h Mrs. G. W. Granger as president. In
December, 1895, Mrs. Laura M. Johns, president of the Kansas E. S. A.
and national organizer, spent a few days in New Mexico, on the way to
and from Arizona, and formed several clubs.

In 1896 Mrs. Julia B. Nelson, president of the Minnesota W. S. A.,
began work in the Territory under the auspices of the National
Association, her first address being delivered at Raton, April 1, and
her last May 12, at the same place. Her mission was to discover the
suffragists, make converts, arrange for a Territorial convention and
effect an organization auxiliary to the national.[373] As a result a
convention was held at Albuquerque, April 28, 29, conducted by Mrs.
Johns and Mrs. Nelson. A Territorial association was formed and the
following officers were elected: President, Mrs. J. D. Perkins;
corresponding secretary, Mrs. Alice P. Hadley; recording secretary,
Miss Clara Cummings; treasurer, Mrs. Martha C. Raynolds.

In 1897 and 1898 no conventions were held, on account of the absence
of several of the officers from the Territory. Through the efforts of
Mrs. Hadley (herself prevented by physical infirmity), H. B.
Fergusson, delegate to Congress for New Mexico, represented the
Territory and made a speech in the convention of the National
Association at Washington in 1898.

In November, 1899, Mrs. Carrie Chapman Catt, chairman of the national
organization committee, and Miss Mary G. Hay, secretary, spent one day
in Santa Fe with George H. and Mrs. Catherine P. Wallace. Mr. Wallace
was secretary of the Territory, and in their home, the historic old
Palacio, forty people gathered to hear Mrs. Chapman Catt lecture. She
made an hour's address, after which there was an interesting
discussion. As a result, a meeting was called for December 19, and the
Territorial association was reorganized with the following officers:
President, Mrs. Wallace; vice-president, Mrs. Hadley; corresponding
secretary, Mrs. Esther B. Thomas; recording secretary, Mrs. Anna Van
Schick; treasurer, Miss Mary Morrison; member national executive
committee, Mrs. Ellen J. Palen. Several vice-presidents were named and
twenty-five members enrolled.[374]

LEGISLATIVE ACTION AND LAWS: On Feb. 10, 1893, a bill was passed in
the Lower House declaring the right of female citizens to vote at
elections and hold offices relating to public schools and public
education. It was not acted upon by the Senate. In 1895 this bill was
defeated.