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{In a different hand: Willard, Francis Nov 4, 1889}
{The National Council of Women letterhead}
Nov 4 (188)9
Mrs. May Wright Sewall,
My Dear Friend,
It has been coming to me with more and more clearness for a long time that my resignation as President would advance the interests of the National Council of Women.
It is unfortunate for the three Chief Officers
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to incarnate (1) an unpopular - no matter how righteous - political Movement; (2) a propaganda (suffrage for women) not yet accepted by a majority of those whom we would reach among women; and (3) a personal antagonism on the part of the Association for the Advancement of Women.
--One of these Elements I can remove by resigning the Presidency.
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{The National Council of Women letterhead}
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Besides, I frankly admit that since the plan for Natl and local Councils, auxiliary to the National Council failed to secure your sanction and that of Miss Anthony, I have felt that my wings were thoroughly clipped in any upward movement that, as President, I might otherwise have made. It is also true that
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as Pres't of the World's and National WCTU my time has been greatly engrossed and I could do but little for the Society.
That it might, and as I sincerely hope will become a power for good, goes without saying, also that any thing I can do as a lay member to subserve its interests, will be done. Please send this letter [in?] and let this resignation be accepted by our general officers and my successor chosen by them.
Your with best wishes, Frances E. Willard