Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1912-11-15
WOMAN SUFFRAGE
CONVENTION
Forty-fourth Annual Ses-
sion to Be Held
Nov. 21-26.

fourth annual convention Of the
Il National Woman Suffrage asso-
citation viii he held In Phila-
delphia Nov 2i-26 inclusive, brings
with it the recollection that a Phila-
delphla 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, \. 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-slayery agitation was at its
height In 1928 the Grmke sisters.
daughters of distinguished judge Of
the supreme court of South Carolina,
becoming imbued with the spirit Of
freedom, enancpated their slaves,
came north and by their impassioned
speeches succeeded In arousing public
sentiment IN behalf of abolition. Gar
rison soon entered the contest, and the
American Anti,slayery society was
formed.
From the beginning women were
prominently identified with the move
ment, aud the names of Lucretia Mott
and many others soon became widely
known. The whole question of hui
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 womens right to
take public part in the movement was
carried to the worlds antl-slavery
convention IN London in 1910. which
refused to recognize the women dele
gates from the United States, who in
Guided Lucretia Mott and Mrs. Wen
dell Phillips. 1t was at this time that
Mrs. Mott and Mrs. Elizabeth Cady
Stanton, bride, decided that on their
return to the United States they would
organize 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 coteric Of think
ers in Boston, in her writings and semi
public addresses in 1910 demanded po-
litica rights for women. In 1915 Rev.
Samuel j. May, a leader Of thought in
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
err In 1917 Lucy Stone, just gradual
ed from OberIin college, began speak
ing on womans rights. Soon after
ward Lucretia Mott published Dis
course on Woman in answer to lee
ture which Richard H. 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
aud 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, y. y. aud decided to carry
out the long cherished idea.
The following notice was circulated:
WoMAN's RIGHTS CONVENTION.
a convention to discuss the social, civil
and religious coalition and rights of wo-
men VIII be held ia the Wesleyan chapel.
Seneca Fails n. y. ON Wednesday and
Thursday, the 18th and Goth Of July. cur
rent, commencing al 70 O'Clock a. m Dur
ing the first day the meeting win be ex-
clusively 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
other ladies and gentlemen viii address
the r0uVeutigp