uished personages as yourself have been highly
appreciated in my effort to secure suffrage for women in
Dakota. I am half inclined to think that your indication as
to a coming political party, with woman suffrage as one
plank in its platform, may not be without foundation.

I introduced the bill in the Dakota legislature, having
previously supported a like measure in the Iowa legislature,
really without consultation with any one, or without
knowledge as to the sentiment of the members upon the
question. I have had my convictions since my college days
that simple justice demands that woman should have the
ballot, and in this opinion I am warmly seconded by my wife,
who desires to vote, as I think all sensible women should. I
was pleased with the favor the bill received, and after a
week or two believed it possible to have it pass the House,
with constant exertion and watchfulness. Those who at first
laughed at the idea, learning I was very much in earnest,
stopped to consider and to discuss, and finally came to vote
for it.

It passed the House, and after considerable difficulty in
getting it out of the hands of an adverse committee in the
Council, who insisted on having it referred to them, it
passed with an amendment "to submit to a vote of the
people." I managed to have the House refuse to concur in
this amendment, which resulted in a conference committee,
five out of six of whom reported in favor of the Council
receding from their amendment, which they did, and yet,
after all, and when we thought it safe, it was vetoed. Few,
if any, supposed that Governor Pierce, a governor only
appointed over us less than six months, would place himself
a barrier in the way of the will of the people, and opposed
to the advancement of human rights. I deeply regret that he
did not rise to the grandest opportunity of his life, but he
failed to do so.

Your words were particularly encouraging, being personally
interested in Dakota as you are, and I dare say you will
bear witness that we have an intelligent people, and a great
many good women, land-owners and property-hol