nd license; hence there had been a steadily increasing
defection in the Whig ranks, that cost Clay his election in 1844, and
Scott in 1852.

Mr. Pierce's administration, beginning in 1853, was a period of great
political overturning. Innumerable small office-holders being thrown
out of employment, and feeling hostile to all "isms," as the
opposition designated the reforms of the day, they became a
troublesome element in our Conventions.

To avoid this class in organizing "The Woman's Temperance Society," it
was decided to enroll men as members, but not to allow them to vote
and hold office. They were permitted to attend the meetings, talk, and
contribute money, but they were to have no direct power. On this basis
the Society was formed, and maintained its integrity one year.
However, as the justice of such discrimination on the ground of sex
was questionable, and some women and many men refused to unite with a
Society thus prescriptive, the Constitution was amended, and men
admitted to full membership.

FIRST ANNUAL MEETING OF THE WOMAN'S STATE TEMPERANCE SOCIETY.

ROCHESTER, JUNE 1 and 2, 1853.

_The Rochester Advertiser_ gives the following report: In
Corinthian Hall yesterday, at ten o'clock, a large audience
assembled. The Society was called to order by Mrs. E. C. Stanton,
who said if any one present desired to offer vocal prayer, there
was now an opportunity. Prayer was then offered by a young man in
one of the side seats. The platform was occupied by Mrs. Stanton,
Emily Clark, Lucy Stone, Mrs. Vaughan, Dr. Harriot Hunt, Mrs.
Nichols, Mrs. Fish, Mrs. Albro, Mrs. Alling, Elizabeth C. Wright,
and Mrs. Lydia F. Fowler.

The attendance at this opening session is much larger this year
than last, and a more hopeful spirit prevails. There are several
of the notabilities of the Woman's Rights cause present, and a
fair sprinkling of Bloomers is scattered through the audience.
There were many out, attracted by curiosity, though probably the
most are earnest friends of the Society. The proceedings were of
a deeply interesting character, both from their novelty and their
importance. After the prayer was concluded, Mrs. Stanton gave her
opening address, as follows:

MRS. STANTON'S ADDRESS.

A little more than one year ago, in this same hall, we formed the
first Woman