In May, 1880, this society invited the National Association 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 Association in the spacious 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 Assembly, 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:
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 sex, 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 petition 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 sex, 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 coöperation.
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 [1] 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 hitherto enjoyed. At the conclusion of the
- ↑ Invitation.—The Indianapolis Equal Suffrage Society requests the pleasure of your company at a literary and social entertainment to be given in the Bates House parlors, Friday evening, November 4, 1881. Committee—May Wright Sewall, Mary C. Raridan, Mrs. H. G. Carey, Mrs. Charles Kregelo, and Miss Lydia Halley. Please present invitation at the door. Programme.—1. Music, piano solo, Miss Dietrich; 2. Toast, Yorktown, Henry D. Pierce; 3. Toast, The True Republic, Mrs. Z. G. Wallace; 4. Music, solo (vocal), Mrs. J. J. Cole; 5. Toast, Women in Indiana, Gen. John Coburn; 6, Toast, Women in the "Revised Version," Arthur W. Tyler: 7. Music, solo (vocal), Arthur Miller: 8. Toast, The Literary Women of Indiana. 9. Toast, Women in the U.S. School System, Horace S. Tarbell; ro. Recitation, Lida Hood Talbott; rx. Toast, Our Forefathers, Rev. Myron W. Reed; 12, A Reply, Mary C. Raridan; 13. Music, solo (vocal), Mrs. J. C. New. Music In charge of Mrs. John C. New. W. B. Stone, accompanist.
