The speech delivered by Miss Anthony during these weeks was a masterpiece of clear, strong, logical argument in defense of woman’s right to the ballot which never has been equalled.[70] Her audiences were large and attentive and public sentiment was thoroughly aroused.  One of the papers gives this description:  “Miss Anthony was fashionably dressed in black silk with demi-train, basque with flowing sleeves, heavily trimmed in black lace; ruffled white lace undersleeves and a broad, graceful lace collar; with a gold neck chain and pendant.  Her abundant hair was brushed back and bound in a knot after the fashion of our grandmothers.”

When the time for trial came, true to his promise, District-Attorney Crowley obtained an order removing the cause to the U.S.  Circuit Court which was held at Canandaigua.  This left just twenty-two days and, calling to her aid Matilda Joslyn Gage, Miss Anthony spoke in twenty-one places on the question, “Is it a crime for a United States citizen to vote?” and Mrs. Gage in sixteen on “The United States on trial, not Susan B. Anthony.”  Their last meeting was held in Canandaigua the evening before the trial, and resolutions against this injustice toward woman were heartily endorsed by the audience.  The Rochester Union and Advertiser condemned her in unmeasured terms, having editorials similar to this: 

SUSAN B. ANTHONY AS A CORRUPTIONIST.—­We give in another column today, from a legal friend, a communication which shows very clearly that Miss Anthony is engaged in a work that will be likely to bring her to grief.  It is nothing more nor less than an attempt to corrupt the source of that justice under law which flows from trial by jury.  Miss Anthony’s case has passed from its gayest to its gravest character.  United States courts are not stages for the enactment of comedy or farce, and the promptness and decision of their judges in sentencing to prison culprits convicted before them show that they are no respecters of persons.

Many influential newspapers, however, spoke in the highest terms of her courage and ability and the justice of her cause.[71]

The trial[72] opened the afternoon of June 17, at the lovely village of Canandaigua, Associate-Justice Ward Hunt on the bench, U.S.  District-Attorney Richard Crowley prosecuting, Hon. Henry R. Selden and John Van Voorhis, Esq., defending.  Miss Anthony, most of the ladies who had voted with her, and also Mrs. Gage, were seated within the bar.  On the right sat the jury.  The courtroom was crowded, many prominent men being present, among them ex-President Fillmore.  Judge Hall, of Buffalo, was an interested spectator and Miss Anthony’s counsel endeavored to have him try the case with Judge Hunt in order that, if necessary, it might go to the Supreme Court, which was not possible with only one judge, but he refused.

[Illustration HW: 

  No one loves you and thanks
  God more sincerely for your great
  work for women than I do—­