Thus ended the existence of the American Equal Rights Association, formed in May, 1866, for the purpose of securing to negroes and women the rights of citizenship.  These having been obtained for the negro men, women were left the only class denied equality, and the question therefore became simply one of woman’s rights.

At the first anniversary of the American Woman Suffrage Association, the next November, which also was held in Cleveland, this letter was presented: 

FRIENDS AND CO-WORKERS:  We, the undersigned, a committee appointed by the Union Woman Suffrage Society in New York, May, 1870, to confer with you on the subject of merging the two organizations into one, respectfully announce: 

1st.  That in our judgment no difference exists between the objects and methods of the two societies, nor any good reason for keeping them apart. 2d.  That the society we represent has invested us with full power to arrange with you a union of both under a single constitution and executive. 3d.  That we ask you to appoint a committee of equal number and authority with our own, to consummate if possible this happy result.

    Yours, in the common cause of woman’s enfranchisement, Isabella
    Beecher Hooker, Samuel J. May, Charlotte B. Wilbour, Josephine S.
    Griffing, Laura Curtis Bullard, Gerrit Smith, Sarah Pugh, Frederick
    Douglass, Mattie Griffith Brown, James W. Stillman—­Theodore
    Tilton, ex officio.

The acceptance of this proposition was strongly urged by Judge Bradwell, of Chicago, and the committee on resolutions recommended “the appointment of a committee of conference, of like number with the one appointed by the Union Suffrage Society with a view to the union of both organizations.”  After a spirited discussion, this resolution was rejected.  The National Association, having exhausted all efforts for reconciliation and union, never thereafter made further overtures.  Two distinct organizations were maintained, and there were no more attempts at union for twenty years.

[Footnote 52:  For selections from newspapers and letters and the list of presents see Appendix.]

[Footnote 53: 

  We touch our caps, and place to night
    The victor’s wreath upon her. 
  The woman who outranks us all
    In courage and in honor.

  While others in domestic broils
    Have proved by word and carriage,
  That one of the United States
    Is not the state of marriage,

  She, caring not for loss of men,
    Nor for the world’s confusion,
  Hap carried on a civil war
    And made a “Revolution.”

  True, other women have been brave,
    When banded or hus-banded,
  But she has bravely fought her way
    Alone and single-handed.

  And think of her unselfish life,
    Her generous disposition,
  Who never made a lasting prop
    Out of a proposition.