Omaha Daily Republican

April 10, 1881

FOR THE LADIES
Suggestions in Regard to Organization in the Suffrage Work in Nebraska.
Ten Years of Success in Wyoming - Woman's Works and Words Elsewhere
By Harriet S. Brooks
Suggestions for Organization

The proposed constitutional amendment conferring the suffrage upon the women of Nebraska is fairly before the people of the state, and is now eliciting earnest discussion in the public journals on its merits. Although the great majority of the influential weekly papers of the state favor the measure, and although the women have free access to their columns, there remains a distinct and even greater work to be done by them, and that is the work of organizing. It is hoped that organizations will be formed in every county, city, village and precinct.

Anyone desiring to become a member of the state suffrage association can do so by sending his name and address, enclosing $1.00, to Mrs. H.C. Bittenbender, secretary of the N.W.S.A., Osceola, Polk Co., Neb., and with the certificate of membership the secretary will send a copy of the constitution and by-laws of the association and a suitable form for local organization. We hope that every suffragist in the state will become a committee of one to look after voters, and to labor with citizens who may not at present favor the measure. When the time comes to vote the proper form of ballot will be given. Meanwhile, everything depends on organization and combined and continuous effort. There is not a county, village or precinct that cannot be carried by the three-fifths majority of those who believe in woman suffrage, if all its friends will co-operate and go to work from now on. Arrangements will doubtless be made by the state society for the thorough canvass of the state through public meetings at every point, to be addressed by state and local speakers, and we shall probably have aid from abroad. Conventions and meetings have already been held in several counties, those in Polk being especially successful. The following call by one of the vice-presidents, published in all the Lincoln papers is suggested as a model:

The State Woman Suffrage association has made it the duty of the vice-president of judicial districts to organize county associations in their respective districts. The undersigned (vice-president of the second judicial district) acting under these instructions, requests all persons in Lancaster county who are interested in the success of the Movement for Impartial suffrage in Nebraska to attend a county convention in Lincoln, April 29. There will be two sessions, one at two o'clock p.m. and one in the evening. At the afternoon meeting organization will occupy some time, and free discussion and informal remarks from one present will be in order. A “speaking meeting” is intended. In the evening speeches from the platform may be expected Strangers from different parts of the county will be received as guests by the ladies of Lincoln, and are requested to give their names to the secretary of the afternoon meeting. Mrs. E.L.Warner
Roca, Lancaster Co., Neb

Preparations will be made for the first meeting in this judicial district at Omaha in June.

We are securing photographs of the seventy-three members of the legislature who voted to submit the amendment, and it is proposed to supply local organizations, or, individuals with “cabinets” of them, to place in society-rooms, and parlors. The terms on which these can be had will be hereafter announced.

And now, to work, friends of impartial suffrage! This is the decisive campaign. Should the question not carry now before the people, it will be in vain to expect any legislation for many years to come to again submit the amendment to the people.