The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-04-20
woMEN's CENTENNIAL UNION.
GRAND MEETING OF PATRIOTIC WOMEN AT THE
COOPER INSTITUTE LAST NIGHT

GRAND MEETING OF PATRIOTIC WOMEN AT THE
COOPER INSTITUTE LAST NIGHT.
large meeting on behalf OF the New York women's
Centennial Union was held last evening in the great hall
OF Cooper Institute. About 600 ladies were present
Mrs Dr. French presided. The meeting was opened
by music by brass band, the members OF the band
being little boys ranging from 10 to l6 years OF age.
Their performances We're excellent. After welcoming
the ladies' Mrs. French introduced Mrs Webb who re-
cited original poem, dedicated 10 Mrs Gillespie
called Freedoms Invocation which was applauded
very heartily. After tins young ladies one rep
rescnting 1916 aud tho other 1876, played a due.
OF our national airs. The young Indy OF 1870
was dressed Ia oid-fashioned brocaded silk made with
long pointed waist and sleeves tight 10 the elbow
Her hair was rolled up high cushion and pow
dercd. The young lady OF 1915 dressed a
handsome pink silk dress, made in the pre-
vaing fashion. Mrs. French then said --.l take
great pleasure IN introducing Mrs. Gillespie OF Phia-
dephia, great granddaughter Of Benjamin Franklin.
the pioneer in the centennial work OF women who Will
tell US how much they have accomplished
Mrs. Gillespie then rose and SAID 81 am glad to be
here and very glad 70 see SO many who. II mankind
called the bone and sncw, the less valuable
part Of humanity the tissue and nerves That is tho
part you play. and as much depends on you as on tho
men. am glad to you under this roof which was
raised by who has done so much for women
have come TO tell you OF what we are doing. In 1873
rniKTEES woNEv WE'RE CALLED TOGETHER
and asked TO get up some interest In this matter among
women. wc did not know exactly what 10 do We be-
gan stumbling and have gone on stumbling, but
hope to stand erect main portion Of our hall IL re-
served for womens Inventions On the Sth OF June the
Director General told me that foreigners demand
ing so much room that II wanted exhibition in
full we would have to have separate building. Wc
found II would cost $4,000 We have established
organizations in twcnty-nirc States. The Southern
States all reduced that they give little
but their sympathy. | wrote TO the ladies'
In the several States and raised the money
The building was commenced on tho 18th of October
and turned 10 complete the Goth Of February
the women's day In our department for woman's
work will be exhibited Of Queen yictora's work
aud also some work OF her daughters, l am sure
ought 10 feel graceful for this Nearly all the foreign
countries have promised to send exhibits. don't
believe you know halt that woman has done woman
invented the car punch. tl.augher) She little knew
what beautiful verses would DO written 1t. Hitherto
women hive been too poor to takc out their
own patents. | hope something better for
them In the future will come out of this Exhibition.
We have not accomplished very much, but there n
good deal OF smoke, aud where there much smoke
there must be fire, and we depend ON every woman
present to help kIndlc the blaze.n
Stereopticon views OF the Centennial buildings
then shown and explained by Mrs. French a colec-
ton for the centennial fund was aterward taken up
ana all tho ladies were requested to send in their
names on slips of paper previously handed TO them
DO sent to Philadelphia and enrolled there While
this was going the youthful band discoursed sweet
music" More Rotations and music followed.