l
board sent a telegram to President Roosevelt asking him in the name of
10,000 California women to recommend woman suffrage in his last
message to Congress but without effect. Committees were appointed for
Northern and Southern California and a chairman in each county to
collect signatures to the petition of the National Association to
Congress to submit a Federal Amendment. The State convention was held
in Stockton September 30-October 2, one of the largest on record. It
was welcomed by the Mayor and the president of the chamber of commerce
with a response by Mrs. Sperry and there were greetings from a number
of organizations of various kinds. The addresses were of a high order
and among the speakers were Franklin Hichborn, J. N. Stuckenbruck,
member of the Legislature; Mrs. Sturtevant Peet, for sixteen years
president of the State W. C.T. U.; Thomas E. Hayden, president of the
San Francisco Board of Education; Mrs. Elinor Carlisle of the Berkeley
board and Mrs. James B. Hume, president of the State Federation of
Women's Clubs. Mrs. Sperry, who had filled the office of president for
seven years, insisted upon retiring and Mrs. Elizabeth Lowe Watson, a
minister, lecturer, writer and philanthropist, president of the Santa
Clara Club, was prevailed upon to accept the office. Mrs. Sperry, Mrs.
Swift, Miss Sarah Severance and Dr. Jordan were added to the list of
honorary presidents. A full delegation had attended the national
convention at Seattle in July.

After the earthquake and fire in 1906 headquarters had been
established at 2419 California St., conveniently fitted up in part of
a dwelling house adjoining the residence of Mrs. Sargent, who presided
and dispensed hospitality at the monthly board meetings. By 1910
larger and more central accommodations were needed and commodious
headquarters were secured in the Pacific Building, corner of Market
and Fourth Streets. Here the increasing business of the association
was transacted and free lectures were given. Mrs. Alice Park, as
chairman, superintended the wide distribution of literature throughout
the State. The association's committees on Child Labor, Education,
Peace and other public questions were actively at work. The committee
on Petitions to the Legislature for the submission of a woman suffrage
amendment to the voters, of which Mrs. Sperry was chairman, secured
14,000 signatures. Mrs. Lowe Watson said in her report to the national
convention that splendid work wa