Programme of the Mass Convention in the Interest of Woman Suffrage

[New York]: John J. O'Brien & Son Printers, 1894. First edition. Near Fine. Original pamphlet promoting the Constitutional Amendment Campaign events hosted by the New York City Woman Suffrage League. 4 pages including self-wraps. Slight chipping to second page, and scattered light foxing at fold and margins. Overall an exceptional copy of this rare pamphlet. OCLC reports no institutionally held copies, and the Programme does not appear in the modern auction record.

1893-1894 proved to be critical years for the New York suffragists. During that time "New York State held a convention to revise its Constitution...women suffragists had lobbied for a place at this Convention in order to support an amendment that would grant women in New York the right to vote. At the request of suffragists, both Governor Hill and Governor Flower recommended that women be allowed to sit as delegates on the Constitutional Convention. On multiple occasions, prominent New York suffragists such as Susan B. Anthony and Mary Seymour Howell addressed the state legislature to promote the right of women to serve as constitutional delegates. The legislature's final bill reflected the efforts of these suffragists" (Harper-Husted). This program documents the last push for women delegates' presence at the summer Convention. On February 26-27, 1894 the Woman Suffrage League met at Chickering Hall to hear addresses by major leaders. While the Monday events featured a letter by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and talks by Mary Seymour Howell and Rev. Anna Shaw, the Tuesday events were concluded with addresses by Susan B. Anthony and her protege Carrie Chapman Catt. Events such as these helped amass over 332,000 names on petitins and over $10,000 in funds for lobbying. While woman suffragists ultimately won the right to send delegates to the summer convention, their fight was far from over. Ultimately, the committee was divided 98 to 58 against woman suffrage. Susan B. Anthony, aged 74, had spoken in every county of New York state. She would soon pass the mantle to Carrie Chapman Catt, who would continue the fight and accomplish enfranchisement 26 years later.

History of Woman Suffrage IV, 850. Not in Krichmar. Near Fine.