in
response, passed a resolution conceding the _principle_ of women's
right to suffrage, but at the same time declared itself against its
being _enforced_, or put into practice. To finish the brief record
of the dealings of the Democratic party, with the women of the
State, it may be said that since 1870, it has never responded to
their appeals, nor taken any action of importance on the question.

In 1871 a resolution endorsing woman suffrage was passed in the
Republican convention. In June, 1872, the national convention at
Philadelphia, passed the following:

_Resolved_, That the Republican party is mindful of its
obligations to the loyal women of America for their noble
devotion to the cause of freedom; their admission to wider fields
of usefulness is viewed with satisfaction; and the honest demand
of any class of citizens for additional rights, should be treated
with respectful consideration.

The Massachusetts Republican State Convention, following this lead,
again passed a woman suffrage resolution:

_Resolved_, That we heartily approve the recognition of the
rights of woman contained in the fourteenth clause of the
national Republican platform; that the Republican party of
Massachusetts, as the representative of liberty and progress, is
in favor of extending suffrage to all American citizens
irrespective of sex, and will hail the day when the educated
intellect and enlightened conscience of woman shall find direct
expression at the ballot-box.

This was during the campaign of 1872, when General Grant's chance
of reelection was thought to be somewhat uncertain, and the
Republican women in all parts of the country were called on to
rally to his support. The National Woman Suffrage Association had
issued "an appeal to the women of America," asking them to
cooeperate with the Republican party and work for the election of
its candidates. In response to this appeal a ratification meeting
was held at Tremont Temple, in Boston, at which hundreds stayed to
a late hour listening to speeches made by women on the political
questions of the day. An address was issued from the "Republican
women of Massachusetts to the women of America." In this address
they announced their faith in and willingness to "trust the
Republican party and its candidates, as saying what they mean and
meaning what they say, and in view of their honorable record we
have no fea