repeated action[1] of the State. . . . . It would be unfair to the people to declare that whereas they have again and again refused to accept this change, therefore we will incorporate it into the Constitution, and compel them either to repeal that instrument, or to accept this measure. . . . . As to the extension of suffrage to women, the undersigned reserve, for the present, any expression of opinion.
John G. Schumaker.
The petitions[2] for woman suffrage were presented in the Convention until they reached in round numbers 20,000. The morning Mr. Greeley gave his report the galleries were crowded with ladies, and every member present, Democrat as well as Republican, was supplied with a petition. As it had been rumored about that Mr. Greeley's report would be against suffrage for women, the Democrats entered with great zest into the presentation. George William . Curtis, at the special request[3] of the ladies, reserved his for the last,
- ↑ In 1846 the question of negro suffrage was submitted to a popular vote, and negatived by 223,854 to 85,306; in 1850 it was again defeated by a vote of 337,94 to 197,503; a similar submission was provided for by a concurrent resolution of the Legislature of 1859, which by neglect of the State officer to provide for its publication, was defeated; but its fate may fairly be regarded as further evidence of the indifference of the public toward a change.
- ↑ July 1st.—Mr. Fowler presented a petition from Miss Laura Busworth and others for woman suffrage. July 9th.—From Gerrit Smith and 180 others of Madison County, for female suffrage. Mr. Endress—Emma C. Lawrence and 50 others of Westchester, for female suffrage. Mr. Murphy—Thomas N. Cashow and 20 others, of Kings County, for woman suffrage. Mr. Fullerton—Mary J. Quackenbosh and many others, from Newburgh. Mr. Van Campen—Mary E. Mead and many others, of Westchester County. Mr. Beadle—Mrs. W. 8. Shute, Mary C. Bristol, and 120 others from Horse Heads. Mr. Hammond—Mrs. J. C. Holmes and many others from Westchester County. July 10th.—Mr. Tucker—A petition from a large number of men and women for extending the right of suffrage to woman. Mr. Graves—Fifty-four ladies of New York City, asking suffrage for women. July 11th. Mr. Curtis—From Charles J. Seymour, Mrs. Mary Newman and 500 others from Broome County, for equal suffrage. July 12th.—Mr. Conbett—Henry Ward Beecher, Edwin A. Studwell, and many others, of Kings County, for woman suffrage. July 16th.—Mr. Folger presented a petition from Emily P. Collins, of Rochester, and others, asking that women be granted the privilege of voting, that in 1869 the proposition be submitted for all who can read and write.: July 18th.—Mr. Greeley—From Mrs. Louisa Howland and many others, of Mt. Vernon, Westchester County, for woman suffrage. Mr. Curtis—From Mrs. Eliza Benton and others of New York City, asking for equal suffrage. Another from Caroline E. Hubbard and 20 others, of Westchester County. July 31st—Mr. Potter—Lydia Baldwin, F. Brucklin, and others, of Erie County, asking for the extension of the suffrage to women. Mr. Graves—Jane E. Turner, Rev. C. H. Bebee, and 56 others, Bridgewater, Oneida County. Another from Julia M. Sherwood and 22 others, Westchester County, asking for woman suffrage.
- ↑ The ladies suggested to Mr. Curtis to present Mrs. Greeley's petition last, and with emphasis, that it might attract the attention of the reporters, and thus have Mrs. Gree-
