d all the
deliberations of the Committees and the discussions of the
Convention.

On motion of F. B. Sanborn, of Massachusetts, Judge J. B.
Bradwell, of Chicago, was chosen temporary Chairman, and on
motion of Mrs. Lucy Stone, Mrs. Mary F. Davis, of New Jersey, was
elected temporary Secretary. Upon taking the chair, Judge
Bradwell returned his thanks for the honor conferred upon him. It
was unnecessary for him to speak at length in regard to the
object of the meeting; it had been stated in the call read by
Mrs. Stone. He said they were met for the formation of an
American Woman Suffrage Association, which shall be represented
in every State of this great Nation; and not only every State,
but every city, town, and county from the Atlantic to the
Pacific, and from the Gulf of Mexico to Canada. On motion of Mr.
Sanborn a Committee on Credentials[180] was appointed by the
President. All State delegations were requested to report their
names to the Committee, and also to fill any vacancies which
might exist, if persons were present from their respective
States.

Pending the report of the Committee on Credentials, Mrs. Lucy
Stone presented letters from several persons[181] who had been
unable to attend the Convention, but desired to give expression
to their sympathy with its object. In a few preliminary remarks
she expressed the pleasure she felt at the sight of such a large
and intelligent audience at the first session of the Convention,
which many had supposed would be but merely a business meeting.
It was an evidence of the increasing interest which is being felt
upon the subject of woman suffrage. She alluded to the Convention
held in this city sixteen years ago, and was glad to see several
familiar faces which were present on that occasion. Mrs. H. M.
Tracy Cutler, of Cleveland, delivered an eloquent appeal for
women.

Judge Bradwell said that under the laws in some States the right
of woman to a certain degree of citizenship is acknowledged.
Foreign-born women may be naturalized, and even without the
consent of their husbands. In all probability Vermont will soon
confer upon woman the right of suffrage. In that State the women
considerably outnumber the men, and if some of them should move
to the West, they might say, "We v