icture the first convention of the National
American Suffrage Association in the new century, typical of many
which preceded and followed. If it and other chapters seem
overburdened with personal mention it must be remembered that it is a
precious privilege to those who assisted in this great movement, and
to their descendants, to have their names thus preserved in history.
In the biography of Susan B. Anthony (page 1246) may be found the
following tribute to these conventions, which were held annually for
over fifty years.

It can be said without fear of contradiction that the National
Suffrage Conventions will go down in history as the most notable
held by women during the present age, excepting, of course, those
of an international nature. The lofty character of their demands,
the courage, ability and earnestness of their speakers, the
unswerving fidelity to one central idea, give them a dominating
position which they will hold for all time. They are pervaded by
a remarkable spirit of democracy and fraternity. Those who come
to scoff remain--not to pray but to have a good time. The
reporters are all converted during the first two or three
meetings and become members of the family. The delegates never
wait for an introduction to each other; all have come together on
the same mission and that is a sufficient guarantee. Nobody can
remember afterwards what her neighbor wore and this proves that
all were well dressed. The meetings are so systematic and
business-like that one never feels she has wasted a minute. If
points of serious difference arise they are taken up and settled
by the Business Committee, out of sight of the public, but in all
matters directly connected with the association every delegate
has a voice and vote.

These are trained and disciplined women. There is nothing
hysterical, nothing fanatical about them. They are animated by
the most serious and determined purpose, and, in order to effect
this, all sectarian bias, all political preference, all fads and
hobbies in any direction are rigidly barred. Woman suffrage--that
is the sole object. The offices all represent hard work and no
salary, therefore no unseemly scramble takes place to secure
them, and the association has the most profound confidence in its
National Board. Every dollar subscribed has a definite