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About The new Northwest. (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887 | View Entire Issue (Feb. 18, 1876)
She faxthm$t FRIDAY FEBRUARY 16, 1876. OEEGON STATE WOMAN STJFPBAGE on Political Action, reported the follow- a sufficient sum in the treasury to pay ng: current expenses and liquidate all out- report of committee ok POLITICAL standing debts, with a small balance on hand. JiOTICE. Agent will please take notice that It Is a xreattax upon us to pay express charges upon Miial sums, and they will confer a great favor TjV remitting to us through money orders or registered letters. IT MM 8 THE LATE CONVENTION. Our columns come to you this week teeming with the records of an enthusi astic meeting of laborers, friends, and uympathizers in the cause of woman's enfranchisement the Oregon State "Woman Suffrage Association. The de tails given are, as far as our space will permit, complete, but columns of de scription, minutes, and letters, would fail to convey an idea of the earnestness and enthusiasm with which the friends of equal rights rallied around its stand ard. The business of the Association at first lagged somewhat, owing to the absence, on account of illness, of the President, Mrs. J. DeVore Johnson, and ibe Recording Secretary, Miss Ella Bcott. The mantle of the former, how ever, fell upon the shoulders of Mrs Belle W. Cooke, who wore it with be coming diguity and grace, while the mill of the latter was taken up by Mr. 21. T. Hawley, who performed the duties of the office in a faithful and acceptable laanner. The members of the Marion County "Woman Suffrage Association responded jiobly to the call of the Executive Com mittee for aid, and worked throughout the entire session with i-.eal and energy. The evening sessions took rather the form of entertainments, and these were attended by large audiences, comprising the bestand most Intelligentof the den izens of our capital city. The exercises abounded in pleasing features, among ASSOCIATION. fourth annual convention. The Oregon Slate "Woman Suflrage Association met in annual Convention at Reed's Opera House in Salem on Tuesday, February 8th, 1876. FIRST DAY MORNING SESSION. The President not being present, Mr. D. D. Gray was called to the chair. On motion, R. J. Hawley was elected Secretary pro tem. The Secretary then read the minutes of the session held at Portland last year. The Constitution was then read, and circulated among the audience for signatures. On motion, the President appointed a Committee on Programme, consisting of Mrs. Duniway, Mrs. Miuto, and Mrs. McCasIin. On motion, the Convention adjourned to meet at 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. Convention met at 2 p. M. Minutes of the morning sessiuu read and approved. The Constitution being called for, was Portland, Salem, aud Albany were placed in nomination as places to hold the next annual meeting. The ballot stood: For Salem, 16: Albany, 12: Port land, 2. Salem, having received a ma- ACTION. "Whereas. All constitutional and statutory laws prohibiting women from exercising the elective trancnise are arbitrary and contrary to the principle of free ami independent government: therefore, be it r 7.. j mt.ni ..:nnn f fl.. lw. ..nnolntml l.v this Association to nreseut jority f a the votes cast, was declared . r"T. . -r- . . .. 1 u - i , it..- n ..!.. r,.- , tome next uregon .Legislative Assem- i me uuuiuo ui mo uiuvcuuuu wc bly, which convenes in September, Wtt, place of next meeting. all memorials, petitions, etc., asKiug ior 0u motion, the Executive Committee UL1 UUICUUUJCUb Will lono aijuniuf, i , . . u-nmpnomml nolitical rights: and this was requested.to call a special meeting, committee shall have full control aud to be held during the next session of the management of all bills presented. Legislature. Jiesolved, That each county Associa- Cooke tion be authorized and requested to cir culate petitious addressed to the Oregon Legislature, asking lor amenuraenis to our laws, so as to allow every woman the exercise of the elective trancnise. Jacob Conser, M. A- 31 into. The Committee on Resolutions re ported a resolution from Mrs. Johns, which, after some discussion, was in definitely postponed. The following resolution was offered by Mrs. Coburn: T0tnli-rl That (ho thnnbs nf lliln As- read by the Secretary, and circulated 80Ciation are hereby tendered to the for names. members of the Marion County Woman On motion, Mrs. Roork, Mrs. Duni- Suffrage Association for the valuable "Ji j'i-"'""-- fnrn'nrri Mm nlans or this Association: a Committee on Resolutions. also, that the thanks of the Oregon On motion, the Committee on Music State Woman Suffrage Association are tendered to the officers oi tne u. s u. it. offered the following, which was adopted: Jiesolved. That the thanks of this As sociation be tendered the editor of the Mercurv for the kindness he has shown us in printing an article for our use, and for courteous notice tn nis paper. On motion, Convention adjourned, subject to call of the Executive Com mittee. F. F. Victor, Recording Secretary, AN A"DDEESS tion by the very means she takes to taken by our Supreme Judges is that a sustain it. I think that, (so far as my citizen of the United States has no right observation goes), the women who say to vote by virtue of his citizenship. they do not wish to vote, are as firmly It seems they were forced to adopt this established in their opinions as other decision in order to exclude the women women, but they drf not know that it citizens from the exercise of that ngiu; does no good for women to have opin- for if one citizen, by virtue of his rights ions unless they can express them; of citizenship, cannot be deprived ot the and how can a woman express her exercise of u certain right, they (the opinion on temperance, on morality, or Judges) were logical enough to see that on any point of equity or expediency another citizen could not constitution- in a way sure to benefit herself or oth- ally be deprived of exercising the same ers, save by the ballot. The time is right. So in order to get out of one dl surely coming when man will consider lemma, they have got into a worse oue; the waste of the purifying Influence of for in deciding that a citizen -has no women, aud gladly sleze upon this right of franchise, by virtue of his cili- great power to assist him in producing zenship, they have knocked away the a more stable and perfect government, prop by which the right of men citize"us4 A friend, sneakintr on this subiect a to vote is supported. In this case of short time since, said: "I have found, franchise, the rights of one citizen is the by consulting history, that men have same as those of another, and if these never been kuown toyield an advantage rights are not based on citizenship, then that thev Dossessed. unless compelled to on what are thev based 7 Ulus is a do so by force." All then that remains question for the people to decide. for us to do is to announce to them Wishing you every success, and a that it will be to their advantage to glorious good time, I bid you God-speed selected by the Marion County Associa' tion was appointed by the Convention with the addition of Mrs. Prentice. On motion, the chair appointed a Committee on Finance, consisting of Mrs. Minto, Mrs. McCasIin, and Mrs. Roork. On motiou, Mr. Reed, Mrs. Prentice, ... I nnd fw TVrilltr traM O Tl TIO 1 Tl t Of 1 O CVim- commendable i,i"3- 1 " . mittee on Revision or the constitution. On motion, Mr. Jacob Conser, Mrs. Miuto, aud Mrs. Prentice were appointed a Committee on Political Action. The Convention then listened to the address of the President, The report of the Corresponding Sec R. for half-fare tickets granted to and from this Convention; also, that the thanks of this Association are tendered to the people of Salem for their hospi tality to members and friends from abroad. Pending the discussion of a resolution offered by Mrs. Dr. Thompson, the As sociation adjourned to 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. Convention met as per adjournment, the President in the chair. Minutes of the morning session read and approved. The following, by Mrs. Dr. Thompson, was, after discussion, adopted: "Whereas, The Oregon State Legis- vhich we will mention a poem written retary was then read, and many letters iature( at ita iast regular session, gave l.xr Afr o n a ,iwii.,f, of encouragement irom menus wno ihe pioueer women of Oregon, and most could not be present were reported. excellently read by Mus Clara Watt. Our readers will have an opportunity to peruse this tribue to a noble and fearless woman iu our next Issue. A pleasing incident was the presentation of "Snow-Drop," emblem of purity, to the Association, by a gentleman who ranks high in the educational and social cir cles of the capital. The presentation was responded to by Mrs. Duniway iu a jew appropriate words, supplemented by the following impromptu verses: j. snow-drop, as pure as a virgin arrayed For the bridal, to us has been given; As an emblem I hold It before you to-night Of a foretaste on earth, of the heaven IThat to man and to woman In future shall come, When we've cleansed the political walls IThat to-day reek with all that pollutes and Infests And disgraces Columbia's halls. We thank the kind donor whose delicate tact, In expressing regard and esteem, 3'o us gave this token, as an emblem quite fit To herald our Liberty-dream. 5'hat peaceful and pure as the snow-drop that lifts IU delicate head In the air, The mothers of men and their sons may be come, Is our earnest and holiest prayer. The recitation of Misses Hensley and Strong and an admirable essay upon "Our right to Health," by Miss Claw- bon, showed plainly that culture can give breadth aud depth to the brains of The Committee on Resolutions made their report, which was read and adopt ed as far as the fourth. On motion, adjourned to 7 p. m, EVENING SESSION. The Convention was called to order at 7J p. M Mrs. Belle Cooke announced the pro- eramme oi the evening, wincn was adopted. Misses Dora Hernandez and Myra Belt favored the audience with a piano stated time and friendly countenance to a bill, introduced for the purpose of giv ing to women the same political privi leges as her brother man; therefore, Be it resolved by the Oregon State Woman Suffrage Association, in fourth aunual session convened, that the thanks of the members of this Asso tlon in particular, aud the friends of equal rights in general, are due, and are hereby tendered to the members of that honorable body who defended the bill by their eloquent words and endorsed it by their votes. Jiesolved, That should any of the members who thus enviuced their in terest, and gave their votes, be candi- 00EEESP0NDEN0E. duet, which was rendered in excellent dates for re-election, that we pledge 1 n. . ..nl .ma in lion nil. Itlflllallnn n llll Ml style and highly applauded at its con' elusion. Dr. C. H. Hall then addressed the Convention at considerable length, which was a scholarly effort, and atten' tively listened to by the entire audience. A song excellently rendered by a large number of gentlemen and ladies was followed by a recitation by Richard Hensley. Mrs. Duniway followed with an ad dress of some length, Several short impromptu speeches were made, after which the Convention adjourned until 10:30 a. m. on Wednesday. SECOND DAY MORNING SESSION. Convention met as adjourned. The President being absent, D. D. Gray, of Linn county, took the chair. The minutes of the last session being ourselves to use our influence, and our votes, to return them to the council chambers of theState for as long a time as they remain true to the principles thus expressed. A resolution offered by Mr. Minto in reference to the Daily Mercury was lost. The Committee on Constitution and By-Laws reported the following: That the "one dollar" qualification of members of the State Association be stricken out. Report, after discussion, rejected. Tiie Convention then listened to an address by Mr. D. D. Gray, of Albany, after which a piece of instrumental music was performed by Miss E. Owens. On motion, the rules were suspended, and the Association proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year, which resulted in the choice of Mrs. H. A. Loughary, President; Mrs. F. F. Victor, Recording Secretary; Mrs. J, young women as well as to those of read and approved, the Corresponding DeVore Johnson, Corresponding Secre- Becretaryproseeueu wreuuauumueroi tary. Mrs j w McCasIin, Treasurer; young men, Of the arguments advanced to estab lish the justice of the claims of women io equal rights, we will not speak fur ther than to 8ay"that they were well fortified by reason, common sense, and Justice. The tableaux that closed the enter tainment were exquisite, pointing a moral so plainly that a glance sufficed to disclose it. The proceedings of the fourth annual Convention of the Oregon State "Woman interesting communications. On motion, the Convention resumed the discusslou of the resolutions pre sented by the committee, and adopted the following: Resolved, That while woman is amen able to all the laws, she claims and de mands all the privileges (of law) en- ioved by her brother man. Jiesolved, mat the laws oi tnis state ought to be so amended that woman may hold and control her own property on the same looting with men Jiesolved, That woman ought to re- Buffrage Association have passed into ceive equal pay for equal work. Mrs. Duniway, Mrs. Roork, and Mr, Conser, Executive Committee. The following persons were elected Vice Presidents for the several counties of the State: Marion, Mrs. Miuto; Linn, D. D. Gray; Multnomah, Mrs. C. A, Coburn; Clatsop, Mrs. Mary Shane Smith; Tillamook, Mrs. E. A. Corwin; Union, Mrs. Hanna; Douglas, Mrs. Dr. Hoover; Baker, Mrs. M. Cleaver; Yam hill, W. B. Dunn; "Washington, Wm McLeod; Polk, Mrs. B. F. Nichols; Lake, O. C. Applegate; Columbia, Mrs. Susan Glltner; Lane, Mr. Howe; Ben ton, Mrs. Fanny Greer; Jackson, B. F, Dowell; Coos and Curry, Hon. Eugene Skinner; Clackamas, Mrs. S. McCown; Wasco, Col. James Fulton; Umatilla, Mrs. O. H. Hallock On motion, the Corresponding Secre tary was authorized to supply Vice Presidents for vacant counties. Music by Mrs. Crawford. On mntinn nf Afro Tlnniwair tlia u . " .7, e . uasa"seu nournment, ana was cauea to oruer oy Presdeut elect was escorted to the chair. me jrresiueot, aim me minutes oi tue n motiol. Association adlonrnpd to uiuriuuK busaiuu reuu. 7 pa ji The President read a communication from Mr. Buckman, of Canby, Mrs. Johns offered a resolution, which was referred to the Committee on ResO' history; its records will be read by thousands with thrills of pride and pleasure, and its influence be felt iu hundreds of minds erewhiie governed hy the tyranny of prejudice, and nar- j-owed by the barbaric customs, fruit nge of centuries of darkness, that now Imply near their final overthrow. WOMAN SUPPEAGE IN CHILI. Jiesolved, That the women of this Re public solemnly protest against that species of polite robbery generally known as "aaministenng upon me estate." Jiesolved. That women cannot heart! ly participate in the celebration of this Centennial year, on account or tueir po litical disabilities. On motion, Convention adjourned till 2 P. M. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Convention met pursuant to ad towns in Chili on the occasion of the in tcription of citizens In tbeelectoral regis ters. At San Felipe one woman present ed herself for registration, one at Casa Manca, and ten at La Serena. As the law makes no distinction of sex, and as the only qualifications required for citi- lutions, Eenship are to have attained one's ma jority, and possess a knowledge of read ing and writing, the Boards decided to register said representatives of the weaker sex, so that, at the coming elec tions, women will be admitted to vote. The Convention then listened to a very able address by Hon. John Minto. EVENING SESSION. Convention met pursuant to adjourn ment. The minutes of the afternoon session were read, arter which the following programme was carried into effect: Music, Instrumental; Address, Mrs. F. DELIVERED BY JIBS. BELLS W. COOKE, ACTING PRESIDENT OF THE O. S. W. S. A., AT THE FOURTH ANNUAL CONVENTION. I suppose it is necessary in times of war that soldiers should be prepared for emergencies; and when an officer is disabled 011 the field, another should staud ready to step up and take his place. This is of course understood aud prepared for; and the officer who stands next the commander, is, no doubt, al ways well qualified to take his place, Our war is a bloodless war; a war of words, and of influence against old-time customs, but it needs leaders with saga cious and well-trained minds to take the front in the battle, aud mature plans for action. Such, I think we have had in our leader, the President of the Oregon State Woman Suflrage Association Mrs. J. DeVore Johnson. Yesterday we received word that she is unable to be with us, being disabled by a tempo rary but severe illness. We have some hope that she may be restored to health in time to be here before the close of the meeting, but fear it will not be so, I am very sorry that the officer who happens for the time to be chosen to take the place of commander, should be so entirely unprepared to fill the place as myself; but I cannot desert my col ors and leave the field at this stage of the conflict, just on the eve of an en gagement. So I am here to do my best, and hope to have the support of all the brave defenders of our cause. The work of advocating our cause- in the face of prejudice is not an easy oue, aud it is made doubly difficult in that our antagonists are often our best friends. The old, trite arguments are constantly being brought out and burled in our faces, as though they had not already every one of them been answered a thousand times. The fact is, woman's right to equality before the law does not rest in intelli gence, so that it can be grasped by ar gument. It has no intellectual founda tion anywhere; no good logic sustains It; it does not rest upon any element of the human nnderstanding; hence, we make slow progress in combatting it. As Mr. Mills says, "The worse it is beaten in argument, the stronger it is fortified iu prejudice." If, as is every where asserted in any of the forty or fifty American Constitutions that have been promulgated, self-government is a natural and inherent right, then does it pertain to every human being alike, and no argument under the heavens can ever prove to au enlightened woman that her right to self-government Is not as good and natural as that of man This is our oniy plea. There is no question whether she deserves it. There is no question whether she is capable of using it well. The only question is, whether it Is right to have justice; and, in this country, justice cannot ex ist without equality of privilege. This was conceded without a question to the negro. He was not asked to prove him self capable of voting before the right to vote was granted. He was not asked to show that it would be the better for him if he could vote. Every intelli gent American citizen knew that with out asking. He was not even asked to say he wanted to vote; but it was thrust upon him, along with his free dom. And thus should it be with woman. Her right to choose her rulers shohld be given her without a question of its expediency, trusting, as in the case of the negro, in the power of justice to protect her children in the right. It is said that the effects of giving to woman the ballot will be evil and inju rious; bnt no argument can ever prove this position. Nothing but trial full and thorough trial can do it. Nothing else can ever test the fallacy of the ar- have the help of women in perfecting their laws and elevating their standard of morals; in ridding the land of the curses of intemperance and dishonesty; in educating their sons aud daughters in the noble work for the elevation of humanity. Mary OijNey Brown, Pres't W. S. A., w. T, Mrs. F. F. Victor,,Cor. Sec'y O. S. W. S. A. Dear Madam: 1 have the honor in the principles of a pure and just gov- to be in receipt of your communication eminent, and our work is done. C0EEESP0NDEN0E.0F 0. S. . S. A. Mrs. F. F. Victor, Cor. Sedy O. S. W. S. A. Dear Madam: Permit me to acknowlegde the receipt of yours of December 22d, 1875. While it would give me the greatest satisfaction to be at the meeting in Salem, on February inviting me to attend'the forthcoming rally of the friends of justice and lib' erty. I cannot sufficiently express my regrets in that it is impossible for me to be present. There are many hundreds of enthusi astic believers in our noble principles who, much against their wishes, are destined to remain away also. With To THE Editok op theNew Nokthwest: Iu pursuance to my promise, I send you some uotes of my journeyings. Leaving home on Saturday, the oth nst., I proceeded to Woodburn Station, n Marion county, in the vicinity of which I spent about ten years of my early manhood. But the ruthless hand of time has been constantly at work, and many are the changes it has wrought. Not only is the face of the country so changed as to be scarcely recognizable, but a majority of friends of the long ago are goue some-to try their fortunes in other parts, and some to ''that bourne whence uo traveler re turns." On the following day, in company with a cherished sister and her hus band, I visited the cemetery near the old Belpassi church, and read upon the marbles many familiar names among them that of a long-absent brother, an idolized sister, and a sainted mother. What a throng of memories rushed in upon me at the sight of those names ! Returning to Woodburn In the evening, I passed a most pleasant time at the comfortable residence of Mr. Mathiot, and, besides greeting a number of friends of other days, I listened to music vocal and instrumental such as oue is seldom privileged to hear. Taking the cars for Junction the next day, I had the misfortune to be seated near a disappointed home-seeker. He, like many others, had come here ex pecting to find thousands of acres of 8th. still mv duties in the Centennial them I sympathize, and with them department of this State absorb all my send greeting and good cheer to our co workers in convention assemuieu. we have much to encourage us, though it seems a slow process to bring the aver age mind to understand the difference between equal rights for men aud women, and bmtishness. That may be a hard term, but it does seem that every objector's mind is largely composed of that unmanly element. I confess that I pity as well as despise the small, nar row minds of those who cannot discern the justice in this matter. But nothing time. Wishing yonr efforts the great est success, I am ltespectiuiiy yotirs, A. J. DtJFOR, Centennial Commissioner. Mrs. F. F. Victor, Cor. Sec'y O. S. W. S. A. Dear Madam: I am in receipt of your letter requesting me to be pres ent at a meeting of the Oregon State Woman Suffrage Association at Salem, on the 8th of February, 1876. If I go to Portlaud about the time I will be pres ent; but this is uncertain. If present I a9je Gf patient working and waiting will address the Association on the necessity for women to vote. Iam iu favor of the movement. Yours very respectfully, B. F. DowELii. Jacksonville, Oregon. Mrs. F. F. Victor, Cor. Setiy O. S. W. S. A. Dear Madam .'Please pardon my neglect of your communication of December 22d. It was mislaid, and the Orcgonxan of to-day reminded me of it. I am sorry to not be at Salem, but a peculiar stress of duties, and a state of health which threatens me with the possibility of entire cessation of ability for work, oblige me to decline your in- itation. While doing so I desire to ex press my sympathy with the cause of enfranchisement of woman, and to ex press the hope that all your delibera tions may be conducted "with the wis dom of the serpent, and the harmless- ness of the dove." Very sincerely yours, T. L. Eliot. Pastor Unitarian Church. Portland, Oregon, February 1, 1876. Mrs. F. F. Victor, Cor. Sec'y O. S. W. . A. Dear Madam: Your courteous note of December 22d, 1875, requesting me to be 'present to co-operate with your Association in its work for the po litical emancipation of women at a con vention to be held in the city of Salem, Oregon, commencing on the 8th day of rage Association, with the request to February of the current year, is received. Having been a worker in the cause of woman's enfranchisement for more than ten years, you will readily under stand that my sympathies are with you in any movement which will hasten the Reverdy Johnson, the distinguished statesman and jurist, was found dead on Ibe evening of the 10th inst, at 8:15 v. :l, In the grounds surrounding the ex t-cutive mansion at Annapolis. John ton was the guest of Gov. Carroll, and had dined with other gentlemen at the The following resolution was offered p. Victor; Dialogue, Master Cooke and guments of our opposers, or the truth of our position. Anu uotniug out iriai will ever satisfy the thousands of over burdened, self-supporting women who have so long groaned under their load of disadvantages. Nothing is surer to convert a woman to the cause of suflrage than to find herself thrown upon her own resources for support, and to find how unjust Is law and custom whenever by Mr. Minto: Jiesolved, That the right of suffrage is inherent and inalienable in every American citizen of mature age who is capable of self-support, and no State constitution or law should -De allowed to abridge or limit its free use. On motion, adjourned to 7 p. m. EVENING SESSION. Convention met as per adjournment, the President being in the chair. Minutes of afternoon session being Addie Hartraan; Music, Solo, Miss Ada May; Address, Mrs. Dr. Thompson; Recitation, Miss Hensley; Recitation, Miss Mary Strong; Music, Trio; Recita tion, Mrs. George Jones; Tableau, Lib erty and Justice. Convention adjourned to 9 A. M., Fri day. FOURTH DAY MORNING SESSION. The Convention beinsr called to order she is oblltred to appeal to either. And bv the President, the business of erect- vet. we are compelled to argue ou executive mansion. He was found dead read, the following programme was car-1 ing delegates to the State Temperance cause over and over with many women in the yard by a servant. His funeral ried into effect: Declamation, Master took place on the 13th at the family Charles McCasIin; Essay, Miss Emma residence in Baltimore, and was at- Clawson; Address, Mrs. John Minto; In tended by many of the most dlstin- strnmental music; Address, Mrs. H. A. tiulshed persons In the land. Loughary; Poem, O. C. Applegate, read by Miss Clara Watt; Remarks by Mrs. The January number of the West Duniway on the presentation of a snow- Shore contains a paper upon the "Liter- drop to the Association; Music. Mure of Oregon," from the graceful peu nf Mrs. F. F. Victor, a lady who has herself contributed much that is sub' haotial aud valuable to .the literature of the Pacific Coast. The sketch is evi dently the product of thorough research, On motion, Convention adjourned to 10 a. jr., Thursday. THIRD DAY MORNING SESSION, Alliauce was taken up, and resulted In that we meet, and present what seem to the election of the following-named per- us to be self-evident truths, to persons sons: Miss Mary Kier, Captain O. C. who are our superiors in culture and Applecate, Mrs. A. J. Duniway, Mrs. J. judgment on almost every other sub Erbe, Mrs. C. A. Coburn, F. Martin, ject. We feel convinced that all that is Esq., Colonel C. A. Reed, Mrs. F. F. necessary for many such persons Is to Victor; Alternates,Mrs.H.A.Loughary give their attention to the subject, and and Major George Williams. they will speedily find that It Is con Mrs. Duniway was called to the chair, trary to the spirit of our government to and the President gave some cogent rea sons for employing speakers in the deny the right of suffrage to any one of its law-abiding citizens. The most stubborn of our opponents among our own sex will assert that she has a right to her opinion, and that, Convention met pursuant to adjourn- evening, who can make themselves ment, Mrs. Loughary in the chair. heard, and thus hold audiences properly. Programme for the day, on motion, Mrs. Dr. Thompson addressed the and, indeed, in the careful statemeut of was adopted. Convention at some leugth upon dress she does not wish to vote, she has acts, Mrs. Victor is unsurpassed. Corresponding Secretary read a com-1 reform, and also offered some practical right to say so. How can she do this Though but a sketch; the paper is In j munication from Mrs. Martin, of La- suggestions relative to the proper method in any public sense, but by voting itself a valuable addition to Oregon lit- fayette. of classifying work for the future. against her own right to vote, thereby eratnre. Mr. Conser, chairman of Committee I The Committee on Finance reported I acknowledging the fallacy of nor posl will change the state of littleness in which they have their being. They will change, tfiough. I hope, too, before the Celestial leaves our kitchens, to help elect our representatives. "Truth' is mighty, and will prevail." Let us hold up her hands, for her enemies are legion. To do this, let us give our aid to the People's Paper the New Northwest. 'Tis a dignified aud powerful agent in the furtherance of our cause and princi ples. Especially is this the case with it since it acquired the good judgment, able pen, aud rare discretion of an Asso ciate Editor, I believe you will have a harmonious meeting, and sincerely hope you will strike such blows for the right as shall cause the next Legislature to at least change some of the odious property laws as relating to women, which now trrace. or rather dscrace the pages of that masculine thing "The General Laws of Oregon." Enclosed, And one dollar for the treasury. As ever, for equal rights. S. Miranda Buck. Oak Point, W. T. Mrs. F. F. Victor, Cor. Sec'y O S. W. S. A. Dear Madam: Your 1 notice of the fourth annual meet lug of the Oregon State Woman Suf- be present and address the Associii' tion and co-operate iu its work and aims, was received a few days ago. I feel honored by the invitation, and should be pleased to attend. Circum stances forbid my indulging the hope of education, awaken the energies, or such a privilege. 1 shall, however, be arouse the enthusiasm of women at with you in spirit, sympathizing iu large to a point at which they will un- your trials and difficulties, rejoicing in derstand that they are entitled to all your triumphs and success. I am more the privileges and rights of a citizen of than ever convinced of the necessity of this nation, and will take and use such Woman Suffrage. The ignorant, stupid rights and privileges as far as the pres- selfishness of men and indifference of ent condition of the laws will permit women may render the progress of our them, and combine to cause a chauge cause slow. It is, however, none the iu said laws, so that they may be ad- iPSS sure. Tam boldlv a believer in the mitted to exercise fully the greatest progress of the race. God made us to and best of these rights the right of grow, and grow we will, up and out suflrage now enjoyed by the male citl- from an that is low and groveling, cruel zeu alone. We need an earnest and hearty co operation among the women of all classes and conditions in this country to effect this object; and, to this point, I believe that more attention should be given by the old soldiers in the cause. While I should enjoy heartily being present at your meeting, and would gladly give any aid in my power to the furtherance of your work aud aims, I regret to be obliged to deny myself the pleasure, on account of pressing business matters just now enaging my time aud attention. and unjust, to the grandest conceivable heights of purity, nobility, justice, and benevolence. Let us, resolutely refus ing to be discouraged by the most pro voking opposition, look away from the darkness of the past unto the things that are before in the glorious era of woman's rights. Let none be discour aged by fear or doubt. The victory is sure as the flight of time. In this, as iu other things, the maxim holds true, "Ask and ye shall receive; seek and ve shall find; knock and It shall be' opened unto you." The history of the cause fully justifies With many wishes for the success of the most ardent hopes. Should women your convention, and or our cause be aroused, become interested and well throughout the country, I am, dear informed, the work would soon be done, madam, . Very respectfully. A. a. JUL. STUART. Olympia, W. T. Mrs. F. F. Victor, Cor. Sec'y O. S. TP. S. A. Dear Madam: I acknowledge, with many thanks, au invitation to at tend the meeting of the Oregon State Woman Suflrage Association, and am exceedingly sorry that I cannot have the pleasure of attending. Sickness in my family has prevented my respond ing more promptly to the invitation, They would unite in working and ask ing. The result would speedily be "un conditional surrender." It seems to me the effort is mainly needed among the womep. When a woman wills, she will, you know. The men will not long be ignorant.when the women are enlight ened. Nor will they long neglect co operation when requested by the major ity of women. The machinery of progress must be increased. Conventions and organiza- and will prevent my attendance. But tionSi countyi state, and national; pa pers, pamphlets, books, must be muiti nlipd until the field is won, and our starry banner waves over a nation men and women free.' Fraternally, George H. Greer, Lake View, W. T. of be assured my heart is just as warm iu the cause as ever, and my hand aches to wield the pen; and just as soon as my family are all restored to health (of which I am happy to say there is a fair prospect), I hope to be able to again put on my armor and engage in the contest for right over might. One hundred aud fifty men left Chey- Had I had the opportunity of attend- enne on the 14th for the iiiacK mils, a ing your meeting, I should have pre- party who came in last night reports pared and read a paper on the late de- that during the eight days of his trip cislon of the Supreme Court of the from Custar, he counted 185 wagons en United States on the question of "Woman route for the hills. Two hundred more Suffrage; but as I cannot be there, please are outfitting now and will start allow me to call the attention of the this week. The Incoming trains bring friends to that subject. The position scores of gold-seekers dally. smooth, prairie land within a few, miles of Portlaud, subject to home stead, or pre-emption, and seemed dis pleased with the people here because he had not found thing9 as his fancies had painted them. Many of the ex pressions he made use of when com plainlng of his disappointment sounded so much like swearing of the most forcible kind that I wa3 forced to con clude that he would not swell the ag gregate of piety in any community. He seemed to have made Ita study to invent the most blasphemous oaths; and the cool, slow aud decided manner in which these imprecations were ut tered, showed that however much of la bor his remarkable proficiency had cost him, he was williug that all within hearing should have the full benefit of It gratuitously. I ventured to ask him, after he had finished a sentence thus profusely embellished, what vocation he had adorned in previous life, and was informed that he had been an ox- driver. It canuot bo wondered at, however, that immigrants arriving here in mid winter are not generally well pleased with the appearance of the country. Indeed, had I never traveled over the fertile prairies of Marion, of Benton and of Lane counties before, I might probably have been induced to take a share or two in an enterprise that I heard spoken of nu w'u whirled aloug that of building an ark. But I had. Where is now an almost interminable sheet of water, will, in a few short weeks, be a very garden resplendent with flowers. Where now the duck and the goose sport in their favorite el ement, the reaper will soon be gather ing the golden sheaves. Twenty-four years ago I first set (bare) foot on Al bany prairie. I had just emerged from the Cascade Mountains, where my buckskin bifurcates, from being most thoroughly water-soaked, had attained such proportions that I was compelled to curtail them of a foot of their extra length. But the September sun poured his desiccating rays down upon my head and my pantaloons until, from my knees down, I was dressed in the fashion adopted in the earliest history of the race. There was certainly no surplus water on the prairie then; for, in traveling over the unsettled wild acres between the upper Calapooia and Albany, I suffered from thirst. What a change since then ! I do not remember to havo seen a living creature between Kirk's and Albany, with the exception of a skulking cayote and a horned owl. The former was as shabbily dressed, and looked as dejected and lonely as myself, aud I left him to Ms own meditations; but the latter displayed such gravity of deportment aud solemnity of mien, that I could not pass him by unnoticed. Perched upon a gnarled oak, he seemed a very king iu dignity, as I pompously "filed" by him in my comic habili ments. I was probably the first speci men of the genus homo he had ever seen, and when Ishiad a finger-stone at him, he did not even deign to dodge, but sat earnestly surveying me from head to foot without a change of coun tenance. But long since the cayote and owl have been driven back to the mountains, and to-day tasteful cottages and well-filled barns and granaries are visible in all directions, as far as the eye can reach. At Junction City, I visited Lee En campment C. R. C, and witnessed the induction of two persons into the R. C, and one into the S. C. degree of the Order. They have a comfortable and well-furuished hall, and their member ship comprises many of the leading men and women of the place. A few days previous to my visit, the relentless hand of death had visited their circle and robbed them of a much-loved member a Mrs. Kirk. Her bereaved husband (an officer, and an active and influential member of the Encamp ment), finds true friends to sustain him in his great loss. Sister K. was borne to her last resting place, near Eugene City, by her loving Companions, and interred with the sol emn and imposing ceremonies of the Order she so much loved, and in whose ranks she so nobly worked. More anon. A. F. J. Harrisburg, February 10, 1876. A lady member of LaCreole Encamp ment writes: "Our Encampment is in a flourishing condition. We have now none but cood, earnest, substantial members, and with such there is no I danger of failure."