Page:The rights of women and the sexual relations.djvu/249

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The numerous attendance and the lively interest for our cause which I found here, compel me to apologize for the want of faith with which I had anticipated this gathering of German women. I almost began to feel reconciled to America.

Promptly at the time appointed the convention assembled. The large hall was almost filled and the attendance so numerous that it astonished all present. Besides those who had announced themselves a great many more have come, partly from the far west. Some of the women are accompanied ‘by their husbands, some by their brothers, and besides these men, several representatives of the strong sex have come alone. Some of them are suspected to be "reporters" and "editors," but they have not yet made themselves known.

The first hour was spent in welcoming each other and becoming acquainted. Then the meeting was called to order by the venerable Katherine Schmalz of Philadelphia. A most simple and abbreviated mode of organization was adopted. Mrs. Schmalz proposed Julie vom Berg as president, who, however, declined the honor and in her turn proposed