lly. About this time Mrs.
Gordon returned from the East and took an active part in
canvassing the State, lecturing and forming county societies
preparatory to securing as large a representation as possible at
the coming convention. The following report of the proceedings is
taken from the San Francisco dailies:

[Illustration: Laura deForce Gordon]

The convention to form a State Woman Suffrage Society, held
its first meeting in Dashaway Hall, Wednesday afternoon,
January 26, 1870. The hall was well filled. Mrs. E. T.
Schenck, vice-president of the National Association, was
chosen president, _pro. tem._, and Miss Kate Atkinson,
Secretary. A committee on credentials was appointed by the
chair, consisting of one member from each organization.[501]
During the absence of the committee quite an animated
discussion arose as to the admission of delegates. Mrs.
Gordon said the greatest possible liberality should be
exercised in admitting persons to the right to speak and
vote; that all who signed the roll, paid the fee, and
expressed themselves in sympathy with the movement, should
be admitted. After some discussion, Mrs. Gordon's views
prevailed, and the names of those who chose to qualify
themselves were enrolled. About 120 delegates were thus
chosen from nine suffrage societies in different parts of
the State. Many counties were represented in which no
organizations had yet been formed. Some rather humorous
discussion was had as to whether the president should be
called Mrs. Chairman or Mrs. Chairwoman. The venerable Mr.
Spear arose and suggested the title be Mrs. President, which
was adopted. Mrs. Gordon said she had noticed that when
questions were put to the meeting not more than a dozen
timid voices could be heard saying "aye," or "no." The
ladies must not sit like mummies, but open their mouths and
vote audibly. This disinclination to do business in a
business-like way, is discreditable. (Cheers). Mrs. Gordon's
hint was taken, and unequivocal demonstration of voices was
made thereafter upon the taking of each vote. Long before
the time arrived for the evening session, the hall in every