f the Executive Committee, gave a long and
deeply interesting report. Mr. BLACKWELL read the following
letters:

MRS. LUCY STONE:--_Dear Madam_--I should be glad to meet
with you at St. Louis and to add my testimony to that of the
noble band, who, after so long a conflict for another step
in the advance of humanity, seem on the eve of seeing their
wishes fulfilled. I have never been sanguine as to the near
and rapid accomplishment of the admission of women to the
right and duty of suffrage, but I have never doubted of its
ultimate accomplishment, because I believe that every
movement, founded in justice and wisdom, will at length
prevail. The cause of woman suffrage never seemed to me more
worthy of the consideration of thoughtful men than now. What
it has suffered, all causes that strike at deep principles
must expect to suffer in their early history. And it has
been relieved of its hindrances sooner than might have been
expected. The action of political conventions, State and
National, has been significant. If the articles on suffrage
are vague as to principle, they are striking as the record
of the conclusions of observant politicians in respect to
the currents and tendencies of the public mind. They felt
the need of saying something, and if they did it
reluctantly, it is all the more significant. While then I
can not be with you personally, I am with you in sympathy,
and in the firm faith of the justice of your cause and of
its final victory. Very truly yours,

BROOKLYN, _November 9, 1872_. HENRY WARD BEECHER.

_My Dear_ MRS. HOWE _and_ LUCY STONE:--I am sorry that I
must decline your kind invitation to attend the annual
meeting of the American Woman Suffrage Association at St.
Louis. I am too old (approaching seventy-six) and infirm to
make long journeys. Let woman be of good cheer. She will not
have to wait for the ballot much longer. The arguments are
unanswerable and will soon be crowned with success. Allow me
to send you the enclosed twenty-five dollars toward
defraying the expenses of the meeting. With great regard,
Your friend,