f New Orleans
presented her with a gold medal. [Eds.

[294] So determined were the politicians to have this board elected,
instead of appointed, in order that they might get control of the
$42,000,000 fund, that a bill for this purpose was passed by the
Legislature of 1902 and signed by Gov. William W. Heard. The matter
will be carried to the Supreme Court.

[295] Certain legal processes are necessary before a woman can engage
in business on her own account.

CHAPTER XLIII.

MAINE.[296]

The Maine Woman Suffrage Association entered upon its career in 1873,
flourished until 1876 and then ceased active work, which was not
resumed until 1885. In September of that year, a convention was called
in co-operation with the New England W. S. A., which resulted in the
reorganization of the society. The Rev. Henry Blanchard, D. D., pastor
of the First Universalist Church at Portland, was elected president,
continuing in that capacity until 1891. During these six years of
unremitting service, twelve public meetings (with occasional executive
sessions) are recorded, all of which were held in Portland and
addressed by the best speakers on suffrage, including Mrs. Lucy Stone,
Henry B. Blackwell, the Rev. Anna Howard Shaw, Mrs. Julia Ward Howe
and Mrs. Mary A. Livermore.

In 1891 Dr. Blanchard resigned and Mrs. Hannah J. Bailey was elected
president, as she said, "because it was thought best to have a woman
at the head of the organization in order to confute the argument, then
often advanced by the legislators, that women do not want the ballot."
Mrs. Bailey's term of office expired in 1897, by her own request. In
the six years of her leadership, six public conventions took place,
all in Portland. The business of the association having been
systematically arranged, a large amount of work was done in the
executive meetings which occurred frequently.

In 1892 a local club was organized in Portland, and this, as a live
and aggressive force, has been of incalculable benefit to the cause.
Other clubs were formed in this administration at Saco, Waterville and
Hampden. The last owes its existence to the efforts of Mrs. Jane H.
Spofford, formerly of Washington, D. C., and for many years treasurer
of the National Association.

In 1897 the present incumbent, Mrs. Lucy Hobart Day, was chosen State
president. During the past three years there have been three annual
conventions held respectively at Hampden, Waterville and Portland