While the measure was pending in the assembly it was also liberally discussed by pulpit, press and people, and from all these sources ridicule and misrepresentation were the answers to truth and serious argument coming from similar sources on the other side of the question, for all elements including the women were divided on the point. By a portion of the clergy it was bitterly assailed and, though not a partisan measure, it was characterized by the Republicans as the Great Democratic Reform. Naturally the Democrats dis avowed partisan paternity to the new measure, and thus political prejudice and apathy became added elements of Opposition.