From collection Frances Willard Journal Transcripts
entertaining. We saw many friends among the delegates & a number recognized Fan she having been in the Council three years before. Such a wagging of tongues about the morrow and what it will bring forth.
May 3, 1393
Frances, Dr Bushnell Mrs Andrew, Fan Barnes and I all had to join the B.W.T.A. to get a nondelegates ticket admitting us to the gallery for this wonderful council which opened today. Both, sides stated their grievances and then we were kept in suspense a good while until the voting had taken places [AG has this] resulting in victory for "Minority Policy." Such rejoicing. Frances was invited to the platform in aft. and the balance of the "Ambushed ranks" continued to look down on the scene. No decorations, no nothing but great excitement
May 4, 1893
Lady Henry with her new Executive all day. Says it is a new and refreshing sensation to be with the majority at last & poor Docma[?] with her little band are tasting the sweets of being in the minority. Great times with Mrs. Atherton over the charges made by Lady Henry against her-but her case is hopeless. Lady Henry's magnificent stroke in having her [illegible word crossed out] printed has quite outwitted the Docma party who had only written their speeches.
May 5, 1893
Last eve Lady H spoke grandly at the closing BWTA meeting open to the public. F. did not go. Today we have [been] busy with Home letters about the Council. Many callers and much talk on "What next?" Frances wrote up the Council with her usual promptness for U.S! Lady Henry driven hither & yon with all sorts of demands. Spent the day at Gordon Square. All of us tired out completely with the intense strain of the meetings
May 6, 1893
After a busy day with letters Lady H. Frances & I came down to the blessed cottage here at Reigate. Lady H. had word her mother would arrive next morning & Somers came down in the afternoon. It is blissfully quiet and sweet here with the birds and flowers all about & Heavenly Father seems to get nearer through nature's loveliness than in great smoky London. At any rate He says more to one. Frances seems better than when I came
May 7, 1893
Lady Somers arrived about eleven this morning and lunched at the cottage with Lady H and Somers. F. & I going over to the Priory
