e. She made a very favorable impression and was highly
commended for her argument. On June 16 the friends of the
petition were notified that a hearing would be granted them at
the evening session of the convention. Mrs. Harriette C. Keating
and Mrs. Elizabeth L. Saxon had consented to speak if such a
hearing were granted.

Col. John M. Sandige, who had occupied prominent positions in the
political affairs of the State, gave much encouragement and
assistance. He did not hesitate to urge the importance of this
movement, and the necessity that the women who were most
interested should cheerfully assume their responsibility in
relation to it. While Mrs. Saxon was known already as a fearless
and able reformer, and Dr. Harriette C. Keating as a noble
representative of woman in professional life, he thought it was
desirable to have a voice from the home and from society, and
Mrs. Caroline E. Merrick was solicited to come forward and
endorse what her colleagues would say, in a few words at the
close of the proceedings. Mrs. Merrick finally agreed that she
should see her duty in the light in which it was presented if
Judge Merrick, who constituted her court of last resort, should
leave her entirely free to act in the case. After a consultation,
to her great surprise and consternation the judge said, "You have
always desired to help women--here is an opportunity; go forward
and do your share in this work."

The surprise could hardly have been greater if a procession of
slaves twenty-five years ago had come up in force to the lordly
mansion of their master with several spokesmen chosen from their
ranks, for the avowed purpose of asking for their freedom. The
ladies were treated with a delicate courtesy and kindness on this
unusual occasion, which they can never forget. Judge Poche, with
the tact of a true gentleman, endeavored to smooth a difficult
way, reassuring the failing courage of the ladies while assisting
them to mount the platform. The _Daily Picayune_ of June 17,
1879, said:

The usually prosaic and unimpressive appearance of the
convention hall assumed for the occasion an entire change
last evening. When the convention closed its forenoon's
labors, it took a recess until half-past 7 o'clock for the
purpos