal here before the
law, in respect Of the elective franchise,
though here as elsewhere the superiority
OF women is freely admitted by man.
"Whenever the majority of the intelligent
women OF the country ask for the ballot
they will get 1t outside Of the District of
Columbia, where we do not want the ballet
either for men or for women. All that the
| legislators want to know is that the women
Lot the country generally ask for It, and it