Most of us know Susan B. Anthony’s famous “Failure is Impossible” speech, delivered at her last public appearance on the occasion of her 8
6th birthday in February 1906.
What you may not know is that then-President Theodore Roosevelt sent his own birthday greetings to the Great Reformer via telegram:
“Pray let me join with you in congratulating Miss Anthony upon her eighty-sixth birthday and in extending to her the most hearty good wishes for the continuation of her useful and honorable life. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt”
Her response?
“I wish the men would do something besides extend congratulations. I have asked President Roosevelt to push the matter of a constitutional amendment allowing suffrage to women by a recommendation of Congress. I would rather have him say a word to Congress for the cause than to praise me endlessly.”
Today marks the 196th birthday of Susan B. Anthony. Happy birthday, Susan B!
Adapted from a submission by Mary Ellen Sweeney