ments in the past, virtually made many of these women heads of
families."

A convention was held February 18 in the Probate Court room of the
Salt Lake City and County building. Delegates came from far and near.
Mrs. Wells presided, and vice-presidents were Mrs. Richards, Mrs. C.
W. Bennett; secretary, Mrs. Nellie Little; assistant secretary, Mrs.
Augusta W. Grant; chaplain, Mrs. Zina D. H. Young. A committee was
appointed by the Chair to prepare a memorial for the convention,[446]
and stirring speeches were made by delegates from the various
counties.

In the afternoon as many of the ladies as could gain admittance went
into another hall in the same building, where the Constitutional
Convention was in session, and where already some members had begun to
oppose woman suffrage in the constitution proper and to suggest it as
an amendment to be voted upon separately. The Hon. F. S. Richards, a
prominent member, presented their memorial, which closed with the
following paragraph: "We therefore ask you to provide in the
constitution that the rights of citizens of the State of Utah to vote
and hold office shall not be denied or abridged on account of sex, but
that male and female citizens of the State shall equally enjoy all
civil, political and religious rights and privileges." This was signed
by Emeline B. Wells, president Woman Suffrage Association; Emily S.
Richards, vice-president; Zina D. H. Young, president National
Woman's Relief Society; Jane S. Richards, vice-president, and all the
county presidents.

The next morning a hearing was granted to the ladies before the
Suffrage Committee. Carefully prepared papers were read by Mesdames
Richards, Carlton, Cannon, Milton, Pardee and Pratt. Mrs. Wells spoke
last, without notes, stating pertinent facts and appealing for
justice.

There was much debate, pro and con, in the convention after this time,
and open and fair discussions of the question in Committee of the
Whole. The majority report was as follows:

_Resolved_, That the rights of citizens of the State of Utah to
vote and hold office shall not be denied or abridged on account
of sex. Both male and female citizens of this State shall equally
enjoy all civil, political and religious rights and privileges.

The minority report submitted later was too weak and flimsy to be
considered.

The women addressed a cordial letter of appreciation and thanks to the
committee who had so nobly stood by t