The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1912-11-09

WOMAN SUFFRAGE
CONVENTION
Forty-fourth Annual Ses-
sion to Be Held
Nov. 21-26.

"N1 liz announcement t1aC the IOrty-
fourth annual convention of the
n National Woman Suffrage asso-
citation will be held in Phila
delphia Nov. 21-26, inclusive, brings
with it the recollection that a Phila-
delphia woman, Lucretia Mott, was
one OF the four women who called the
first equal rights convention ever held
In the world The place chosen for
the unique gathering was Seneca
Falls, n. Y, the home of Elizabeth
Cady Stanton; the time was July,
1913, sixty-four years ago
The cause of woman suffrage in the
United States took definite shape when
the anti-slavery agitation was at its
height. In 1928 the Grimke sisters.
daughters of distinguished judge of
the supreme court of South Carolina.
becoming imbued with the spirit OF
freedom, emancipated their slaves,
cane north and 10y their impassioned
speeches succeeded in arousing public
sentiment in behalf of abolition. Gar
rison soon entered the contest. and the
American Anti-slavery society was
formed
From the beginning women We're
prominently identified with the move
ment, and the names of Lucretia Mott
and many others soon became widely
known. The whole question of hu-
man rights was thoroughly canvass
ed and women soon began to take
part in the business meetings and
public debates, which aroused violent
opposition, and in 1899 the society was
rent in twain. The half that sustain
ed the rights of the women comprised
Garrison, Phillips, Pierpont. Pillsbury,
Thompson, Foster, Stanton, Gerrit
Smith-nearly all those who carried
the abolition to success.
The question of women's right to
take public part i'm the movement was
carried TO the worlds anti-slavery
convention in London In 1910, which
refused TO recognize the women dele
gates from the United States, who in
cluded Lucretia Mott and Mrs. Wen
dell Phillips. 1t was at this time that
Mrs Mott and Mrs. Elizabeth Cady
Stanton, a bride, decided that on their
return to the United States they would
organize a movement especially for
the rights of women.
Soon there began to be signs OF an
awakening on the part of women In
various sections of the Union. Mar
garet Fuller. one of a coterie of think
ers In Boston, in her writings and semi
public addresses I'm 1910 demanded po-
litical rights for women In 1916 Rev.
Samuel j. May, a leader of thought I'm
New York state, preached a sermon In
his church in Syracuse declaring that
the wrongs of women could not be
redressed until they had political pow
er. In 1S47 Lucy Stone, just gradual
ed from Oberlin college, began speak
ing on woman's rights. Soon after
ward Lucretia Mott published dis
course on Woman" in answer to lee
ture which Richard III. Dana was CIV
ing In many cities ridiculing the idea
Of political equality for women. In
many parts Of the country women be-
gan to give lectures for the purpose Of |
promoting the rights of women.
1t was not until 1S4S, however, that |
the resolution made by Lucretia Mott
and Elizabeth Cady Stanton in London
was put into effect. In the summer OF |
that year they met at the home of Mrs.
Motifs sister, Mrs. Martha G. Wright,
In Auburn, N. Y, and decided to carry
out the long cherished idea.
The following notice was circulated: |
wOMAN'S RIGHTS CONVENTION.
A convention to discuss the social, civfl |
and religious condition and rights Of wo-
men will be held In the Wesleyan chapel,
Seneca Falls, N. Y, on Wednesday and
Thursday, the 10th and 10th of July. cur |
rent, commencing at 10 o'clock a. m. Dur |
ing the first day the meeting will be ex-
for women. who are earnestly
invited to attend. The public generally /
is invited to attend on the second day.
when Lucretia Mott Of Philadelphia and l
other ladies and gentlemen will address |
the convention.