e in their
bearings on this question. Letters were read from Elizabeth Cady
Stanton, Clarina Howard Nichols, and Amelia Bloomer.

Mr. MAY, on rising, said: The sudden and unjustifiable repeal of
the License Law of 1846, changed the face of the community, which
had everywhere brightened with new hope under the brief but
salutary operation of that law. That repeal, which it was
indecorous if not presumptuous in the representatives of the
people to make, seeing the law had been enacted directly by the
people in their primary assemblies; that repeal brought back all
the evils of intemperance aggravated by the successful efforts
which had been openly and covertly made to break down the
barriers which the law of 1846 had set up. The flood-gates of
this loathsome vice were slammed open, as if never to be shut
again. What I have seen and heard since I came to the capital,
has encouraged me not a little. I have met with gentlemen from
all parts of the State, who seem to be convinced that the people
are ready for the passage of a stringent law similar to that
which has recently gone into operation in Maine.

But I am particularly encouraged that the women of the State have
made an especial and somewhat novel movement in this behalf. It
has in all ages of the world been ominous when the women of a
country have come out of the retirement they generally choose, to
take a public part in the affairs of the State. What if this
Convention be not a large one, it is significant nevertheless. I
could cite you to a reform in our own country which commenced
with less than twelve individuals twenty years ago, and now that
reform has drawn into its vortex all the living spirits in the
land, and has created an agitation of the public mind that will
never be quelled until Slavery is buried out of sight forever. If
the women of New York will act up to the noble sentiments that
have been expressed in the addresses and letters written by women
to this Convention, great and glorious results must follow. And
there are especial reasons why women should be earnest in this
cause. Their sex, though not so much addicted as ours to the use
of intoxicating drinks, suffers more from the effects of the
evil. To them it is the destruction of all domestic peace, the
wreck of all conjugal