Introduction
Times editor Henry Raymond had little use for Maine Law advocates of either gender, and his paper's account of the planning meeting is less detailed than the Tribune story. For example, the Times did not refer to the initial vote to allow women to participate or to the close vote on the Credentials Committee's report. Most striking, perhaps, is the paper's omission of the rhetorical flourishes of the delegates opposed to women playing an active role in the movement.
Its report of the meeting of the "secession delegates" held in the Broadway Tabernacle, one of the largest halls in the city, to organize the "Whole World's Temperance Convention" the following September is much more detailed. (See Document 4D) The editorial "Women to the Breach!" is evidence of the paper's open hostility to female activists. (See Document 4E)
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World's Temperance Convention
The preparatory meeting of the Delegates of this Convention, in the City of New-York, during the World's Fair, took place yesterday morning, in the Brick Chapel, at 9 o'clock.
Hon. Mr. BARSTOW, of Providence, was moved to the Chair.
Rev. Mr. DUFFY, of Pennsylvania, was elected Secretary, and Mr. COMPTON, Assistant Secretary.
Rev. Dr. HEWETT, of Connecticut, opened the business with prayer.
Some discussion arose as to what gentlemen held credentials, and who represented different States; it was arranged that those having credentials should hand them in to the Secretary. A Committee of three was appointed to elect from the Delegates present a Committee of business, to frame resolutions. Thirteen gentlemen were appointed, eleven of them representing different States, and two, British America.
Ten or twelve ladies were present. One of them, (Mrs. FOSTER, a Bloomer, in costume,) here offered some remarks, but would not be listened to by the Chairman or majority of the meeting. Miss EMILY CLARKE also wished to speak, but would not be heard. A long and rather angry discussion arose between Rev. Mr. HIGGINSON, of Mass, (who, with a few other gentlemen advocated the rights of the ladies to take part in the proceedings of the meeting,) and a majority of the delegates, but the Chairman declared he would not preside over the meeting if any such interference was allowed. He would never sanction ladies leaving their legitimate position in society. Many resolutions were proposed, pro and con, but the majority present were against "Woman's Rights."
The Committee reported two resolutions: First, that it is expedient to hold a World's Temperance Convention in the City of New York on the 6th of September next, the Convention to continue for four days. Second, that a Committee of one from each State be appointed to attend. The report was adopted. A few gentemen thought Philadelphia a better place for holding the Convention, but their opinion was overruled.
Representatives of eighteen States were named for the General Committee, the remainder to be filled up by the Business Committee.
Mr. HIGGINSON protested against the proceedings, and withdrew with the ladies and some adherents.
Rev. Dr. HEWITT regretted the disorderly manner in which the business was interrupted. He was strongly against ladies taking a part in public discussions, and proved from Scripture that they should be more silent than some of them are on such occasions.
Rev. Mr. CHAMBERS followed on the same side.
A collection was made for the expenses of the meeting, and at 12½ o'clock it adjourned.