The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-04-02
Ease Dar of the ConnoiI.

WAsHINGroH, April IAN invocation by
Mrs. John P. Newman and the singing of a
hymn by the entire audience opened the after
noon exercises Of the international Council of
Women to-day. Matilda Joslyn Gage spoke on
women in the early church, and was followed by
the Rev. Antoinetta Brown Blackwell. whose
text was Science and Religious Truth" Ad-
dresses were also made by Elizabeth Boynton
Harbert and Isabella Beecher Hooker. The
latter stated her faith that of a Christian
spiritualist. and her creed, briefly, as believ-
ing, first, in tie first great cause.-the Creator;
secondly, that the pains Of the life to
to be abbreviated or heightened according to
the deeds done in the body. In her plan of sal
walton she took in Jew, Christian, pagan and
gentle alike.
Addresses by Ednah Schepy and Miss Frances
Willard and the singing of a hymn closed the
afternoon exercises.
The evening and closing session of the couu-
oil was opened with prayer by Mary Fl. Hunt,
Of Boston. and hymn, set to the tune of 'Beu-
Madam Bozelet. the French delegate read a
brief letter expressing her pleasure at having at
tended the council. Madam Bogelet said that
It was the first time she had ever spoken in
English. Her paper before the Council was
read in French. she succeeded by Miss
Allie Trieg, of Finland, the companion Of the
Baroness Gripenberg, and Mrs. Groth. OF Nor
way. who made their ad!eus to the audience.
Miss Anthony then announced that Mrs.
Olivia Briggs had given square of ground
known as Maple Square, for the foundation of
an institution for the highest spiritual. moral,
industrial and political education of girls.
Zerelda Wallace, the mother of Gen. Lew
Wallace, made address. She said: ''Hu-
manity IS king; woman is one-half the great
whole. and che lies at the base of all human
progress. We to day the richest nation by
many hundreds of thousands of dollars" Mrs.
Wallace argued that If God is forgotten, ma
ton 10 sure to die.
Mrs. Stanton made the closing address She
h6 han baAu nd
had proven that women are ready for con-
certed action. She eomplimented the speakers
ana said she has always looked forward TO go
ing to the kingdom of heaven enfranchised and
introducing herself to St Peter at the gate as a
citizen or America. Women have had 10
force their way into every avenue Of
work now omen TO thern. A letter was received
this morning from a Russian NihiliEt, which
completes the countries sending ereeting to the
council The letters by different coun-
tries show the universal interest in the council
all over the world. For the first convention
held forty years ago days preparation was
sufncient; for their international Council a
years preparation made. She contrasted
the difference between the manner in which the
press received the convention of forty years ago
and the reception of this present International
Council. The result of the latter must be of
lasting effect. She contrasted the Queen of
Englands jubilee with this jubilee of the
women.
The Queen did not do single good thing to
carry down and connect her name with her
jubilee. but in this the women of the world had
and brain. We have done much to make our
country proud of us and ask of her just and
equable laws to govern and make her equal to
man, to protect her purity. For the men of tho
Nation we ask them to counsel with wise
women. In proportion the circle of woman
extends itself. she will inspire man with
broader views as to national and international
questions We ask you to celebrate this
womans jubilee by placing in woman's band
the ballot. When a woman has no care TO take
part in government it proves that she has not o
rlpened mind. Woman is hedged about with
old prejudices and sustained in these prejudices
by men Of common sense We are sculDtors.
and our life work is not to build up creeds and
codes, but TO roll off the loads of superstition
and set the imprisoned angel free.
Tomorrow at o'clock the final meetings of |
delegates will be held at the Riggs House On
Tuesday and Wednesday morning and evening
the National Woman's Suffrage Association will
hold its twentieth annual convention at the |
Universalist Church. plan of action is to be |
devised for suffrage work In the Southern States, |
which have as yet had neither conventions nor
lectures.