Volume 14 , Issue 24

Susan B Anthony & 2nd Woman's Congress of 1895

The Inauguration of the Woman's Congress at Golden Gate Hall, took place 20 May 1895, in San Francisco, California, with the following women: Rev. Ada C. Bowles, Rev. Anna H. Shaw, Sarah B. Cooper and Susan B. Anthony.

It was in The San Francisco Call, dated Tuesday, 21 May 1895, page 4, that we find this mention of Susan B. Anthony and the "Inauguration of the Woman's Congress of 1895."

On this date (20 May 1895) the second annual session of the Woman's Congress of the Pacific Coast was called to order in Golden Gate Hal,l at 10:30 a.m. by the president, Mrs. Sarah B. Cooper, of San Francisco. Enthusiastic Women and their escorts were packed into the Hall and the aisles were crowded with many ladies and quite a number of men (brave men at that) to venture into such a maze of "feminine loveliness, wit and wisdom," as the newspaper reported.

The "grand old woman" of woman's rights, Susan B. Anthony, beamed upon the welcoming faces before her. The Rev. Dr. Anna H. Shaw, the first Lieutenant of Miss Anthony, received her full share of the praise of the audience. Shaw's utterances were merrily pointed shafts at many things, none the less telling for their humor, and served only to strengthen the impression the people had gained of the reverend spinster through the prints of the country

. It was reported that the address of Mrs. Sarah B. Cooper, the president, was one of the most beautiful, direct and logical ever delivered from any platform in San Francisco, as it took the congress by storm. Miss Kelso of Los Angeles took occasion to come to gentle issues with Miss Anthony during the afternoon on the question of "marriage bondage." Miss Millecent Shinn and Miss Anna Stoval of San Francisco read papers which covered them with honor.

Women of all kinds and degrees filled the hall and balcony. They stood against the walls, filling the aisles. They were enthusiastic and hopeful and full of excitement. The new woman insisted upon sharing man's political and business life, intending that the man should be compensated by increased responsibility as husband and father.

It was reported that the most striking thing about this woman's convention was the spirit of camaraderie it fostered. These congress women self-possession was not the assertive arrogance of small-minded, notoriety-seeking females. Their conviction was tempered with dignity and charity. They were not shrewish, and they delivered their message in a frank, good-natured way. They had learned how to disagree without quarreling, and they were willing to admit that there were two sides to a question and an infinite number of points of view.
Rev. Anna Shaw's deep and full voice was strong, that when she spoke clearly, she could be heard all over the hall.

More than a quarter of century before this meeting of the Woman's Congress, year after year, Susan B. Anthony struggled with Senators and Representatives at Washington to obtain the political rights of women, who had persistently since and continuously fought the battle of freedom.   |  View or Add Comments (0 Comments)   |   Receive updates ( subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

---