In the _Sentinel_ of June 11, 1869, an editorial appeared whose evident object was to rea.s.sure the public mind and to restore to peace and confidence any souls that might have been agitated during the convention by so unusual and novel an exercise as thought. The nature of the sedative potion thus editorially administered to an alarmed public may be inferred from this sample:
No amount of human ingenuity can change the arrangement of nature. The history of the race furnishes the evidence that the species of man and woman are opposite. The distinctions that now exist have existed from the time that the "Lord G.o.d caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam," and said: "Thy desire shall be to thy husband; he shall rule over thee."
This brief story comprises the history of man and woman, and defines the relations which shall ever exist between them.
When woman ceases to be womanly, woman"s rights a.s.sociations become her fitting province.
The editor of the _Journal_ at that time was Colonel W. R.
Holloway, the present very liberal manager of the _Times_. The editor of the _Sentinel_ was Joseph J. Bingham. The State was then Republican, and as the organ of that party the _Journal_ probably had the larger number of readers.
The State Woman Suffrage a.s.sociation convened in Indianapolis, June 8, 1870, and held a two days" meeting. The _Journal_ contains, as usual, a full report. The _Sentinel"s_ tone is quite different from that which distinguished its utterances the preceding year. Its reports are full and perfectly respectful.
This convention is memorable as that at which the Indiana Society became auxiliary to the American a.s.sociation. The records show that this union was accomplished by a majority of _one_, the ballot on the proposition standing 15 for and 14 against. As soon as the union was thus effected the following was adopted:
_Resolved_, That this a.s.sociation is in favor of the union of the National and American a.s.sociations as soon as practicable.
On the same day Judge Bradwell of Chicago submitted a resolution favoring the union of the two national societies, which was laid on the table. Of the annual meetings from 1871 to 1878 the Indianapolis papers contain no reports, save the briefest mention of those of 1873-4. From 1878 to 1885 short but fair reports may be found. Since 1870, the conventions of this society[327] have been held in different towns throughout the State.[328] The minutes show that the propriety of withdrawing from the American a.s.sociation and remaining independent was brought before the convention of 1871, under the head of _special business_; that it was decided to postpone action until the next annual meeting, and to make the matter of withdrawal a special order of business, but it does not appear that from that time the subject has ever been broached. At the annual meeting of 1875, held at a time when preparations for celebrating our national centennial were in progress, the following resolution was pa.s.sed:
_Resolved_, That we congratulate the voters of the United States on their enjoyment of the right of suffrage, and commend them for the great centenary celebration of the establishment of that right, which they are about to have.
But we do earnestly protest against the action of the Indiana legislature by which it made appropriations for that purpose of moneys collected by taxing women"s property.
In November, 1878, the ninth annual meeting of the American a.s.sociation was held in Indianapolis, by invitation from the State Society.[329]
In the month of March, 1878, some very mysterious whisperings advertised the fact that there was to be a meeting of the ladies of Indianapolis known to have "advanced ideas" concerning their s.e.x. In response to a secretly circulated summons, there met at No. 18 Circle Hall nine women and one man, who, though not mutually acquainted, were the most courageous of those to whom the call had come. Probably each of the ten often thinks with amus.e.m.e.nt of the suspicious glances with which they regarded one another. As a partic.i.p.ant, I may say that the company had the air of a band of conspirators. Had we convened consciously to plot the ruin of our domestic life, which opponents predict as the result of woman"s enfranchis.e.m.e.nt, we could not have looked more guilty or have moved about with more unnatural stealth. That demeanor I explain as an unconscious tribute to what "Madam Grundy" would have thought had she known of our conclave.
At that meeting one point only was definitely settled; which was, whether the new society should take a name which would conceal from the public its primary object, or one which would clearly advertise it. The honesty of the incipient organization was vindicated by its deciding upon the latter. I do not record in detail the initiative steps of this flourishing society in order to awaken in its members any humiliating memories, but because the fact that ten conscientious, upright persons could thus secretly convene in an obscure room, and that such a question could agitate them for more than two hours, is the best indication that could be given of the conservative atmosphere which enveloped Indianapolis, even as late as 1878. The next meeting was appointed for April 2, at the residence of Mrs.
Zerelda G. Wallace. Notices were inserted in the papers, and in the meantime some pains was taken to secure not only the presence of persons who had not previously been identified with any reform movement, but also that of some well-known friends. It was attended by twenty-six men and women, representing various religious and political parties, most of whom enjoyed the advantages of education and social position, and resulted in a permanent organization under a const.i.tution whose first article is as follows:
This organization shall be known as the Indianapolis Equal Suffrage Society, and shall consist of such men and women as are willing to labor for the attainment of equal rights at the ballot-box for all citizens on the same conditions.
On the principle that that which has some restrictions is most desired, membership was at first hedged about with certain formalities. While most reform organizations welcome as members all who will pay their annual fee and subscribe to the const.i.tution, this society requires that the names of candidates be presented at one meeting and formally balloted on at the next, thus providing a month for consideration. Since 1878 this society[330] has held forty-three public meetings, and distributed throughout the city several thousand tracts. At intervals the society has engaged speakers from abroad. Miss Anthony gave her "Bread and Ballot" to a large audience in Masonic Hall, and many date their conversion from that evening.
Mrs. Stanton has appeared twice under the auspices of the society. On the first occasion it secured for her the court-room in which the upper house of the general a.s.sembly was then sitting. Tickets of admission were sent to all the members of both houses. Her lecture on "The Education of Girls," made a profound impression. On her second appearance she spoke in the First Christian Church, on "Boys." For Miss Frances E. Willard, Robert"s Park Church was obtained, and thus suffrage principles were presented to a new cla.s.s of minds. Mrs. J. Ellen Foster spoke on "Women before the Law," in the Criminal-court room. The society made every effort to secure the general attendance of members of the bar. Before one of its regular meetings in the Christian chapel, Mrs. Louise V. Boyd read a very bright paper on "A Cheerful Outlook for Women." At its present parlors, Mrs.
Harbert delivered an address for the benefit of the suffrage campaign in Oregon.
In May, 1880, this society invited the National a.s.sociation to hold its annual convention in Indianapolis. Entertainment was provided for eighty-seven delegates, besides the friends who came from different parts of the State. In Park Theatre, the largest auditorium of the city, eloquent voices for two days pleaded the cause of freedom. The reports in the city press were full and fair, and the editorials commendatory. The fact that the _Sentinel_ contained a long editorial advocating the doctrines of equal suffrage, shows the progress since 1869. The evening after the convention a reception was given to the members and friends of the National a.s.sociation in the s.p.a.cious parlors of Mrs. John C. New.
From its origin the Indianapolis society has held aloof from all formal alliances. Thus it has been free to work with individuals and organizations that have woman suffrage for their aim. It habitually sends delegates to the State annual conventions, and in those of the American and National it is usually represented.
In December, 1880, the society issued a letter, secured its publication in the leading papers of the State, and addressed a copy to each member of the General a.s.sembly, in order to advise that body that there were women ready to watch their official careers and to demand from them the consideration of just claims:
INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 22, 1880.
DEAR SIR: The Equal Suffrage Society of Indianapolis, in behalf of citizens of Indiana who believe that liberty to exercise the right of suffrage should neither be granted nor denied on the ground of s.e.x, would respectfully notify you that during the next session of the State legislature it will invite the attention of that body to the consideration of what is popularly called "The Suffrage Question." The society will pet.i.tion the legislature to devote a day to hearing, from representative advocates of woman suffrage, appeals and arguments for such legislation as may be necessary to abolish the present unjust restriction of the elective franchise to one s.e.x, and to secure to women the free exercise of the ballot, under the same conditions and such only, as are imposed upon men. To this matter we ask your unprejudiced attention, that when our cause shall be brought before the legislature its advocates may have your cooperation.
Very respectfully yours, ZERELDA G. WALLACE, _President_.
MAY WRIGHT SEWALL, _Secretary_,
By order of the Equal Suffrage Society of Indianapolis.
The society has lately taken a new departure, giving lunches, parties and literary entertainments, to which invitations[331]
are issued, by the officers, thus becoming a factor in the social life of the city. The invitation, programme, and press comments of its last entertainment indicate the character of these reunions, and the esteem in which they are held. These occasions have been the means of securing for the society greater popular favor than it has. .h.i.therto enjoyed. At the conclusion of the formal toasts, the president called upon Gov. Albert G. Porter, who had come in a few minutes before. He thanked the meeting for its reference to what he had done for the cause of equal suffrage, and announced that while he remained governor of Indiana he would do all he could for the rights of women.[332] He referred to the progress made, and to the refining influence that women would have on political matters. Of all the social entertainments given, none has secured more converts than the celebration of Susan B. Anthony"s sixty-second birthday. The arrangements for this event were placed in the hands of Mrs. Mary E.N. Carey and Mrs. May Wright Sewall. The following account, prepared by the author of this chapter for the Indianapolis _Times_ of February 18, 1882, will sufficiently indicate the spirit of the occasion:
The anniversary was a unique event. A number of invitations were issued to citizens interested in suffrage who were not formally connected with the a.s.sociation. As a result, on the evening of February 15, there were gathered in the s.p.a.cious parlors of Dr. Carey"s hospitable home, one hundred and fifty persons representing the best circles of Indianapolis society. A portrait of Miss Anthony rested upon an easel, conspicuously placed, that all might see the serene face of the woman who for thirty years has preached the gospel of political freedom, and expounded the const.i.tution of the United States in favor of justice to all. The programme was somewhat informal, all but two of the speeches[333] being spontaneous expressions of admiration for Miss Anthony and her fidelity to principle. There were two regrets connected with the programme. These were caused by the absence of Gov.
Porter and Hon. Schuyler Colfax; but the gracious presence of Mrs. Colfax was a reminder of her husband"s fidelity to our cause, and Mrs. Porter"s sympathetic face was a scarcely less potent support than would have been a speech from the governor. Just before the close of the meeting the following telegram was sent to Miss Anthony:
_Susan B. Anthony, Tenafly, New Jersey_.
The Indianapolis Equal Suffrage Society, in meeting a.s.sembled with many friends sends you greeting on this anniversary occasion, in recognition of your devotion to the cause of women.
MAY WRIGHT SEWALL, _Secretary_.
To report the details of this social gathering would be wearisome, but some reflections to which the occasion gave rise may be permitted. One lady upon seeing the invitation to the meeting exclaimed: "This little bit of paper is an indication of a higher civilization than I supposed we had yet entered upon.
Until recently it has been like the betrayal of a secret for a woman, particularly for an unmarried woman, to have a birthday."
This exclamation but expresses a historical fact and a prophetic truth. So long as woman"s only value depended upon physical charms, the years which destroyed them were deemed enemies. The fact that an unmarried woman"s sixty-second birthday can be celebrated, shows the dawning of the idea that the loss of youth and its fresh beauty may be more than compensated by the higher charms of intellectual attainments. The time will never come when women, or men either, will delight in the possession of crows-feet, gray hairs and wrinkles; but the time will come, aye, and now is, when they will view these blemishes as but a petty price to pay for the joy of new knowledge, for the deeper joy of closer contact with humanity, and for the deepest joy of worthy work well done.
The first legislative hearing since 1860, was that granted January, 1871, to Miss Amanda Way and Mrs. Emma B. Sw.a.n.k. The two houses received them in joint session, the lieutenant-governor and speaker of the house occupying the speaker"s desk. Mr. William c.u.mback introduced Miss Way, who read the following memorial:
_Mr. President and Gentlemen_--We come before you as a committee appointed by the Woman Suffrage a.s.sociation to memorialize your honorable body in behalf of the women of Indiana. We ask you to take the necessary steps to so amend the State const.i.tution as to secure to women the right of suffrage. We believe the extension of the full rights of citizenship to all the people of the State, is in accordance with the fundamental principles of a just government. We believe that as woman has an equal interest with man in all public questions, she should therefore have an equal voice in their decision. We believe that as woman"s life, prosperity and happiness are equally dependent upon the order and morality of society, she should have an equal voice in the laws regulating her surroundings. We believe that as woman is human, she has human needs and rights, and as she is held responsible to law, she should have an equal voice in electing her law-makers.
We believe that the interests of man and woman are equally improved in securing to both equal education, a place in the trades and professions, equal honor and dignity everywhere; and as the first step to this end is equality before the law, we, your pet.i.tioners, ask that you extend to the women of Indiana the right of suffrage, and thus enable one-half the citizens of the State to protect themselves in their most sacred rights.
Miss Way spoke briefly to the points in the memorial, urging the legislators to give to women the same chances for improvement, the same means for defense, and the same weapons for protection that they have secured to themselves. Mrs. Sw.a.n.k also made a logical and eloquent speech. No action was taken by the legislature.
On January 22, 1875, the two houses of the General a.s.sembly convened in joint session, to receive pet.i.tions from the "Temperance Women of Indiana," who were on this occasion represented by Mrs. Zerelda G. Wallace, Mrs. Avaline and Mrs.
Robinson, who had been appointed by the State Temperance a.s.sociation. Mrs. Wallace read a memorial and stated that it was signed by 10,000 women, and then argued its various points and pleaded for the action of the "Honorable Body." Mrs. Avaline and Mrs. Robinson followed in briefer, but not less earnest appeals.
The only answer elicited by these ladies was the a.s.surance made by Dr. Thompson, a member of the Senate, that he and his colleagues were there, "not to represent their _consciences_, but to represent their _const.i.tuents_," whose will was directly opposed to the pet.i.tion offered.
On January 3, 1877, a resolution to the effect that the fourteenth and fifteenth amendments to the Const.i.tution of the United States give the ballot to women, came to its third reading in the lower House. On that occasion, Mrs. Wallace and Dr. Mary F. Thomas represented the women of Indiana, and Mrs. Mary A.
Livermore was present to lend the a.s.sistance of her oratory. The speeches created a profound impression, but neither native nor foreign eloquence was able to secure the requisite vote. When the ayes and nays were called, the resolution was lost--51 to 22.
On February 24, 1879, once again in joint session, the General a.s.sembly received a committee appointed by the State a.s.sociation and the Equal Suffrage Society of Indianapolis, to support woman"s claim to the ballot. Mrs. Wallace, Dr. Mary F. Thomas, Mary E. Haggart and Amy E. Dunn, each spoke at length on the points clearly set forth in the memorial. Whatever arguments could reach the intellect, whatever could touch the sensibilities, were urged by these ladies on that occasion, and the gentlemen did not fail to compliment their abilities, although the exercise of them had no palpable effect upon legislation.
Before the General a.s.sembly of 1880-81, had convened, it was known by its members-elect that the women of the State would be a constant factor in their deliberations. They had been notified of this intention by the circular letter from the City Society, and by the published fact that the State a.s.sociation had already appointed representatives, whose duty it should be to secure a hearing for such an amendment to the const.i.tution of the State as should enable women to vote. As soon as the legislature a.s.sembled, committees on women"s claims were appointed in both branches; Simeon P. Yancey being the chairman of the Senate, and J. M. Furnas of the House, committee. Two points had been determined upon. These were to try to secure the pa.s.sage of a bill which should immediately authorize women to vote for presidential electors, and such an amendment to the const.i.tution of the State as should enable women to exercise the right of suffrage on all questions.
In connection with the first of these points the name of Helen M.
Gougar deserves especial mention. At the Washington convention of the American a.s.sociation, Mr. Blackwell suggested that the States try to secure the electoral ballot for women, and as soon as Mrs.
Gougar returned she urged the members of the legislature to take the matter up. At her suggestion, Dr. Mary F. Thomas addressed a letter to W. D. Wallace, esq., a prominent lawyer of Lafayette, asking him if, in his opinion, the extension of the electoral ballot to women would be incompatible with the present const.i.tution of the State; in reply to this Mr. Wallace set forth an exhaustive argument,[334] proving the entire const.i.tutionality of such an act. Five thousand were printed and gratuitously distributed throughout the State.
The Committee on Women"s Claims in both Houses met at sundry times with members of the Suffrage a.s.sociation to discuss the merits of these bills and to become familiar with the arguments.
During the regular session Mrs. Wallace and Mrs. Gougar spent two consecutive weeks in attendance at the legislature, watching the att.i.tude of the different members and lobbying, in the good sense of that word. The immediate object was to secure the pa.s.sage of the electoral bill, for that once gained, and women by act of the legislature made voters upon the most important question, it was reasonably thought that the pa.s.sage of the amendment would be thereby facilitated. A hearing was granted on February 16, 1881, and the House took a recess to listen to the speeches of the women appointed by the State a.s.sociation, Mrs. Haggart and Mrs.
Gougar. The next day, February 17, the Senate afforded a similar opportunity, and the same ladies addressed that body.
In addition to the faithful exertions of Mrs. Wallace and Mrs.
Gougar, and the public hearing granted by both houses, much quiet but most effective work was done with individual members. To no one is more due than to Paulina T. Merritt, whose reputation for intelligent charity is widely known. Mrs. Merritt was a frequent attendant upon the sessions of the legislature and her untiring efforts in private conversations with members were invaluable. In spite of all these influences, when the electoral bill was brought to a vote upon its third reading, it was lost on the ground that it was unconst.i.tutional.
At the special session all efforts centered upon the bill for amending section 2, of article II., of the State const.i.tution, so as to give women the right to vote in all elections. Mrs. Wallace and Mrs. Gougar gave another week to the work, and on April 7 the bill was brought to a vote in the House, and pa.s.sed--ayes 62, nays 24; in the Senate, on April 8, it also pa.s.sed--ayes 25, nays 18; and so the first entrenchment was won.
No one believed that the bill to amend the const.i.tution would have pa.s.sed had it not been preceded by the battle over the electoral bill and the consequent education of the General a.s.sembly in regard to this great question of political rights.
Immediately a conference was held as to the proper manner of expressing our grat.i.tude to the committees on women"s political claims. It was at first thought the recognition should come from the Equal Suffrage Society, but it was finally considered wiser to have a reception given the honorable body by a voluntary committee of women who should act quite independently of any society.[335]
The pa.s.sage of the amendment by the legislature of 1881 gave the advocates of our cause a common objective point, and the efforts of all during the two years immediately succeeding were directed toward securing the election of such a legislature as might be relied upon to repa.s.s the bill in 1883. The State society at its annual meeting enlarged its central committee and instructed it to arrange meetings in various parts of the State, to send out speakers, and to organize local societies.[336] This committee prepared a letter, for general distribution, indicating to the women of the State their duty in the premises, and suggesting various lines of work. Blanks for a special pet.i.tion to the General a.s.sembly were sent to every township, which were industriously circulated and numerously signed.