The National tribune., 1885-07-02
W0MAN'S RELIEF CORPS
Proceedings of the National Conven-
Election of Officers, etc.
WEDNE ESDAY.

Opening of the Business Session.
An Interesting Meeting.
AT $50 o'clock the women belonging to the
National Relief Corps began their third annual
session at Mechanics Hall. They had come,
as had the veterans of the Grand Army, from
the far West and South to greet their fellow
workers of the Eastern States, and to still FUR
ther strengthen their organization.
The convention was called to order at 10
minutes before 10 by Mrs. Kate b. Sherwood,
President OF the Relief Corps, and the Dele
gates arranged themselves by States, Colorado
and California being assigned to the front,with
the other loyal States at their back, the mem-
bcrs counting into the hundreds.
The early meeting was to have been a secret
business session. but, as the President explain
ed, many Of the delegates had left their ere
dentials at home in the bureau drawers, and 1t
was necessary to spend the opening hour In
informal speeches of greeting, which were
given by Mrs Fuller, of Boston, Mass, Senior
Vice President; Wittenmeyer, of Phiadel-
phia, National Chaplain: Mrs. Il. Florence
Barker, the first National President of the
Woman's Relief Corps; Miss Lizzie Anderson,
of Topeka, Kan; Mrs Emma ID. Sibley, Toledo,
o. the National Secretary, and Mrs. Lizbeth A.
Turner, the National Treasurer.
At 1890 the doors were thrown open ana the
hall was soon crowded to its utmost capacity.
The meeting began with the presentation to
the Delegates of Past Commander-ln- Chief OF
the Grand Army, Paul Van Dervoort, OF Ne
braska. and Past National Chaplain Foster of
New York, who were received with the mill
tary salute. the ladies all rising. President
Sherwood explained that it was during Com
mander Van DervOorts term of office at the
head of the Grand Army, and largely through
his efforts, that the Woman's Relief Corps was
organized, and that Chaplain Foster was largely
instrumental in eifecting the carly success OF
the Corps.
Past Commander Van Dervoort was warmly
applauded as he complimented the work of the
Relief Corps done for the soldiers. This was
followed by stirring speech of praise for the
courage and endurance of the wives and
mothers who were alone at home in the dark
days of the war by Chaplain Foster, which
called forth the most enthusiastic cheers. The
delegates then arose and sang America" A
few minutes before IL o'clock the formal por-
tion of the program began with prayer by the
National Chaplain, Mrs. Wittenmeyer.
Mrs. Sherwood the President, then displayed
the gavel sent by Comrade Reynolds, of Ken
tucky Mrs. Fuller, of Massachusetts,, Senior
Vice President of the Relief Corps, made a
short speech explanatory of a letter which she
read from Rev. J. +. Lowering, of Massachu-
setts Past Chaplain in Chief of the Grand Army,
who presented with the letter all album, which
he gave as token of his regard for the Corps.
The President accepted it for the Order. She
then informed the audience that the wife OF
FAMOUS OLD SOLDIER,
Mrs. John A. Logan, was present. The latter
was escorted to the platform amid the cheers OF
the audience by Mrs. E. Florence Barker, Past
President, who made prettiiy- -worded speech
of compliment and led her forward, while all
arose to receive her. Uttering few grateful
words of thanks for this cordial reception, Mrs.
Logan retired to seat upon the stage and
there remained through the rest of the pro-
ceedings.
Comrade Goodell, of Massachusetts,, was pre-
sented as the one who moved the resolution
which resulted in the formation of National
Womans Relief Corps He gave brief de-
scripton of the gratifying progress of the Order.
Mrs. Goodale, Department President of Mas
sachusetts, in behalf of her Department, pre-
sented Mrs. Sherwood with large and magni-
ficent basket of roses, presented to them by
their honorary member, James f. Meach, or
SISTER Jemma."
Mrs. Sherwood announced that telegram to
Gen. Bearce gave the joyful intelligence that
Illinois had voted 100000 for the establishment
Of Soldiers Home in that State.
Col Canteen, of New York spoke next. The
President, with the aid OF Mrs. Logan, held up
to the audience the picture of Col. Stephenson,
the founder of the Grand Army Order, aud
stated that the pictures were TO be on sale for
the benefit of the family of Col. Stephenson.
The picture displayed was purchased by the
Massachusetts, delegates as gift to the presid-
ing officer
Mrs. Irving, of Toledo, O., read the yearly
report of the President.
The meeting adjourned at 1:30 until o'clock.
For a half hour after Mrs. Logan held an in
formal reception, the audience being individu-
ally presented by the President and the Senior
Vice President.
After adjournment the National Woman's
Relief Corps and the Woman's Relief Corps of
Maine escorted the National President to the
City Hail, all being attended by Post 13, OF
Massachusetts,, where reception was rendered
Mrs. Sherwood.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
At 2 p. N. the convention was called to order
| by the President and the reports of the Ma.
!. tional Secretary, Miss Emma b. sibley, the Ma
tional Installing Officer Mrs. L. Holbrooke, the
Treasurer Mrs Fuller, and the Chairman of the
Relief Committee were presented.
The following resolution was presented by
Mrs. Meyers, of Toledo, seconded by Mrs. Good.
| ale, of Massachusetts, and unanimously adopted
| by rising vote of the convention:
Resoiced. That this National Convention, Assem-.
/ bcd at Portland, Me-, do hereby extend to Mrs
| Gen. u. S. Grant most profound and loving
sympathy in her long months of anxiety and wait
| ing beside her noble husband; and we pray oul
/ Father in Heaven to comfort and strengthen her
and lift the burden from her heart, granting the
Nations prayers, and restoring to health the hero
! of many battles and one whom we all love tC
honor.
resolution of invitation to the National
| Convention of the Woman's Relief Corps to hold
| their next National Convention at San Fran
4 cisco was unanimously adopted.
| After the transaction OF some further busi
ness, the meeting was adjourned to 8 a. m
Thursday