The representatives of the American Association insisted that they had offered the olive branch at the time of their organization and it had been refused.  This olive branch had been a suggestion that the National Association should consider itself a local society and become auxiliary to the American.  After a protracted but fruitless discussion of over four hours, they withdrew from the room, declining to accept or to suggest any overtures.  The proposition made by the callers of the conference was that the two associations should merge into one, with a new constitution embodying the best features of both, and with a board of officers elected from the two existing organizations.  Even the friendly offices of Lucretia Mott, which never before were disregarded, failed to effect a union, and the many letters from mutual friends were equally ineffective.  In her regular letter to The Revolution Miss Anthony said: 

There is but one feeling all through this glorious West, and that is that it is a sin to have a divided front at this auspicious moment.  Since my last I have had splendid meetings in Quincy, Farmington, Elwood, Mendota, Peru, La-Salle, Batavia, Peoria and Champaign in Illinois, and in Sturgis and Jonesvine, Michigan.  I can tell you with emphasis that the fields are white unto harvest—­waiting, waiting only the reapers.  And it is a shame—­it is a crime—­for any of the old or new public workers to halt by the way to pluck the motes out of their neighbors’ eyes.  Not one of us but has blundered; yet if only we are in earnest, each will forgive, in the faith that the others, like herself, mean right.  How any one can stand in the way of a united national organization at an hour like this, is wholly inexplicable.

Just before the May Anniversary Mrs. Stanton published the following card in The Revolution:  “It is a great thing for those who have been prominent in any movement to know when their special work is done, and when the posts they hold can be more ably filled by others.  Having, in my own judgment, reached that time, at the present anniversary of our association I must forbid the use of my name for president or any other official position in any organization whatsoever.”

The anniversary had been advertised for Irving Hall, but when it was found that colored people would not be admitted to that building, it was changed to Apollo Hall, and opened May 10 with Mrs. Stanton presiding.  At the business meeting in the afternoon, with representatives present from nineteen States, the proposition of the conference committee was considered.  According to the report in The Revolution there was much feeling on the part of the younger women against any organization which did not have Miss Anthony and Mrs. Stanton at the head, but at their earnest request, made in the interest of harmony, it was finally voted to accept the name Union Woman Suffrage Society, and Mr. Tilton for president.