rights and, as she believed thoroughly in standing for the equality of woman, she could not act as officer of such a society; besides, Mrs. Vaughn, the newly elected president, had openly declared that ’principle must sometimes be sacrificed to expediency.’  She herself would never admit this; her doctrine was, ’Do right, and leave the consequences with God.’” Frederick Douglass and a number of others urged her in the most earnest manner to remain, paying high tribute to her services and pointing out how much they were needed, but in vain.

Miss Anthony and Mrs. Stanton at once severed all connection with the organization they had founded; it passed into the hands of a body of conservative women, who believed they could accomplish by prayer what these two knew never could be done except through legislation with a constituency of women behind it.  The society had a precarious existence of one or two years and finally went to pieces.  There was not another strong, concerted movement of women in the cause of temperance for twenty years.[18] Miss Anthony, although a total abstainer all her life, was never again connected with a temperance organization.  She has steadfastly held to the opinion that the vital work for women is to secure for themselves the ballot which, above all other agencies, will make them an effective power for dealing not only with this but with all moral questions.

Relieved from her onerous duties in connection with the State society, she at once set about working up the Whole World’s Temperance Convention in New York, for which she felt a personal responsibility.  Many of those who had seceded from the Brick Church meeting, including Mr. Higginson himself, were beginning to doubt the propriety of holding a separate convention.  Miss Anthony was strongly in favor of it and wrote Lucy Stone: 

We have not the slightest reason for supposing that we shall be received at the World’s Convention to be held September 5.  The same men that controlled the Brick Church meeting are to be the leading spirits there.  Not one of them, so far as I can learn, has expressed a regret that the women-delegates were excluded last May; how then can we entertain a hope that they will act differently in September?  We may pretend to go in good faith but there will be no faith in us.  If it is not too late I beg of you to see that the call is issued and for the very day that the Old Fogies hold their convention.

Lucy Stone agreed with her and, through their efforts, the committee were persuaded to send out the call.  It was decided, however, to hold the meeting September 1 and 2, just before the other, and then, while the great crowds from all parts of the country were in the city, to have a regular Woman’s Rights Convention on the same date as that of Rev. John Chambers et al.  Miss Anthony received many cordial replies to her numerous letters, and some not so cordial.  Samuel F. Gary wrote in his characteristic style: