xt7x3f4kq24n https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7x3f4kq24n/data/mets.xml  Kentucky Equal Rights Association 1908 Minutes and reports from the annual conventions and other meetings of the Kentucky Equal Rights Association. Includes the following titles: Minutes of the Kentucky Equal Rights Association; Minutes of the Annual Convention of the Kentucky Equal Rights Association; and Report of the Annual Convention of the Kentucky Equal Rights Association. JK1883 .K4, 24 volumes. annual reports  English Newport, KY: The Newport Printing Co. Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Kentucky Equal Rights Association minutes and reports Women -- Suffrage -- Kentucky -- Periodicals Women -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- Kentucky -- Periodicals Report of the Nineteenth Annual Convention of the Kentucky Equal Rights Association Held at Richmond, Kentucky, November 17th and 18th, 1908. text Report of the Nineteenth Annual Convention of the Kentucky Equal Rights Association Held at Richmond, Kentucky, November 17th and 18th, 1908. 1908 2019 true xt7x3f4kq24n section xt7x3f4kq24n . i V ‘ OF TIIE
1' i Nineteenth Annual Convention
V 011‘ THE
: ‘ , V . l a 3
. . Kennett; Equal Rights .lSSUBtttltttI‘t -
l l I r }IEI4D.AT .
RICTTL‘JONI). BYY. i
I , Novern‘ber 17th and 18th 1908: i
. - 2 ' zStttt '
' ' - ' stalwarts??? Mae‘s»
, . ' “If Ye Abide in My \Vord......Ye Shall Know the Truth, I
‘ '1 . ‘ and the Truth Shall Make You Free.”
‘f’-=..:K4l9 ‘ ,
V ,, ~ , | a t h V , THE NE:::IVI:‘O::’I::NO COs

 ‘ r . , L . _' 7 ‘ ' t ‘ ‘éj,
.‘ '7 . ,, _. , ‘ ' é“
, . _ V T. y.“
. . - meet-29%;!» {ii-Eiréér‘w , ’ a};
_ ‘ . g. OFFICERS , - g ' . , i
' ., ' ‘ OFTHE" " . I
~ _ . _ Kentucky. Equal Rlvghts Assocmuon. , ‘ - ' r‘
_ ,y ' ‘ .V ' ‘ President " h ' :3 _
MISS LAURA CLAY..........1.4..............'.,..Lexingtpxi,Ky. , E
' 1 ' ' . _ ' ' I “.f ‘ > ‘ ,Fin‘thice-Pruidént , ‘ j v L' ‘
_ ' MRS. MARY B. CLAY,.W ..7........4.._......Richrfiond,‘ Ky. V ’ . ‘ f
' , ” Second Vice-President, ' , .V ' . . , f
. ‘ ; ; MRS. MARY ‘C. CRAMER-L. ;. . . .. . . . ._..Lexi‘ngtvon,' Ky. '_ . , .1
_‘ '7 ,V ' 3 :_ f .‘ Third Vicg—Preaidcht ., l. ‘ ‘ ‘ ,
I - . ‘ ' ,, MR‘S. N;;S‘ MCLAUGHLIN, xoug'Scott St...-.. 2. ......Covihgton,.Ky. ‘ v. ‘ V
»- , , 7 _ , I ' ‘ . ,f' Corru‘ponding-Secrétary , I , 1 . , ‘V v . -
‘ g j MRS. MARY c, "RoAxx(;,;‘,.r....~...‘.,.‘.’....".‘.-’..‘.'.....Richmond, Ky.‘ ;
» ,‘ ., 7 ' V" -. ’ f. ~Récdrdz’ngVSécy-atafy , - ‘ h ‘ " - 7 §
. ' g ' ‘ MR5: EMMA M; BOEBUCK, 1123 W. Front St. J...'.‘.Newport,'Ky., ‘ _ E!
'4" ‘v . j l Treasdrer- _ >. I _' ‘ ‘ ' ,‘Z ‘1
A. _ . ‘ --’ ‘ ‘ MR5. ISABELLA SfiEPARn, 3x E.112thSt‘..-{...‘.v.”:.‘..Covington, Ky. . - a - ' k
, '1, ' r, “I ' MR5. L C.{OBENCi-IIAIN..V..'.’.H..‘..L.'..u .1. “Bowling GreengKy *
,. 1' 1., D / ’- ’ . '_ Historian ,~ “. ‘ .“ 'V , x
> ., ‘ ' stglM. B.‘REyN'OLDs’.,.f‘.”..'.;‘.,._.....in.>....,...7.'.Covingvtofi,’Ky. ‘ ' . . ‘ '5'?
7r .f .1 _ ‘ ‘ 9 Mambei afElx'.:Cr’om."N. AJW. S. A. / —‘ ,' . ' , 'g
> ‘ _‘ M411? EQGILTNFR ;..".Covingt'on‘, Ky. ._ , i
‘ , " ‘1 L weeséé’m wseé'ésn ~ ' ‘

 _‘ I “If ye abide in my word. * *‘ 1* ye shall know the truth, and
; .1 the truth shall make you free.” '
_ MINUTES
OF THE
: ,1;,1 Nineteenth Annual Convention
‘ '1 1 OF THE
KENTUCKY EQUAL RIGHTS ASSOCIATION
’ HELD AT
; RICHMOND, KY.
, I November 17th and 18th, 1908
' Executive Commlttee met Monday cvemng, November 16,
1908, Miss Clay presiding.
2, The "President explained many of the plans of work of
the National Association for the good of the cause this year.
Discussion of an amendment to the constitution on the ques-
1 1‘, tion of the representation and position of enrolled members.
i l: Discussion of an amendment to the constitution to receive
5 state bodies organized for other than suffrage purposes as mem-
bers of the state association.
, Adjourned.
.' Plan of Work Committee met at 9 o’clock November 17.
It was decided to recommend that Article III. of the state
constitution be amended by the addition: “Any state organi’
. ‘ zation for other objects, who endorse woman’s suffrage, may
1 become auxiliary by the payment of one dollar annually to
1 1 the State Treasurer.” E j {j} :1. 3‘: 3 3

 ”51:4.“f E ,'
' V". 3‘
\‘3. Tu. , g
i‘. a: r’) .-/_ i
That Article VI. of the state constitution shall be amended .
‘ by making it read: ”One delegate at large and one delegate
for every ten paid—up members for the current year, from each
auxiliary suffrage association, and one delegate from each aux-
iliary state association.”
President read a letter from Miss Anna Gordon, asking
that the state associations write to President Roosevelt, request-
ing him to recommend woman's suffrage in his message to
Congress. '
Voted that we comply with Miss Gordon’s request and rec— . j
ommend that the locals do the same. j
As to the plan of work, it was decided that we rec-ommend: f
. That we endeavor to obtain for mothers the co—guardianship H
of minor children, equal with fathers. ll
That we continue our efforts to obtain school suffrage for it,
all women in Kentucky.
That we ask to have women appointed on the boards of i
all state punitive and educational institutions. j
That we ask for the submission of a constitutionalpamend— I,
ment, giving full suffrage to women. . j
That we make increase of membership our principal work j
for. next year. f"
Adjourned. j
MORNING SESSION.
Convention opened at 10 o’clock, Miss Clay in the chair. '
Scriptural reading and prayer by the President.
Voted that the programme be made the order of business.
Minutes of the Executive Committee read and approved. .
Voted that the chair appoint all committees.
Committees appointed: ,
Credentials——Mrs. I. H. Shepard.
Publication—Mrs. E. M. Roebuck, Mrs. Hattie Buchanan.
Auditing—Miss Anna Warfuel, Mrs. Sam Parks.
‘ Courtesies—Mrs. Kate Rose Wiggins.
Resolutions—Mrs. F. E. Beauchamp, Mrs. Rawlins Burnham
_ _ .. and .Mrs; .J. I3. Stouffer.
' o u . . u .. I. : : l
. . . . '.' ..' t

 . The officers present each gave interesting reports of work
done in their different departments.
Voted that the Secretary write a letter of sympathy to Mrs.
Mary C. Cramer, regretting her absence from the convention.
Report of Mrs. l\r’lary E. Giltner, member of the National
Executive Committee, read and accepted.
5 REPORTS OF LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS.
ll Kenton County report read by Mrs. I. H. Shephard.
ll Ashland report read by Miss Laura White.
,3 Covington Equal Rights Association, verbal report by Mrs.
l N. s. h’chaughlin.
l Campbell County report read by Miss VVarfuel.
, Fayette County report read by Secretary.
Louisville report read by Mrs. Alice White.
E) Madison County report read by Mrs. Kate R. Wiggins.
l Voted that the Secretary be instructed to write a letter of
ti sympathy to Mrs. S. C. Bennett.
5,! Voted that suffrage literature be sent to the public libraries.
; Chair appointed Mrs. I. II. Shepard as committee to attend
l to the placing of suffrage literature in the public libraries.
,: First report of Credentials Committee read and accepted.
i. Voted that article III. of the constitution be amended as
V read and recommended by Plan of Work Committee.
Voted that Article VI. of the constution be amended as read
and recommended by Plan of Work Committee.
‘ Voted that we adopt the suggestion of Miss Gordon to write /
to President Roosevelt, asking him to recommend woman's suf-
' frage in his annual message.
Voted that we endeavor to obtain for mothers the co-guardian-
ship of minor children equal with fathers.
Voted that we continue our efforts to get school suffrage for
all women in Kentucky.
Voted that we strive to have women appointed on boards
‘ of all punitive and educational institutions.
1 3
l , ,

 s l
Voted that we ask for the submission of a constitutional
1. amendment giving full suffrage to the wOmen of Kentucky. ,
Voted that we make increase of membership our principal I ‘
l1 work for next year. . 1 1
Miss Clay. Chairman of the Legislative Committee, gave ' i
1 report of work done by that committee. '
: Adjourned. ‘
1 AFTERNOON SESSION.
3' Convention resumed at 2:I5 with Scriptural reading and i
. prayer. ' . 1 )1
i Minutes of morning session read and approved. l1
Voted that the wording of the amendments to the constitu-
tion be left to the Committee on Publication. i
Mrs. F. E. Beauchamp, of Lexington, President of the Ken‘ -
: tucky W. C. T. U.; Mrs. Lucy A. Nield and Mrs. Alice White, '
f of Louisville, were introduced to the convention. 1
‘ Report of State Historian, Mrs. M. B. Reynolds, read and 11
accepted. ,
Mrs. Lucy A. Nield, chairman of the civic department of the
‘ Woman’s Club, told of work done by women in having Ken-
i tucky’s very excellent child labor law passed. 1
. Miss Laura Clay gave her annual address and told of the .
' work done in the past year. She dwelt particularly on the rec- 1
0mmendations of the National Association to the State As;
' sociations. There are likely to be campaigns for woman’s 1
, suffrage in five States this year. The National recommends: 1‘
That each State assist Mrs. Catt with her monster petition of
1 1,000,000 names to Congress; that we do more work among the . ’
' churches; that good speakers be sent, who are thoroughly ac-
quainted with the Bible, and that we ask our ministers to preach '\
5 one sermon a year on woman’s suffrage; that we use the posters -
on all proper occasions.
' Voted that we adopt the recommendations of the National
3 Association to assist with the petition, do more church work
i 1 and use the posters for propaganda upon all suitable occasions.
, . .1 __l\Irs.11SaIIILIel Banks, President of the Richmond Woman’s
. .. ',' v» *,r..-. . 4 1
3 : 1 .
l I p a s it: 1' u I -1

 l

j .

’ Club, gave a most interesting talk on the work done by the
School Improvement League and of how they were hampered for

' doing better work by poor equipment and small attendance,

‘ but have made it possible for 100,000 children in cities and 500;

_ j 000 in rural districts to enjoy school privileges.’

' Mrs. Mary C. Roark, in her talk of work by the School
Improvement League, stated that the mountain counties were
much in favor of school suffrage for women.

Report of Superintendent of Press VVOrk read by Correspond—

j ing Secretary and accepted.

,\ Voted that the method of approaching patriotic and other

i societies be left to the discretion of the President.

l A rising vote of thanks was tendered Miss Clay for the great
work she has done in the past and hoping she will continue

, to lead us.

> Adjourned.

\VEDNESD;\Y MORNTNC}, NOVEMBER 18.

‘ Plan of Work Committee met at 9 o‘clock.

Discussion of Susan B. Anthony memorial fund.

Voted that we recommend that the Executive Committee be
made the Memorial Fund Committee.

3 Voted that we recommend that the President be authorized

i. to act in regard to engaging Miss Penfield as an organizer

j. in Kentucky. I

Voted that we refrain from asking for free will offerings.
, Adjourned.
j Morning session opened at 10 o’clock. ‘
.» Scriptural reading and prayer by the President. ’
Minutes of previous session read and approved.

j' Report of Treasurer read, received and books placed in
hands of Auditing Committee.

Final report of Credentials Committee read and accepted.
Voted that we proceed to the election of officers. Chair ap~
pointed Mrs. K. R. Wiggins and Miss Anna Warfucl as dis-.

l, 5

l

 l
l
-‘ tributing tellers, Mrs. E. E, Beauchamp and Mrs. Alice \chite
‘ as counting tellers.
The election resulted as follows:
President~l\’liss Laura Clay, Lexington. . :
First Vice President—Mrs. Mary B. Clay, Richmond. l
Second Vice President—Mrs. Mary C. Cramer, Lexington. 0‘
Third Vice President—Mrs. N. S. McLaughlin, Covington.
. Corresponding Secretary—Mrs. Mary C. Roark, Richmond.
Recording Secretary—Mrs. Emma M. Roebuck, Newport.
Treasurer—Mrs. Isabel H. Shepard, Covington. i
- Delegates nominated to the National Convention were: i
' Mrs. E. E. Beauchamp, Lexington. ' ‘
Mrs. S. C. Bennett, Richmond.
Mrs. M. B. Reynolds, Covington. .
Mrs, M. B. Clay, Richmond.
Mrs. Lucy A. Nield, Louisville.
, Mrs. I. H. Shepard, Covington.
; Alternates nominated were: ‘
Mrs. Mary Trimble, Covington. .
Mrs. Hattie Buchanan, Richmond, ,
Mrs. Caroline A. Leech, Louisville.
Mrs. Alma VonD. Bergman, Louisville.
Miss Laura White, Ashland.
Mrs. Kate Parks, Richmond.‘
‘ Mrs. K. R. Wiggins, Richmond. /
Mrs. N. S. McLaughlin, Covington. .
Voted that first alternate fill the first vacancy, the second al-
ternate the second vacancy, etc. * k p (i
Voted that if there is a vacancy. in the delegation at the
Seattle convention, the delegates there present be empowered
to fill such vacancy with any member of the Kentucky E. R. A. f
7 ' there present. J"
Mrs. Mary E. Giltner was elected member of the National l
Executive Committee. l
Voted that the Executive Committee be made the Commit- * !
tee of the Susan B. Anthony memorial fund. l
‘ , Voted that the Executive Committee be empowered to em- l
e l
, . . g

 i
ploy Miss Penfield as organizer, as they see fit to arrange with
the National Association.
Hon. john D. \Vhite was introduced to the convention.
3 Voted that the Executive Committee be empowered to re—
l vise and publish a new edition of the leaflet, “\Vhat the Ken—
4* tucky Equal Rights Association Has Done.”
The Covington Equal Rights Association invited the State
Association to hold the convention of 1909 in Covington.
Voted that the invitation be received and referred to the
f' Executive Committee.
A Miss Laura White, of Ashland, announced that “The As
i sociation of Collegiate Alumnae” would hold their annual meet—
ing at Cincinnati in the fall of 1909 and suggested that if pos-
sible it would be well to have our convention at the same time.
Adjourned.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Convention resumed at 2 o'clock.
Scriptural reading and prayer by Dean Virginia I). Spencer,
of the Normal School of Eastern Kentucky.
Minutes of morning session read and approved.
The Equal Rights Association of Kentucky express es sympathy
and condolence to Mrs. Sarah C. Bennett esteemed President
/ 0f the Madison County Association, 'in her recent bereavement.
. the death of her husband, James C. Bennett, an honored citizen
of Richmond.
1-? Voted that Mrs. Lida Calvert Obenchain be elected Superin-
' tendent of Press Work and Mrs. M. 1}. Reynolds as State His-
torian.
f p A most interesting report of the National Convention at
if Buffalo was given by Miss Laura Clay.
I Mrs. Lucy A. Nield, of Louisville, led the discussion on “The
i Industrial Problems Affecting Women and Children."
» t The discussion on “Peace and Arbitration” was most ably
. lead by Miss Laura White.
l Mrs. F. E. Beauchamp, President of Kentucky \N. C. T. U.
l 7
l ‘ /
I

 i ..r H V V ,
. ' l
i .
l
i and National Committeeman of the Prohibition party, gave a
‘ most interesting talk on the difficulties encountered in the cam-
paign f-or temperance in Kentucky.
‘ In the unavoidable absence of _Mrs, Letcher Riker, Mrs. f
Mary C. Roark told of the work done by the Federation of 't
: Woman’s Clubs for school suffrage. f}
- Rev. Anna Shaw, President of the N. A. W. S. A., addressed [
the convention and spoke of the absolute necessity of the ,
ballot for women in every walk and for every improvement of i
, life. it
A resolution of thanks voted to Rev. Anna Shaw for her i
. addresses.
Report of Committee on Resolutions read and accepted.
Voted that Miss Laura White be appointed chairman of
Committee on Peace and Arbitration.
Voted that Miss Laura Clay be chairman of Committee on .
Church Work. 4
' Voted that Mrs. Lucy A. Nield be made chairman of Com-
mittee on Industrial Problems Affecting Women and Children.
. ,. Voted that the suggestion of the Executive Committee be
accepted, that the individuals and clubs usually giving free—will
j offerings, endeavor to get sufficient enrolled members, whose
i dues they may pay, so that about the same amount of money
would .go to the state treasury. ,
Voted that all unfinished business be left in the hands of
the Executive Committee.
; . Adjourned. _ ‘ ' .
l ‘ Executive Committee met Thursday morning. {i '
Report of Auditing Committee received and accepted.
5 President read a letter of greeting from Mrs. Eugenia B. i
Farmer, formerly of the Kentucky E. R. A., but at present 9
. Press Superintendent of the Minnesota E. R. A. She says in '
i part: “I am always with you in spirit if not in body.” We hope
that Mrs. Farmer may again be present in body at one of our .
‘ conventions.
Minutes of the last session read and approved.
‘ Appropriations were made as follows: . _ -

 l

Officers‘ traveling expenses ...................$19 35

Hotel bill officers and speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 oo

Printingprograms 2 oo

. Printing 1,000 revised leaflets .................. 8 00
1’ Stationery and press work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 00 or)
1‘. Recording Secretary postage and stationery. . . . . . _ z 00
I Enrollment cards 5 oo
Printingminutes 20 00
l Literature library leaflets .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 oo
1 .
" Total $144 35

Voted that the State Association furnish enrollment cards
to the local association free of charge.

Voted that Miss Laura Clay be chairman of committee to
arrange Miss Penfield's route and other business.

. Voted that the Advisory Committee be continued the same
as last year,

Voted that if the President ascertain from the locals that
tlle dues of some of the members are not paid. she be em-
powered to authorize the Treasurer to pay the National dues
of such members if the condition of the State Treasury admits.

Committee rose.

EMMA M. ROEBUCK.
Recording Secretary.
EVENING SESSIONS.
Q - The evening meetings were held at the Courthouse in the
Circuit Court room. Rev. \Vren Grimstead opened the first
; evening's exercises with prayer. Mr. Green Clay, represent—
? ' ing the Madison County Democratic Committee, addressed the
.9 meeting and ‘ spoke of the absolute necessity of the women's
vote to the Democratic party. Miss May Costelloe, of ling—
land, who has been traveling over the States to observe American
‘ women’s suffrage methods, told most interestingly of the two
. women’s suffrage parties in England—the more quiet and per—
' suasive party, the Suffragists, of whom she is one, and the Mili- '
‘ tant or Suffragette party.
9

 I
I l
,, Rev. Anna H. Shaw was the principal speaker of the even—
7 ing and answered many the arguments advanced against wo—
‘ ' man's suffrage. Her bright manner engaged the attention of ,
the audience and soon convinced the majority that her point of 1
view was the correct one.
On Wednesday evening a larger audience if possible than 'i
: the one of the night before was again crowded into the court— , j .
room. Prof. R. N. Roark, President of the Eastern Kentucky i
1 Normal School, made the invocation. Mr. C. C. Wallace, a rep- ‘
resentative of the Madison County Republican Committee, told I
how, in his opinion, the Republican party would grant suffrage ‘
to women just as soon as they desired it. Miss Eleanor Rendell,
j of England, related most entertainingly, how she, with Miss
‘ Costelloe and three companions, traveled all of last summer _
, over England in a large wagon, making suffrage speeches. The
main address of the evening was again made by the Rev. Anna
H. Shaw. She asserted that the woman of the present, to whom
5 all sources of higher education are open, is just as capable of
using the ballot intelligently as man, and certainly the evidence
‘ she gave should persuade the most skeptical.
REPORT OF TREASURER OF KENTUCKY E. R. ASS’N.
; JAN 1, 1908 ~JAN , 1909.
Balance January 1. 1908. . . . . . . .. ... 1-12 48
Pledges—Mrs. Spring. . . . . . . . . . 1 00
j Mrs. McLaughlin. . . . . . 1 OO
, , Mrs.0harles..........- 100
. MissRolling.......... 100 A
: Newport E. R Ass’n. . . 10 00 .
j —— 14 00 j
. Donation of Salary, Mrs. Oberchain . . . . . 25 00
‘ Donations for State Work:
, MrS,M0Ca,nn............... 500‘ C?
i Mrs. Bennett. 20 00 .1
' MissB.Bennets..........- 500
' —————- 3O 00
. Annual Dues from Local Societies: '
a Ashland...................(‘20) 7,00 _
3 B.Green..................(10) 350
3 Kenton Co. E. R. Ass’n. . . .(10) 3 50
Lancaster.................(1)1.00
. 10 ’ .

 1
Lexington. . . . . . . , -.-....(,75) 26 2?)
“ ..................(50) 500
Louisville. ,. .. ,. (29)1015
Twentieth Century Club-u. ,(78) ‘37 30
Newport (50) 17 50
,4 Rehmond.......,..,......(198) 6930
F -—~— 170 50
l , Enrolled members:
Newport......., ..,.(54) 540
,, Kenton Co. Ass’n . . . . . . . .. -t10) l 00
I ——-— (3 40
Total “138838 I
DISBURSEMENTS.
_ PressWork 1500
Salary ka 25 00
Printing Minutes ». 17 00
Postage and Secretary . . . . . . . . . - 2 00 .
Miss Shaw, Lectures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:”) 00
HotelEXpenses ,. .. . ,. 2}; ()0
Traveling Expenses , . . . . . , . . . .. . . . '19 3'3
' Printing Programs- . . . . . . - - - - -- - - . - ... :3 ()1)
Annual Dues to National Association. . . . 58 (EU
186 8;”)
Balance........... . 301 5;;
3388 3a
REPORT OF SUPT. OE PRESS \VORK.
(‘3 Owing to the Presidential election this has been an “off"
year for press work, and for weeks before the election the .
National Press Bureau suspended work, as the papers were so
E? full of campaign matter that it was useless to send suffrage
’ articles.
The chief difficulty in my work has always been my inability
to find out what papers are publishing our articles and of late
I have been sending “Progress” and other suffrage literature
only to the papers that I am sure of, and the rest of the copies
to individuals throughout the State, prominent men and women.
1 1

 ,, , , "1W.-. ..
l
l
.
ii who are not friendly to our cause. Ministers, lawyers and club
i ‘ women are good subjects for this kind of press work, and I
l believe that a suffrage paper sent them may often do as much
good as when sent to a newspaper. In sending Progress to .
l friendly papers I often write a personal card to the editor,
asking him to read the papers, pass it on to some friend who {,1
. will do the same, thus making a sort of endless chain of suffrage l;
. literature. . ,,
A Last spring Mrs. Upton wrote me that she had one set of the {
"History of Woman Suffrage" to be given to some college of 5'"
. my selection. I selected Potter College, a school for young '
if women, and the gift was gratefully received and acknowledged
by the President. I have also selected the W. C. T. U. Settlement
School at I-Iindman, Ky., as a field for suffrage work. Miss
, Katherine Pettit, one of the teachers, is in sympathy with our ‘
, cause and assures me that she can make use of all the VVomau's
Journals, copies of Progress and leaflets that I send her, so
i. . that these mountain girls and boys can hear the gospel
1“ of equal rights while they are growing up and will need no '
conversion in later life. I have also sent to this school the peace
. literature sent me by the Superintendent of this branch of work. ’
In my own town I have, for the first time, a paper whose
f editor is in favor of woman suffrage. I-Ie prefers original ar—
, ticles, however, to the syndicated ones, and unfortunately, I
‘; am not able to write many of these. I have written two for
i the Woman's Journal during the past year, one of which has} V
been used as a leaflet, and three or four for some Kentucky
, . papers. Respectfully submitted, {6
‘ LIDA CALVERT OBENCHAIN, ll,
? i Supt. Press Work Ky. E. R. A. . n
; REPORT OF MEMBER NATIONAL EXECUTICE COM. if
1 Buffalo, N. Y., October 15, 1908. ,
The Fortieth Annual Convention of the National American
‘- Woman's Suffrage Association and the Sixtieth Anniversary of
, the Society:
The sessions were held in the auditorium of the Y. M. C, A.
. Building. ‘
j 12

 The meeting \\‘as called to order by our National President.
Rev. Anna H. Shaw, at 2:30 pm. The selection of seats for
each State delegation was followed by an executive and a mis~

. cellaneous business meeting. Prayer was offered by Rev. An—

. tonette Brown Blackwell, the first woman minister ever ordained.

it Many prominent women of Buffalo took part in extending a
i; hearty welcome to their city, as well as different clubs and
. ,, societies. Mrs. Van Miller Horton, President of the Jluffalo City
f Federation, spoke in their behalf. Then came the fraternal

5" greetings and responses.

.-\t the evening meeting an audience gathered that filled every
inch of space. Mayor Adams spoke of the rich years of tire-
less effort of the suffragists, and the full years of promise
ahead, extending them a welcome in behalf of the city.

llefOre the immense audience, the Rev. .r\nna lloward Shaw
again demonstrated her right to the title her admirers have
conferred upon her. She is the greatest woman orator of the

, present day.

The suffrage question was fully discussed. and points were
, brought out by Miss Laura Clay, State l?’resident of Kentucky,
and that Kentucky has just made the county the educational
unit, and at the county school election last August in many
g places not a man voted, so they had to appoint school trustees, as
none had been elected. The suffragists had lately attracted much
attention at the San Antonio fair with two big posters with the
inscriptions: “Give Texas Mothers a Right to Their Own Chil—

‘ dren,” and, “We Have City Fathers, Why Not City Mothers P”
[IfT Mrs. Rachel Avery gave an interesting report of the ln—
Ki" ternational Convention, held in Amsterdam, Holland. T hirty-
Ij] five leading organizations have officially endorsed woman suf-

if frage. .

y The report of Miss Elizabeth Homer, the chairman of the
press, was heard with great interest. There are State chairmen
of press work in twenty—four States, and subs in eight others.

Mr. Henry B. Blackwell, who is one of the most interesting
old gentlemen at the convention, presented a most excellent
report on Presidential suffrage, closing with a recommendation to

. 13

 3
3 the National Society that each State Association arrange to have
3 a hearing on the suffrage question before its Legislature within
the next two years, if possible. .
Miss Kate M. Gordon presented her report as Correspond-
3 ing Secretary, which was of special interest, that part devoted '
3 to the press. Miss Coons makes a point of becoming friendly 3;
3 with the editors. Mrs. Mathilda Orr Hays, of Pittsburg, told
i of. her tactics with the Pittsburg dailies.
3- Mrs. Kate Trimble \Yolsey, of Covington, our State, spoke, ,
3 her subject being “Has Democracy lienefited \Vomanhood ?"
. Mrs. Harriet Taylor Upton announced that the pledge made
33 on Monday outside Of the ten thousand dollar gift amounted
‘ to three thousand five hundred and fifty dollars, and it was ,
increased to fifty dollars more.
From a legal standpoint almost an entire afternoon was
devoted to a remarkable paper by Mrs. Harriette M. Johnson
Wood, attorney of New York, whose subject was: “Some Legal
3 Phases of the Disfranchisement of \Vomen.” So important
i- was this address that it was ordered printed for future reference, ,
as touching upon some most important legislation, and as au—
thority upon many subpects connected with the establishment of ,
woman suffrage throughout the country.
3 As the crowning event, Mrs. Carrie Chapman Catt gave an
address on “The Battle to the Strong." Rabbi Stephen S.
3 ‘ \Nise spoke on “\Voman’s Rights."
3 The final address was delivered by the Rev. Anna Howard
Shaw, which no doubt came up to the full standard.
The Next National American Suffrage Convention goes to '
Seattle next year. Respectfully submitted,
1 MARY E. GILTNER.
3.
REPORT OF STATE HISTORIAN.
Madame President, Executive Officers and Members of the Ken—
tucky Equal Rights Association, in Convention Assembled:
3 3 I consider it an honor and privilege to be able to stand be-
3 fore you and heartily endorse all the grand work you are try- , ,
z 14

 1
l
ing to accomplish for the women of this country following those \
pioneer women who opened the way for us. All the signs
of the times are pointing to the ultimate success of the great :
movement of placing woman where she rightfully belongs— '
equal with man as a freeborn American citizen.
7 , Women at last realize they can do more than “rock the cradle" .
to make good American citizens. Associations are growing in ;
numbers also, therefore in strength. More aggressive methods 3
, have been their policy. \Vhich is better, to be in the world, but i
I not of it, or of the world and yet not one with it. That is the ,
question which has been agitating the educated feminine mind
since the higher plane of cultivation has been reached, and by r
. her individual efforts woman has aimed at a sphere of advance
ment where she can proudly lift her head above the hum— l
drum position formerly accorded her, and while she can, and l
- still does, reign supreme over domestic affairs. still she can also i
take her rightful position in the discussion and solving of the ‘
many questions of material and problematical subjects.
An interest in public affairs and political matters on the j
‘ part of woman is too aften condemned as a hysterical desire
' for notoriety and excitement by a scoffing world. For the very
sake of her children, woman ought to develop the best that
is in her. Who is better qualified than the mother to instill a spirit
of good citizenship into the children of the race? Respectfully
submitted, MATTIE BRUCE REYNOLDS. '
REPORTS OF LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS.
Fayette County E. R. A.
The year 1908 has been one full of interest to those who have
t read the papers and magazines about the wonderful progress
made in woman's movements all over the country. Here in
Central Kentucky we have not been idle. A Dean of Women
was appointed at State University by the efforts of the different
women’s clubs of Lexington in June, 1908.
Posters were put up at the different voting places on the
~ third day of November. We have lost by death four of our
15

 1.
1 , .
l
i
1 most valued members, Mrs, Celestine Logan, Mr. T. J3. Hay,
1 Mrs. Helen Carrick and Prof. John ll Neville, all of whom were
i Inost faithful to our cause.
To us opens a new year full of hope and interest, and a
' belief that God is with us.
1 MRS. \VELLINGTON PAYNE, ‘ T‘
1% Secretary E. R. A. Central Kentucky.
‘1 Madison County E. R. A. ,
it Our Association has held but few meetings during the past
l year, but wonderful interest has been manifested among many
,1 of our members in the progress of this great work, “Suffrage for 1
'3 \Vomen,” as it is being manifested in all parts of the world.
Great activity has been shown in the circulation of the member—
ship cards. Many names have been added to'our list, now mun-
. bering one hundred and sixty—five (165‘). Liberal donations have
1 been made, and many have become interested in the cause who
i1. were seriously opposed to it. We have a number of subscribers
i for the Progress.
1 We have lost by death one of our charter members and
one of whom we have been justly proud. Mr. James Bennett, '
husband of our honored President, Mrs. Sarah Bennett, was
‘ called to his eternal home October 31st, 1908. He for many
l years had been an invalid and death to him was a happy release.
I know you will all join us in the expressions of the deepest sym'
1 pathy for this great loss to family, community and association.
1 Your presence among us last year was a great benefit to .1
11 our body. The meetings and lectures made a most favorable
. impression on the public, and the information that you would
be among us again this year was good news to many. so I
1 am gratified in being able to give you a most hearty welcome, ,
i not only in the name of the Association, but the community
i 1 at large, many of whom wish us a God speed in our just cause.
1 Ashland E. R. A.
:1 This year’s work of the Ashland E. R. A. has been retarded
1 in a degree by the absence of one of our best workers and the
. 16

 l
l
serious sickness and death in the‘ home of another of our most ‘3
worthy members; however, the association has held during the l
f year a memorial meeting in memory of our lamented Susan B. ;
Anthony; a program meeting in our city's beautiful Central
Park, at which Rev. William Dun Ryan spoke and showed much
7 interest in the cause advanced by the Association, and four i
business meetings with the following results: ’
Several new subscribers to Progress. l
, Ten dollars sent to the Anthony memorial fund. ‘
‘ Local ranks increased by two paid members and ten non— j
paying members. l
' One delegate elected to the National Convention, who, at l
. the last moment, was unable to attend.
One delegate to the State Convention, 3
, Posters placed at all polling stations day before election with l
most gratifying results, o