The Washington herald., 1910-04-20

AS a climax 10 the stormiest session
the suffragists have had. Mrs. Rachel
Foster Avery. first vice president. and
Mrs. Harriet Taylor Upton, treasurer.
threw the national convention into a
tumult yesterday by rendering their res
ignations. No reason was given.
The designations came as a surprise 20
the convention. as both women were
elected at Fridays meeting. After con-
siderable discussion, they were persuaded
10 retain their positions for a month
longer in order that their successors
may be chosen.
Mrs. Upton's Statement.
Late last night Mrs. Upton gave out
this statement: THE position OF treas
urer is such a responsible one that
believe It should be held only by one
in accord with the administration" She
refused 10 give any further information.
Mrs. Frances Squire Potter. recording
secretary, was yesterday given recogni-
ton OF her work I'm the political settle
ment movement after a warm debate.
The refusal of President Anna Howard
Shaw 10 sign a statement Of appreci-
alton Of her work at Fridays meeting
caused the stormy debate that brought
about the star chamber" session yes
terday.
The utmost secrecy was kept as 10 the
proceedings OF yesterdays meeting, the
delegates being pledged on honor not to
disclose the deliberations and actions of
the body. The session lasted nearly two
hours, and at it's close President Anna
Howard Shaw was assisted from the plat
form % her room She was manifestly
distressed and overcome. She was able
90 preside at the final session last night
An official Explanation.
According to an official statement, the
trouble was started By q resolution pre-
scented by Miss n. cary Thomas. OF New
York, demanding recognition for Mrs
Potter's work I'm the political settlement
movement.
For a long time there has been a
wrangle between Mrs. O. II. 2. Belmont s
friends and Mrs Potter as 10 the origi-
nator Of the settlement work President
Shaw is said TO recognize Mrs. Belmont s
claim 20 the honor while other officers
side with Mrs Potter. Or. Shaw said
last night that she was not asked 20
indorse Mrs. Potter
The presentation OF the resolution pro-
voked immediate disorder. A score OF
women jumped to their feet demanding
recognition. and lively debate as TO the
propriety Of the resolution followed.
When the question was put the resolu-
ton passed The result was the cause
of jubilation among Mrs. Potters friends.
and their cheers were heard throughout
the hotel
The convention settled and Mrs. Avery
presented he~ resignation as first vice
president Her action was followed by
Mrs. Upton.
The convention was stunned by the
sudden move Of these officers, and il was
some time before the fun realization Of
their act dawned upon the members
Then another lively debate ensued. Plead
ing for them to reconsider their action
the delegates sought 10 have the reslg-
nations withdrawn. Finally, Miss Eliza
beth J. Hauser moved the acceptance al
the designations and her motion was
Overwhelmingly defeated After another
long discussion, Mrs. Avery and Mrs. I-p.
ton agreed to retain their Offices for an
other month.
Reporters Are Elected.
The meeting was then declared ad-
journed, There was evidently some mis-.
understanding as TO the status OF the
meeting. for reporters were elected by
several "militants" amid the shouts OF
Don't let the press in here. Put the
reporters OUT When the reporters were
deposited outside the portals. explanations