cribing the closing scenes of the
convention, said:

Fully 2,500 people assembled last evening to listen to the
closing proceedings of the convention. The stage, which was
beautifully furnished and upholstered, was completely occupied by
the ladies of the Association; and as they all were in full
dress, in preparation for the reception at the Paxton Hotel, the
sight was a brilliant one. As respects the audience, not only the
seats, but the lobbies were crowded, and hundreds upon hundreds
were turned away. Manager Boyd remarked as we passed in, "You
will see to-night the most magnificent gathering that has ever
been in the Opera House," and such truly it was--the intellect,
fashion and refinement of the city. Addresses were given by M'me
Neyman, whose earnest and eloquent words were breathlessly heard;
Mrs. Minor of St. Louis, whose utterances were serious and
weighty; and Miss Phoebe Couzins, who touched the springs of
sentiment, sympathy, pathos and humor by turns. After answering
two or three objections that had not been fully touched upon,
Miss Couzins fairly carried away the house, when she said in
conclusion, "Miss Anthony and myself, and another who has
addressed you are the only spinsters in the movement. We, indeed,
expect to marry, but we don't want our husbands to marry slaves
[great merriment]; we are waiting for our enfranchisement. And
now, if you want Miss Anthony and myself to move into your
State--" this hit, with all it implied, set the audience into a
convulsion of cheers and laughter which was quite prolonged; and
after the merriment had subsided, Miss Couzins completed her
sentence by saying, "We are under sailing orders to receive
proposals!" whereupon the applause broke out afresh. "However,"
she added, seeing Miss Anthony shake her head, "it takes a very
superior woman to be an old maid, and on this principle I think
Miss Anthony will stick to her colors." Miss Couzins quoted
Hawthorne as speaking through "Zenobia":

"It is my belief, yea, my prophecy, that when my sex shall
have attained its freedom there will be ten eloquent women
where there is now one eloquent man," and instanced this
convention as an illustration of what might be expected.

Miss Couzins was followed by Mrs. Saxon, Mrs. Neyman and M