California will
deprive me of the pleasure of attending your convention of July
19, the anniversary of the spirited declaration of rights put
forth thirty years ago by some of the noblest and most
enlightened women of America. Women's rights have made vast
strides since that day, in juster legislation, in widened spheres
of employment, and in the gradual but certain recognition by
large numbers of citizens of the justice and policy of extending
the elective franchise to women. It is now very generally
conceded that the time is rapidly approaching when women will
vote. The friends of the movement have faith in the result; its
enemies grudgingly admit it. Courage and work will hasten the
day. The worst difficulties have already been overcome. The
movement has passed the stage of ridicule, and even that of
abuse, and has entered that of intelligent discussion, its worst
adversaries treating it with respect. You are so familiar with
all the arguments in favor of this great reform that I will not
attempt to state them; but I wish to say that as an observer of
public events, it is my deliberate judgment that your triumph is
near at hand. There are vastly more men and women in the United
States now who believe that women should have the right to vote
than there were in 1848 who believed the slave should be freed.
This is a government of opinions and the growing opinion will be
irresistible.

Respectfully yours, A. A. SARGENT.

The following letters from the great leaders of the anti-slavery
movement were gratefully received. As Mr. Garrison soon after
finished his eventful life, this proved to be his last message to
our association:

BOSTON, June 30, 1878.

MY DEAR MISS ANTHONY--Your urgent and welcome letter, inviting me
to the thirtieth anniversary of the woman's rights movement at
Rochester, came yesterday. Most earnestly do I wish I could be
present to help mark this epoch in our movement, and join in
congratulating the friends on the marvelous results of their
labors. No reform has gathered more devoted and self-sacrificing
friends. No one has had lives more generously given to its
service; and you who have borne such heavy burdens may well
rejoice in the large harvest; for no reform has, I