ves from about twenty States, and the deepest
interest was manifested through all the sessions, increasing to
the end[112]. On the morning of the Convention the business
committee assembled in the ante-room of Carroll Hall, to discuss
resolutions, officers, etc. As Senator Pomeroy, of Kansas, was
present, it was decided that he should open the meeting and
preside as long as his public duties would permit. This gave us
assurance of a healthy repose in the chair, which greatly helps
to take off the chill in opening a convention. After a grave
discussion of resolutions, permanent officers, etc., Mr. Pomeroy
led the way to the platform, called the meeting to order, and
made an able speech, taking the broad ground that as suffrage is
a natural, inalienable right, it must, of necessity, belong to
every citizen of the republic, black and white, male and female.
Mrs. Mott was chosen President, resolutions were reported, and
when everything was in fine working order (except the furnace)
Mr. Pomeroy slipped off to his senatorial duties, to watch the
grand Kansas swindle now on the tapis, and to protect, if
possible, the interests of the people.

Whatever elements or qualities combine to render any popular
convention every way successful, were most felicitously blended
in this gathering in Washington. In numbers, interest,
earnestness, variety and especially ability, there was surely
little left to be desired. As to numbers in attendance, from
Maine, California, and all the way between, it is sufficient to
say that although the first session was most encouragingly large,
there was a constant increase till the last evening, when the
spacious hall was crowded in every part, until entrance was
absolutely impossible, long before people ceased coming. Of the
interest in the proceedings, it may be said that it was proposed
to hold three sessions each day, with a brief recess at noon. But
twelve o'clock and all o'clock were forgotten, and the day
session continued until after four; the only regret seeming then
to be that there were not more hours, and that human nature had
not greater power of endurance.

The harmony that prevailed was all that could reasonably have
been expected (if not even desired), considering the nature of
the questions in hand, and