186
A WORD WITH THE WOMEN
--------- (By Elia W. Peattie.)
Miss Susan B. Anthony send the following notice:
The twenty-seventh annual convention of the National American Woman Suffrage association will be held in Atlanta, Ga., January 31 to February 5. The object of these conventions is to educate women into a knowledge of their rights and duties as citizens of a republic, and through them to arouse the nation to a sense of national wrong perpetrated by the disfranchisement of half the people of the United States, in opposition to the principles of government declared by our laws and constitution.
Though twenty-six states have granted some slight concessions to women citizens, in no states of the union, save Wyoming and Colorado, are women yet admitted to the dignity of equal rights in citizenship.
In only six states of the Union are mothers conceded to be legal owners of their own children. Rev. Anna Shaw. Lillie Devereaux Blake, Carrie Chapman-Catt of Iowa, Dora Phelps Buell of Colorado, and Mary C. Francis of Ohio are among the speakers. --------- It is interesting to person who were born along in the years 62-3 and 4—it is not necessary to mention names—to observe the alteration of sentiment that is continually going on between the north and south. Persons born in the years mentioned are not quite sane in all particulars. They have a certain frenzy of the brain when matters involving patriotism, and especially sectionalism, are under discussion. This is their birth mark—their sad mental heritage. Looking at the question from the point of view of a martial statesman, such as Napoleon, it may be almost said the be a pity that no war has arisen while this generation was in its prime. For if that war had involved the defense of the country, there would have risen a band of patriotic fanatics who would have counted it a privilege, so morbid is their mentality, to die in such a service. One does not mean to say that willingness to die for a country is morbid. But a desire to die for anything or anybody is certainly opposed to those wholesome laws by which nature protects and perpetuates herself. At present, the very generous action of the people of Georgia in sending relief to our people in the stricken western country brings up recollections of the old fast fading prejudice. This relief movement from Georgia is directed by ex-Governor Northen, a valiant fighter in the confederacy. The relief sent goes, to no small extent, to old union soldiers who have settled upon government land in the west. There is no use in being maudlin over this exhibition of manliness. A good American finds no occasion to express surprise at generosity, sacrifice and humanity of one of her countrymen. But certainly this will all help to lay the old ghosts—the haggard, horrible ghosts that have prevented the forming of so many friendships, embittered so many homes, caused such miserable misrepresentations. One wishes every prosperity to Georgia. But if the time should come when an “act of providence” deprives any portion of that state of its natural bounty of harvest, the corn that makes our plains blossom and rustle in the glory of summer, shall go southward to repay that which is given now. --------- The mother of Florence, Maybrick sends out a most pitiful appeal to “the thoughtful people of England” for the release of her daughter, and also for the establishment of an English court of criminal appeal. With this poor mother’s review of the evidence in the Maybrick case comes Gail Hamilton’s masterly defense of her countrywoman, and also a reprint of a letter to the Liverpool Review by “A Disgusted Liberal,” who insinuates that Mr. Asquith is afraid to introduce a bill for a court of criminal appeal, because it will open a way to the reconsideration of Mrs. Maybrick’s case, in which Mr. Asquith has not shown himself as humane as might have been expected. The following is an interesting paragraph in the Countess de Roques’ defense of her daughter:
“Unfortunately, there is no open court of appeals. This is, in the opinion of learned men, the real cause of Mrs. Maybrick being still in prison: and it is astonishing that while there is in civil cases (where properly is involved) an absolute right of appeal to the slightest court of the realm, there is no similar open court (except upon points of law) where human life is concerned: and as this injustice to the subject must call for legislation to prevent other prisoners, in like circumstance, having to undergo similar sufferings, my child’s martyrdom cannot fail to produce an essential reform in the law, by which the prisoner shall invariably be “given the benefit of the doubt.”
187
A WORD WITH THE WOMEN.
Since nearly all of the students of the Omaha Art school are women, it is not out of place to speak of that institution in this column. Considerable work from the students is exhibited at the art loan exhibit, most of it the outer rooms among the water colors. it hangs in the midst of a motley collection of pictures, painted by men of many schools. It cannot, fittingly, be compared with the work of these men, because their work, whether it is good or bad, is finished, whereas these studies do not pretend to be compositions, but only the means for acquiring technique. they bear the same relation to a picture that a sampler does to an embroidered canvas, or the [joluts?] and mouldings of the manual training school do to a cabinet. And it is as studies, therefore, and not as pictures, that they must be judged.
As such it is possible to give them very high praise. It is apparent that the work done there is honest and thorough. The pupil who attends the Omaha Art school is not allowed to do as he pleases, but is made to walk the difficult road of true learning. The students are taught drawing- a good deal more than can be said of some of the painters whose work hangs upon the wall in conspicuous places.
The landscapes painted by these young art scholars are Nebraska Landscapes- that is to say, they paint what they see and not what some one else sees. Moreover, these landscapes have all the peculiarities of this region, and their truth might easily be doubted by one from another section of the country. This is another proof of their faithfulness. The still life is, some of it, really fine. There is none exhibited which is beneath criticism. The work from life is very good indeed, and some of it exceptionally effective. All is broad, terse and clear in treatment.
Some of the work, such as that of Mrs. Clement Chase, for example, shows refined and discriminating taste as well as good technique. Mr. Frank Shill is ambitious in his work, but needs touch study. Miss Clara Ruth has been exceedingly modest in her exhibitions, but as far as she goes is excellent. Miss Evans has some work of which any artist might well be proud. One little interior done this summer out as Mr. Parker's studio is of beautiful quality and tone- an example of smooth and careful work. All of her work is attractive and individual, "By the [Nishua?]" "A Summer Afternoon" and "Parker's Meadow" having particularly good feeling. The chrysanthemums of Miss [?] Irene Burrows, while not harmonious as a composition, are well handled. Miss Chloe Brown has only two little studies, but both are good. Miss [?]shows the same quiet, but thorough training. Mark Poliack has a fancy which helps him in his work and makes him show promise of being an individual artist someday. There are others, besides a number who have studied with the school, but who cannot be considered its pupils, because their style was formed before they came, and the association with the school has been brief.
As said before, the standard of criticism in such work must be that which deals with studies, and not with pictures. To be sure, Miss Evans' work is entitled to the consideration due pictures, but since she is closely related with the school she has been mentioned among the students for convenience sake,
188
"God Bless Us Every One"
An Unusually Attractive Christmas Number of the "World-Herald" Has Been Prepared for Sunday, December 20.
Among the More Distinguished Contributors Who Have Been Secured for this Occasion are the Following:
Sarah Bernhardt, The distinguished French actress, contributes a short but remarkably strong Christmas story, entitled "A CHRISTMAS REPENTANCE" Both the French original and the English translation will be given.
Mrs. Frances Hodgson Burnett Puts a period to her child a serial, "GIOVANNI AND THE OTHER."
Luke Sharp Is represented by an exceedingly powerful installment of his story. "FROM WHOSE BOURN."
Rev. John Williams, Rev. H. A. Crane, Rev. W. J. Harsha, Rev. C. H. Gardner, Dean, Rev. P. F. McCarthy of St. Philomena's. Will each preach a 400-word Christmas sermon.
"Met," In the brilliant Washington "special" of the World Herald, has a peculiarly appropriate letter from the national capital.
Miss Jessie Allan, Omaha's popular librarian, will tell of the CHRISTMAS BOOKS one ought to read.
Edgar L. Wakeman, The traveler, writes of "AN ENGLISH SAILORS ORPHAN HOME."
Hon. J. Sterling Morton Appears as the author of Sermon on Taxation, Which will challenge the thinkers of the state.
Phillip Andres, A Few Thoughts on Yule Tide.
Mrs. Elia W. Peattie Has a discriminating article on the POETRY OF SIR EDWIN ARNOLD.
The Local Staff, That force of tireless workers to whose energy and enterprise Omaha is indebted for the best newspaper ever published in this city, will produce a symposium of pleasant reading for this occasion.
Among the Features Will Be: A night with the German 'Bears': "Dan," a Nebraska story with [?] horse in it; How Kittie Caught Santa Claus, The Blazing Yule Log; Bringing in the Boars Head, Christmas in a Snow Bank; The Night Editors Christmas; "The Engineers Good Turn"; One Christmas Experience, "She Found Her Papa," etc.
Christmas Poetry. Jokes Superstitions. Stories Fashions. Gifts Shopping Hints. Carols Sermons
Christmas Society, Christmas Sport, Christmas Trade and Traffic, Christmas Telegrams, Christmas Cablegrams, Christmas Local News, Christmas Advertisements, Christmas Editorials--Christmas from beginning to end--flavored with Turkey, and sage and cranberry sauce, redolent with Plum Pudding and garnished with Holly and Mistletoe.
With the best Wishes of the season to its advertisers and its readers the WORLD-HERALD dedicates this holiday edition to Omaha, Nebraska and the West.
189
MRS. PEATTIE'S SUCCESSOR
Mrs. William P. Hartford Elected President of the Omaha Woman's Club.
Madam Reuben Gaylord an Early Settler in the West Made and Honorary Member.
Project of Building a Club House is Taken Up but Nothing Definite is Decided - Routine Matters.
Mrs. William P. Hartford was yesterday elected president of the Woman's club to succeed Mrs. Peattie.
When the result of the ballot was announced by Mrs. Towne temporary chairman of the meeting held in the afternoon at the Creighton, Mrs. Hartford took in her arms the big boquet of American beauties presented her and made a most gracious speech, in which she said that the Woman's club was so thoroughly American in its make up, each department having so efficient a head, that she realized her duties would not be of great responsibility, but only to preside and keep as much as possible her opinions to herself. She said that she hoped to fill her position honestly and faithfully, but asked that no comparison be drawn between herself and the graceful and witty Mrs. Peattie, or the other clever presidents who had gone before.
Madam Reuben Gaylord was made an honorary member of the club, Mrs. Ferguson welcoming the pioneer woman whose residence in Omaha has covered forty years, in a few words. Thirteen names were proposed for membership. Mrs. Shuman of Nebraska City and Mrs. Riordan of Texas were guests of the club. During the afternoon Mrs. Johnson gave a vocal solo and Josephine Bell played the piano. An interesting report of the delegation to the Crete Federation of Woman Clubs was read.
DISCUSS CLUB HOUSE SCHEMES.
But after the election of president the feature of the meeting was the discussion of the building of a club house. Mrs. Mary Gerrard Andrews spoke against the stock company idea proposed by the committee. She related the sad state of affairs in Chicago, where the women of the Women's Christian Temperance union had allowed a stock company to build the "Temple," only to find that where the money of many women had been put into the enterprise the women now are having to face the possibility of relinquishing any interest in the building whatever, merely being allowed to rent it as any other tenant. She was in favor of waiting until the club be older and more established and could build a club house of its own without going into debt and until the women members could organize a stock company among themselves.
Mrs. Ford, the chairman of the club house committee, explained that if the members of the Woman's club bought the majority of the stock they were entitled to the control, and said further that no harm could come of soliciting for shareholders to see what could be done. Mrs. Hartford thought if anything is to be done, now is the time to do it, while a down town site can be purchased at a reasonable figure.
BELIEVES IT WILL PAY. Miss Clary said the need in Omaha of an auditorium of proportions suitable to accommodate large audiences is so urgent that it seemed to her that the club which would provide such a building could not help realising upon the investment. Mrs. Towne said that she and the secretary felt so kind of queer on the stage of the Creighton theater, so far from the other club members who seemed to be in the dark from the stage, that she more than ever felt the need of a home for the club properly adapted to its use.
The matter was laid over until the next meeting of the club. A reception under the auspices of the musical department will be given Maud Morgan at the club rooms next Thursday afternoon.
190
SHE RESIGNS AS PRESIDENT
Mrs. Peattie Anticipates Her Approaching Departure From the City.
Relinquishes Her Position in the Woman's Club to Take Up Other Cares in Chicago.
Club Will Think a While About Building Before Taking Another Step In That Direction - Yesterday's Meeting.
The Woman's club may or may not have a club house of its own. It wants to think. It is going to think for at least a fortnight. Mrs. Frances Ford, chairman of the committee appointed to investigate the matter returned a report showing a great amount of thorough work. The club listened with intense interest, but concluded to defer the discussion of the matter.
"The club," said one woman . "is going home to talk the matter over with its husbands."
The president placed her resignation before the club, to take effect on the 19th of this month. At that time a new president will be elected, and candidates are already being talked of. The president's brief address was one of greeting and farewell.
Many matters of interest came up during the meeting, which was unavoidably devoted to business from first to last. A committee has been empowered to purchase a piano on which even the most fastidious musician will not hesitate to perform Mrs. Lindsey reported for this committee, and with Mrs. Wilhelm and Miss Cunningham, the new leader of the musical department, will make the selection.
A certificate of deposit given by the German Savings bank to the federation library was taken up by the club at its face value, thus making it possible for the library committee to continue its work without interruption. The Omaha club will make no gift to the library this year, feeling that its taking up of the certificate is all it can afford.
The next meeting of the Woman's club will be held at Creighton theater, in order that the adaptability of the place to club uses may be tested. The managers of the theater have most generously offered to let the club use the theater for its general meetings on such days as its occupation will not conflict with the engagements of the theater. The department meetings of the club and the social meetings of the club and the social meetings will be held at the present rooms whether Creighton theater is used or not.
The one meloncholy episode of the day was the announcement of the misfortune which had overtaken Mrs. Pennock, who, at the hour of the club meeting was returning from the cemetery where she had buried her only child, a little girl 2 years of age. The club expressed its sympathy with Mrs. Pennock.
Mrs. Draper Smith, secretary of the club, was elected delegate to the federation meeting at Fremont, which is held Thursday and Friday of this week. Mrs. E. G. McGilton and Mrs. Henry Jaynes were made alternates.
Mrs. Ford presented the Derthick musical course to the club. Miss C. C. Tennant Clary's concert, to take place at Boyd's opera house of 22d of this month, was spoken of. Two pieces of embroidered linen were presented to the club and acknowledged by the president. A proposition was made to alter the hour of the meeting, which is now 3:30, in deference to the teachers. A standing vote expressed the preference of the club for the hour is now obtaining.
Mrs. W. K. Galloway, president of the Eau Claire Woman's club, was present, and at the solicitation of the president gracefully expressed to the club the obligations she and her club felt under to the Omaha club, after which the Eau Claire club was modeled. At the adjournment of the meeting the ladies paused to drink a cup of tea in the dining room in honor of Mrs. Galloway, who was presented with a bunch of bride and tea roses. The attractive appearance of the dining room promised faithful service from the new house and home committee.
The secretary read an announcement to the effect that a public reception would be given the departing president next Monday evening at a place to be designated in the future.
BOY UNDER THE WHEELS. Special Dispatch to the World-Herald.
Cheyenne, Wyo., Oct 5. -While playing on moving cars in the Union Pacific yards here last evening with some companions, Ludwig Mahr, a boy of 6 years was pushed off and fell under the wheels. His left leg was cut off and his right foot crushed. He died in the county hospital this morning.
LOCAL BREVITIES
Mrs. P. Milbrodt of North Omaha lost nine chickens by theft, which she suspects a neighbor with having stolen, and has secured a search warrant for the premises of a Mrs. Brown.
Willow camp No. 12 Woodmen of the World, will give a social tonight at Fuller's hall, northwest corner of Fourteenth and Douglas streets. An excellent program has been prepared and choice refreshments will be served.
J. A. Vail of South Omaha reported to the police that his nephew, John Thomas, has been missing from his home since Saturday evening, and as he has not been in the city long and had some money when he went away Vail fears for his welfare. He asks the police to send the boy home if they can find him.