The Van Buren press., 1875-07-27
THE CENTENNIAL.
An Appeal to the Women Of Arkansas
LITTLE Rock, July 90, 1875.
To the Women of Arkansas:

| To the Women of Arkansas:
We take it for granted that every wo
man III our country knows that there is
to he a celebration of the one hundredth
anniversary Of our national indcpend-
enee.
But, perhaps some may not understand
what is expected of the women.
Having been selected by our commits
sioners to undertake the organization, in
our state, will explain the matter as !
understand it
On March 3D., 1871, congress passed
resolution for an international exhibi-
ton to be held in Philadelphia, in 1876,
to commemorate the one hundredth birth
day of our nation. A bill was introduced
asking for an appropriation from con
gress, and though warmly and eloquent
ly advocated, was defeated. ltthereforc
became necessary for each state and ter
ritory to lend a helping hand to make the
celebration a success.
In October last, the board of finance
asked the women of the country to help
them, by using their influence to excite
an interest in the success of the celebra-
ton. The women of Philadelphia were
the first to organize in compliance with
this wish, and they now appeal to every
patriotic woman throughout the nation
to help them,
In most of the states the ladies are
working with the view to assist in build
ing what is to be strictly the" womens
department But our commissioners
have expressed n desire to INC, that what
ever money is raised by our endeavors
should go into the general funds of the
state, and be used in bearing the neces-
sary expenses in packing and transport
ing articles to and from our state to the
exhibition, or in any other way they may
see fit.
Inasmuch as we have such q poor
prospect of securing funds by public ap-
preparation, and the relief which we ex
pect from our legislature will come late,
the commissioners consider it important
that the ladies' concentrate their efforts in
assisting the state advisory board; and
this view is sustained by the secretary OF
our national centennial commission.
W Iepl llt uliilpol tullHhtIltC III dl'
pealng to the women of Arkansas for
their cordial co operation in this work.
Although many Of the other states have
the start OF us, let us now be up and do
ing, aud work the harder to make up for
lost time. | am met on all sides with
the question /" What can we do 7" | an.
swer, many things. We do not know
what we can do till we try. Perhaps
some latent talent may be developed new
hardly suspected.
would suggest to the women in the
different towns and villages Throughout
the state to meet and organize centennial
societies as soon as practicable
Let our social entertainments for tho
coming winter, be such as to recall tht
times and customs of our forefathers
Organize socabes, or interest YOU
neighbors to help in getting up centen
nial or Martha Washington tea parties
in which the ladies can appear in the sim
pie and tasteful costume Of the time o
the revolution.
Let every town and neighborhood il
the state do in their own way whatcvel
they can. Thus, while the women -"
not asha{l .{t +, e"
together with her innuencc, ana wnatcs
or article Of beauty or utility she may bC
able to furnish. We will thus be do.ns
our best TO make the exhibition sue
cess.
There are other inducements apart from
the direct and immediate results, whicl
arc aimed at in furthcrug onr interest ii
the exposition, 1t is hoped that from the
interchange of thought and labor oul
animostias may be forgotten.
Letus bury the past, Wenow have th'
opportunity to do much good. and i
must rest on our consciences to improve
it, United by common interest, seel.
ing a common blessing we will be re
arited and happy people.
Hoping to meet with your warmcs
sympathy and support, ! am very res
specially,
Mrs H. C. CALDWELL,
VI