submit
to the people a prohibitory constitutional amendment, the vote to be
taken in April, 1892. In anticipation of this event, petitions were
circulated throughout the state in behalf at this cause, the grand total
of 109,057 names being secured. Through the failure of the legislature
to pass an enabling act to provide for the expense of the election, the
amendment was never submitted.

Not discouraged by this apparent fruitless expenditure of time and
strength, during the winter and spring of 1893-94 petition work was
again resumed, the constitutional convention in session at Albany from
May until September being the objective point. Two petitions were
circulated at this time, one for an amendment to the constitution
providing for the prohibition of the liquor traffic; the other for the
full enfranchisement of women. Through winter's cold and summer's heat
this work went bravely on, and 37,624 names were secured to the
prohibition petition, and 36,086 to the one asking for woman's
enfranchisement. These petitions were pasted on cloth, in a double row
of names, and measured, when done, 475 yards. Mrs. Graham, who had them
in charge, after pasting, arranged them in four large rolls and tied
each with a white satin ribbon. June 28, 1894, they were presented to
the constitutional convention, producing a profound impression by their
magnitude. Mrs. Burt and Mrs. Tenney appeared before the convention.
Mrs. Burt was granted a hearing. The convention did not recommend either
of these measures, but that of woman's suffrage received much attention,
being defeated by a vote of ninety-seven to fifty-eight. The momentum
received from this petition effort will not soon be lost.

Thus in brief the legislative and petition work is reported, but it only
vaguely represents the expenditure of time and strength devoted to this
work. Truly it may be said of the women of New York State, "Many
daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all."

[Illustration: Georgeanna M. Gardenier]

MRS. GEORGEANNA M. GARDENIER.

(RECORDING SECRETARY)

The recording secretary of our state union has filled this important
position for twelve years, and was elected for the thirteenth time at
Jamestown in October, 1894. She has rare qualifications for the office,
as has been evidenced by her faithful services during all these years.

She said, "There is positively nothing in my life of the least interest
to the public," when reques