untry joined with the men in
denouncing them. Only a few of the broader and more progressive, who
were ahead of their age, sustained her. Among these were Miss Anthony,
Ernestine L. Rose, Lucretia Mott, Lucy Stone, Frances D. Gage and
Martha C. Wright.

After six enthusiastic sessions and the forming of a strong
organization, the convention adjourned. Thus the first Woman's State
Temperance Society ever formed was due almost entirely to Susan B.
Anthony, because of her courage in demanding independent action and her
successful efforts in calling the convention which inaugurated it. The
executive committee met in May and appointed her State agent, "with
full power and authority to organize auxiliary societies, collect
moneys, issue certificates of membership and do all things which she
may judge necessary and expedient to promote the purposes for which our
society has been organized."

The Men's State Temperance Society had issued an official call for a
convention to be held at Syracuse in June, containing these words:
"Temperance societies of every name are invited to send delegates."
Acting upon this invitation, the executive committee of the Woman's
State Temperance Society appointed Gerrit Smith, Susan B. Anthony and
Amelia Bloomer as delegates. Mr. Smith was not able to attend and,
after their experience at Albany, there were serious doubts in the
minds of the women whether they would be received. They were much
encouraged, however, by the receipt of a letter from Rev. Samuel J.
May, written June 14, saying: "The local committee are now in session.
I have just read your letter to them, and every member has expressed
himself in favor of receiving the delegates of the Woman's State
Temperance Society, just as the delegates of any other society, and
allowing them to take their own course, speak or not speak, as they
choose."

Miss Anthony and Mrs. Bloomer went to Syracuse, and on the morning of
the convention received a call from Mr. May. He came to inform them
that their arrival had caused great excitement among the clergy, who
comprised a large portion of the delegates and threatened to withdraw
if the women were admitted. Their action had alarmed the other
delegates, who feared a disturbance in the convention, and they had
requested Mr. May, as probably having the most influence, to call upon
the ladies and urge them not to ask for recognition. When they told him
they should go to the meeting and present their c