y, president of the National Association, Mrs. Carrie Chapman
Catt, chairman of its organization committee, Mrs. Mary Seymour
Howell of New York, Miss Elizabeth Upham Yates of Maine and many
others.[198]

The Hartford Equal Rights Club was organized in 1885 through the
efforts of Mrs. Emily P. Collins and Miss Frances Ellen Burr, both
pioneers in the work. Located in the capital, it is the center of the
effort for the enfranchisement of women.

The Meriden Political Equality Club was formed in 1889. The late Hon.
Isaac C. Lewis, one of its charter members and a lover of justice and
equality, in 1893 gave $10,000 in invested funds to aid its work. The
Equal Rights Club of Willimantic, founded in 1894, is an active body.

A series of public meetings was held in 1892 at Seymour, Willimantic,
Winsted and Ansonia, arranged and financially supported by the Meriden
Club and addressed by Mrs. Howell.

In 1895, under the auspices of the State society, a course of twenty
lectures was arranged by Mrs. Bacon for Miss Yates.

The local clubs have kept the question before the people through
addresses, the circulation of literature and other methods of
propaganda. For several years a suffrage tent was supported at the
State Fair held in Meriden, and one day set apart as Woman's Day, with
good speakers to present the subject. The press department has been an
important feature of the work, most efficiently conducted by Mrs. Ella
B. Kendrick, its superintendent for the past three years.

LEGISLATIVE ACTION AND LAWS: Women have been instrumental in securing
the passage of laws prohibiting the sale of tobacco in any form to
boys under sixteen years of age; compelling merchants to provide women
and girls in their employment with seats when not engaged in their
duties; securing scientific temperance instruction in the public
schools; and requiring a police matron in all cities of 20,000 or more
inhabitants.

In 1884 a bill giving women the right to vote in school district
meetings was rejected in the House by 83 ayes, 95 noes, and in the
Senate by a majority vote.

In 1885 a bill for School Suffrage was rejected by both Houses.

In 1886 a bill for Full Suffrage was defeated in both Houses.

In 1887 two bills were introduced, one asking Full Suffrage and the
other that unmarried women be exempt from taxation. In both cases the
committee reported "Ought not to pass," and the petitioners were given
leave to withdraw. At this session