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CLUBS MADE UP OF WOMEN

Mrs. Peattle Writes of Some Things She Learned at Philadelphia.

The Noisiest State of the Union Secured the Office of President for Mrs. [Heurotin?].

An Interest in Material Current Affairs Does Not Mean the Overthrow of the Household.

Since the women's club has reached a membership of about 400, it is perhaps permissible to print in the columns of this paper an article which will be interesting to those members alone. If this matter is incidentally of interest to other women, so much the better.

The women's club sent two delegates to the General Federation of Women's clubs at Philadelphia and fees, naturally, some curiosity as to that federation, and the meaning and results of it.

On the whole it was a demonstration which distinctly belonged to the close of this century. Forty-five for fifty thousand women were represented by the 600 delegates who assembled to discuss subjects relating to club developments and to higher education.

Men's clubs are very apt to be founded upon their vices. One dislike saying this, but it is really true. Eating, drinking, smoking and poker playing are the bonds that hold together the members of a good part of men's clubs. Women's clubs are different. Social, intellectual and philanthropic motives are those which hold them together, and that there are in such motives the potentialities of closer comradeship that lies in the motives underlying men's clubs is evidenced by the fact that the Omaha Women's club is today the most successful and solvent club in this city.

The clubs with it met in representation at Philadelphia were similiar in their aims, although their line of study was often very different. The federation admits only such clubs as are chiefly social and intellectual in their work, for the reason that if it did otherwise it would be obliged to admit temperance and suffrage organizations, and intellectual work would soon be swallowed up. In short, the Women's club as a development of the last decade may be looked upon simply as a popular movement for higher education and for the abolition of that social cable for which women have been chiefly responsible the world over.

The New Century club house at Philadelphia is a beautiful structure, with an audience chamber frescoed, lighted with electricity, exquisitely draped and finished; and with drawing rooms, dining room, tea rooms and committee rooms beneath. In this fine building the delegates met every forenoon. In the afternoon they met at the Chestnut Street theater. In the evening at the quaint old Academy of Music.

The mornings were given up to business, the afternoons to general discussions, and the evenings to the reading of papers and the giving of addresses. the orchestra of the Academy of Music enlivened the evening's programs. One evening was devoted to a reception at the New Century club house, at which 1,000 guests were present and which was owing to the number of distinguished women present one of the most brilliant affairs ever given in Philadelphia. At least, that was the verdict of Philadelphian women who were in a position to know.

Nothing was more striking about this peculiar social gathering than the beauty of the elderly woman- the women over 50. They were grande dames, with their white hair, the beautiful gowns, their elegant manners, and their air of experience. Too often in America society is given up almost entirely to crude young girls who have nothing but their assurance and their freshness of face to recommend them. But for once, at least, distinction, achievement, experience and elegance held their own, and the young were forced into that attitude of respect which it would be far more becoming for them to habitually maintain.

Mrs. Charlotte Emerson Brown, the retiring president, is a woman of calm and regal manners, and her stateliness and genially in her social relations were as admirable as her judicious manner of presiding at the meetings.

It was a matter of gratification to me to see how large a number of the representatives of the New York, Boston and Philadelphia journals reporting the federation were women. And it was still more gratifying to note how accurately they did their work.

The Metropole theater the finest in Philadelphia was the headquarters of the club, and the delegations met there and did their business and held their [caucuacs?]. There was no denying that there was politics in it all. It snowed May Wright Sewall under. And it made the east afraid to lift up its voice for a president. In fact, the offices were distributed among the states with much care, the south and west standing together, as they do in national politics, and the east trying hard to be politic and polite, and not succeeding any too well. To a person who has not; and who never had any sectional feeling, and who likes a good man or woman, whether he of she comes from Kamchatka or New York, all this was very funny. But Illinois, which seems to be the noisiest state in all the union, got the president- Mrs. Hentrotin. She is a woman with a great deal of fact and experience in intellectually with many another woman in the federation, and from her own city, yet she does well enough. Dr. Sarah Hackett Stevenson of Chicago would have made a fine president and so would May Wright Sewall. But both of these women have views which are too aggressive to suit the majority who fear that the federation might be led to take measures more radical that it desires under their leadership. Pennsylvania got the vice presidency- Mrs. Mumford, a woman of much power and enormous popularity, who has hitherto been president of the New Century club of Philadelphia Mrs. Charles P, Barnes of Louisville Ky., was made recording secretary; Mrs. Philip N. More of Missouri, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Sarah B. Cooper of San Fransisco, treasurer, and Mrs. Fannie Purdy Paler of Rhode Island, auditor. The advisory board consists of Mrs. Charlotte Emerson Brown. East Orange, N.J.; Mrs. Julls Ward Howe, Boston; Mass.; Mrs. J. O. Croley, New York; Mrs. Virginia J. Berryhill, Iowa; Mrs. Ritta B. Oagood, Portland, Ms.; Mrs. Lucie E. Blount, Washington, D.C.; Miss Mary E. Steel, Ohio; Mrs. Elizabeth Lyle Saxon New Orleans, La, and Mrs. Samuel McKinney, Tennessee.

I am aware that this is not news and that it is distinctly bad journalism to publish this at a date so late. But I know that the members of the Omaha Women's club would very much like to have an article on the subject of the biannual meeting of the federation, which they could preserve as a general and condensed report, and this is written for that reason only.

The discussions in the afternoon were participated in without break or pause. One afternoon was given to the discussion of "The Ideal Club," and the second afternoon to the discussion of "The Ideal Federation." Some of the women had announced their desire to speak, and were therefore announced to do so by the president. Others arose upon the spur of the moment and spoke with agreeable spontaneity.

There were some bores, of course; they were generally elderly women with famous names. I have often noticed that the more distinguished a person the more of a bare ho or she is. But there were many crisp, witty and eloquent speeches made. And it was quite astonishing to me to notice how active the southern women were, and how eagerly they advocated club work for the women of their section, feeling that this would give them that mental activity and interact in public affairs which alone would awaken them from their excursion and lethargy which is so characteristic of them. They were beautiful- some of these southerners- and their fine voices and gracious manners were very charming to the matter-of-fact northern women. The New England women were very incisive and they had some ideas worth remembering. The western women, especially those from Illinois seemed rather aggressive, though it was hard to tell what they had to be aggressive about. The Michigan women were clever, and bright, and altogether entertaining. There was an exuberance about the California women. And the delegate from Syria had eyes that were adorable, and spoke with an eloquence in which similes bore a large part. Mrs. Shattuck, who is the authority for women's clubs on parliamentary law sat beside the president most of the time and at difficult moments gave voice to parliamentary wisdom. It must be admitted that the maner of conducting the meetings was very businesslike, and that no one was out of order or did anything not parliamentary. All of which dazzled me, who have a genius for being out of order.

The first evening's session showed a very large attendance with at least a third of the audience composed of men- who could enter by the purchase of a ticket, as at any other amusement house.

The first speaker said the Philadelphia Press was, Mrs. May Rogers, ex-president of the Ladies' Literary club of Dubuque, Is. She discussed the subject, "The New Social Force." She said the organization of the women in clubs is the new force. This organization means the She is something more than a loving or jealous creature. She is enjoying a higher education and this earth is no longer a man's world. Women have entered. She has entered upon all problems. Club women are trained in practical affairs of life and versed in literary and philosophical education. In America she has met her greatest advantages. Here she has made her greatest success.

"The Daughter of Sorosis" was the subject of the address of Mrs. William Tod Heimuth, president of Sorosis, who followed. In her Introductory remarks she said; "We number 50,000 women. What they have done and will do cannot be till in ten minutes." Mrs. Helmuth then traced the early history of Sorosis and paid a high tribute to Jennie C. Curley, the founder of the society in this country.

"What Women Should Do for Mankind" was the subject of Mrs. Florence Llowe Llall's address. The general expectation was that it would be an impassioned speech but Mrs. Hall cleverly used the opportunity to indulge in satire and humor, and man got the worst of it. She pictured him as a fickle giddy creature, who loved to see baseball games, go a-yachting and a-coaching, whom the self-appointed apostles, women must try to rescue from some dreadful fate. She declared that women was capable of doing this, because in two hours she could discuss all the philosophies under the sun, settle the greatest economic questions of the day, set the fashion for the next year and enjoy some music beside. Her address was frequently interrupted with laughter and applause.

Mrs. Edward Longstreth of this city discussed the question, "How Can Women Fit Themselves for Taking Part in the Affairs of City and State?" She pointed out the present evils in the city and state government and said that were women allowed to have a voice, she could bring about a better condition of things. She thought the time was coming when women would have the right in vote, and it was time that they should awaken to the obligations that would be imposed upon them. They should study upon such lines as would fit them to take part in politics.

Mrs. Kate Upson Clarke of New York gave an entertaining talk upon "The Democracy of the Woman's Club." The first requisite for membership, she said, was a high moral character, and the second the applicant must have ideas. All other things were subservient to these. Snobbery and toadyism are not tolerated. The rich and the poor girl are on an equal footing. Democracy is the foundation of the federation. Her address was enlivened with many interesting incidents.

Other addresses were made by Mrs. Estelle H. Merrill on "Women's Demands Upon the Newspapers;" Mrs. Charles W. Bassett on "After College Days," and Miss Kate Tannatt Woods on "Club Courtesles and Discourtesies."

At the last evening's session Mrs. Julia Ward Llowe of Boston made the opening address and was given a warm welcome. She spoke a few words of encouragement and exhortation to the federation and likened the organization to the union of the states. Though there may be differences on minor matters, yet in essentials they were one.

Mrs. B. F. Taylor of Cleveland, O., spike of "Club Training as Preparatory for Women's Work for the World." She presented first the home, the beginning of all work for humanity and them the club, which is the assistant in this work.

Mrs. James G. Berryhill of Des Moines, Ia, had for her theme. "What is Our Shibboleth?" She said women had developed an impetus in learning and had made some actual addition to the knowledge and culture of the time. the federation embodies the conception of women's search for wisdom. Shall wisdom stand alone? It is cold and lifeless, but wisdom and love, that dust power, shall they not be known as our Shibboleth?

Mrs. Etta II. Osgood of Portland, Ma, spoke of "One Woman," She said: "In the present age we must get down to the unit in everything. Every woman must cultivate her individuality as a heritage from heaven. When every woman has become one perfect woman, then will we have the perfect club."

Mrs. J.P. Clapp. president of the Shakespearesons of Grand Rapids, Mich. read a paper by Mrs. Elizabeth Ballard Thompson of the same place, on "the Reciprocity of Clubs." She said that the old power of contact was to be used to keep up into club sympathy. She suggested founding's bureau to which each club should contribute essays and then from the lists thus obtained each club should choose someone to come and visit them and talk to them on the subject chosen, because of its interest. At first all might want the same women but falling to get them they would choose others. This would be an incentive to others and would help the growth of American literature.

Mrs. IL. LI. Boyce of Los Angeles, Cal., recommended the study of archaeology for club women, it was full of interest and gave habits of concentration and close investigation. Owing to hoarseness her voice could be heard by but few of the audience.

Mrs. Johnson of the New Century club, read a paper by Miss Louise Stockton of this city, on "The Lecture Habit." She said women were better listeners than talkers and that women of today had a thirst for knowledge which was totally lacking in discrimination and prudence.

Mrs. Charles Henrotin of Chicago, was introduced and spoke of the benefits to women of the Columbian congresses. She praised the board of managers of the fair, saying that they secured national recognition of women. Out of the 5,977 speakers at the congress 1,447 were women. For the first time she took her place as a specialist and advisor in great social questions.

The retiring president, Mrs. Brown, then made an address thanking the federation for its kindness to her during her four years in office. At the close she was given a salute of waving handkerchiefs. Mrs. Henrotin was then presented as the new president and made an address, outlining her policy for the year. She was presented with a beautiful bouquet of daisies by the Chicago delegates.

Men are well aware of the education that lies in the friction of mind upon mind; in the meeting together of large bodies of men; in the comparison of ideas; in discussion, disagreement, organization and work. Women seem to be coming to an understanding of this, too, and no one could attend such a meeting of women as the one at Philadelphia without feeling that this intellectual impetus is carrying illumination into the lives of thousands of women who would else have remained mere household machines.

The old objections that an interest in such things mean a neglect of household duties, fall to the ground in the face of facts. Happy women work better than unhappy ones. Developed women raise better families than undeveloped ones. There is no argument against growth except that which the fool makes. Sweetness and light are the missions of the women's clubs- development of mind, encouragement of altruism, and the increase of good citizenship- which includes motherload of necessity.

That these women met for the encouragement of such ideas, that they were from every part of the country, from many classes of society, rich, poor, elaborate or simple in manner, from country and city, magnificently dressed in imported costumes, or modestly attired in home-made agreements, is all a great encouragement to those who love to see women progress and grow in democracy and independence.

The entertainment which the New Century club in particular, Philadelphia in general, and the railroads, gave to the delegates and visitors was exceptional. It could not have been more hospitably or more perfectly given.

This is practically, only a report for the benefit of the Omaha Women's club, and other persons are advised not to waste their time or irritate themselves in reading it.
ELIA W. PEATTIE.

MISSING LINKS.
Jeweled dancing slippers have become popular in Paris.
New York city has more southerners than any city in the south.
One-third of the earth is controlled by the Anglo-Saxons race.
A dental infirmary, to care for the teeth of the poor, has been proposed in Toronto.
A third set of teeth is now coming through the gums of Wesley Free of Pawling, Pa. He is 40 years old.

The price of platinum has increased five-fold at the Ural minces within three years. This is due to the heavy demand for this metal for electrical purposes.