Brilliant Event.
The formation of the Tennessee branch
of the union occurred amid the most
favorable circumstances. When it be-
came known that Miss Alice Paul, the
official head of the Congression unon,
was to come to Tennessee to form an
organization, and when it became fur-
ther known that this organization would
be effected in Knoxville, the Political Equality league, one of the three local
suffrage organizations, made arrangements for a banquet to be given in honor
of Miss Paul, and it was at this that
the Tennessee branch was inaugurated.
Following the discussion of the menu,
Mrs. G. W. Denney, who presided
gracefully and charmingly as toastmis-
tress, introduced the speakers.
In the absence of the mayor, John E. McMillan, who was to have made the
first talk, Mrs. L. C. French, the veteran
suffragist of East Tennessee, the woman
who has fought many verbal battles for
the cause, was called upon, and as usual,
rose splendidly to the occasion. Mrs.
French said she had long secretly wished
to.occupy the mayor's chair, and that
this was, at last, the realization of her
hopes. Mrs. French said she had been
in sympathy with the policy of the union
since its organization, for the federal
amendment route is the most direct and
the least expensive way to the suffrage.
Capt. William Rule, editor of The
Journal and Tribune, was the second
speaker. He wished the union speedy
and complete success, and said that he
was willing to go on record as being
one man in Knoxville who was not
afraid the affairs of the nation would
go to destruction if the women are given
the right of franchise.
Mrs. W. F. Searle, vice-president of
Ossoli circle, who is a recent convert to
the suffrage cause, told how she "saw (missing)e light," and became converted.
