ns
come together at the sacrament. I have long known Mrs. Brand as a
noble woman, but talking with her a few days since I could but
notice the added sense of self-respecting dignity that freedom
gives. "I feel a constant gratitude that even some portion of my
rights have been recognized," said she, and I left her, more than
ever impressed, if that is possible, with the beauty and sacredness
of freedom.--[M. J. G.

[238] Rev. Robert Collyer, Elizabeth L. Saxon, Clara Neyman,
Augusta Cooper Bristol, Helen M. Slocum, Hamilton Wilcox, Mrs.
Devereux Blake, and Dr. Clemence Lozier who presided.

[239] Mary Seymour Howell, _President_; Miss Kate Stoneman,
_Secretary_. Miss Stoneman cast the first vote at the school
election in Albany.

[240] See appendix.

[241] Mrs. Blake, Mrs. Slocum, Mrs. Saxon, of Louisiana.

[242] Miss Helen Potter, Miss Susan A. King, Miss Helen M. Slocum,
Miss Harriet K. Dolson and Mrs. Devereux Blake.

[243] Mrs. Rogers organized a society in Lansingburg, Mrs. Loder in
Poughkeepsie, Miss Stoneman held meetings in Chautauqua county,
Mrs. Howell in Livingston county, Mrs. Blake in ten other counties,
and held several parlor meetings in New York city. The annual
convention of the State society was held in Chickering Hall,
February 1, 2, 1882.

[244] The press generally commented unfavorably. The _Herald_ said:
"The legislature passed a bill in the interest of decency and
humanity, authorizing the appointment of matrons in the several
police stations in the city of New York to look after female
prisoners who might be placed in the station-houses. This bill was
recommended by our best charitable and religious societies, but
failed to receive the sanction of the governor, although he very
promptly signed a bill to increase the number of the detective
force."

[245] Mrs. Emma Gates Conkling, Mrs. Clara Neyman, Dr. Clemence
Lozier and Mrs. Blake.

[246] Major Haggerty, ex-Governor Thomas G. Alvord and Hon. James
D. McMellan in its favor; Hon. Erastus Brooks and General Sharpe
against.

[247] Mr. Hamilton Wilcox at once prepared an able paper, refuting
the attorney-general's assertion. It was widely circulated
throughout the State.

[248] When the vote was announced, the ladies sent the pages with
bouquets to the leading speakers in behalf of the bill, and
button-hole sprigs to the fifty-four who voted aye.

[249] _To the Women of the State of New York_:

The undersigned urge you to exert y