ciative audiences.[308] Legislative action on the
question of woman suffrage began in Michigan in 1849, when:

The special report favorable to Senate document No. 10, for
universal suffrage, was signed by Dwight Webb, Edward H.
Thompson and Rix Robinson.--House document No. 31,
legislature of 1855: "The Committee on Elections, to whom
was referred the petition of Betsy P. Parker, Lucinda Knapp,
Nancy Fleming, Electa Myers, and several other
'strong-minded' ladies of Lenawee county, asking such
amendments to the constitution of the State as will secure
to women an equal right to the elective franchise with men,"
reported adversely, ridiculed the petitioners, and was
signed by A. P. Moorman.--Senate document No. 27, in the
session of 1857: On a memorial of ladies praying the
legislature to grant them the elective franchise, the report
was signed by Thomas W. Ferry, and was favorable and
respectful.--House document No. 25, legislature of 1859: On
constitutional amendments in favor of universal suffrage,
the report was favorable for extending suffrage to colored
men, but doubtful as to the wisdom of extending it to women.
This was signed by Fabius Miles, chairman.--Senate document
No. 12: Upon the same constitutional amendments, in the
legislature of 1859, the report signed by R. E. Trowbridge,
chairman of the committee, was adverse to extending suffrage
to women.

On February 13, 1873, Mr. Lamb introduced "a joint
resolution granting the privilege of the elective franchise
to the women of the State." Mr. Bartholomew introduced "a
joint resolution proposing an amendment to section 1,
article 1., of the constitution, in relation to the
qualifications of electors." Both were referred to the
Committee on Elections, which made the following report:

The Committee on Elections, to whom was referred the joint
resolution granting the privilege of the elective franchise
to women of this State, respectfully report that they have
had the same under consideration, and have directed me to
report the same back to the House without recommendation. We
think the time has not arr