from the mere machinery of the
society, I do not withdraw from the cause, nor abate my
hopes of its success and my conviction of the justice of its
aims. On the contrary, with every year I feel increasing
confidence that the ultimate forms of civilized society will
surely include women in its political management. I am not
so sanguine of the nearness of the day when a woman's vote
must be calculated by political assemblies as many are, but
little by little the cause will gain and ultimately the
result is certain. I wish you an enthusiastic meeting, a
harmonious adjustment of all affairs, and a prosperous
future.

I am very truly yours, HENRY WARD BEECHER.

The Committee on Resolutions[189] reported later. The first four
resolutions were unanimously adopted, the fifth, after full
discussion, was rejected by a vote of 112 1-3 to 47 2-3.

MR. HENRY B. BLACKWELL offered the following resolution:

_Resolved_, That the American Woman Suffrage Association
heartily invites the cooperation of all individuals and all
State societies who feel the need of a truly National
Association on a delegated basis, which shall avoid side
issues, and devote itself to the main question of suffrage.
Adopted unanimously.

The American Woman Suffrage Association held its semi-annual
meeting in Steinway Hall, New York, May 10, 1871. A large
audience had already gathered when the Convention was called to
order, which was constantly increased during the morning session,
until between 800 and 1,000 persons were in attendance. In the
absence of the President of the Association, Mrs. H. M. Tracy
Cutler, Mrs. M. A. Livermore was called to the chair. She read
the following letter from Mrs. Cutler:

_To the American Woman Suffrage Association, Steinway Hall
New York:_

With much self-denial on my part, I remain far from your
semi-annual gathering. But in heart I am with you, partaking
in your deliberations, and recounting the advances since our
meeting one year ago. Mrs. Dr. Patten, wife of the editor of
the _Advance_, who believes and does far better than he
would make us believe through his paper, is president of