The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1888-03-15
RELIEF CORPS NEWS.
GIeaningS from National Headquar-
terS---NOteS from the Departments.
NATIONAL HEADERS WodAN's RELIEF
CORPS, AUXILIARY TO THE GAR,
DETROIT, MICH.

feeling strengthened, encouraged, aud inspired
with new zeal. This trip was made i'll the
business interests of the Order, and so planned
as to embrace some of the Department Conven-
tions. All along the line was found the most
undoubted enthusiasm and devotion to the
great work.
At Syracuse, n. Y, a short stop was made,
and few hours spent with the efficient De-
partment President, Mrs. Sarah c. Mink, and
her faithful Secretary, Mrs. Emma j. Carpen-
ter. As is often the case, Relief Corps work,
and that alone, was the subject of conversation,
and many fine points on improved and pro-
gressive work and management of large De-
partments were discussed, showing that the
executive officers Of New York are ever on the
alert and anxious to be in the foremost ranks
of knowledge, government and discipline.
Al Boston, Notwithstanding the train was
hours belated by the immense fall of snow, kind
friends were there to extend a welcome. The
first Department Convention it was possible TO
reach was Vermont, held in st. Johnsbury.
The Department President, Mrs Amanda I.
NeWcombe, daughter of Gen Thomas, of Yer
mont, took great pleasure in welcoming to her
State and presenting the first National Presl-
dent that had yet visited them, and especially
one who bore the honured name of Stark.
The reception the first evening was grand,
with an overwhelming attendance. The Con-
YentiOn was made up of Intelligent, earnest
women, and presided over with grace and dig
nifty by Mrs. Newcombe, who returned the
work accepted the year before, having added
IA to the then 20 Corps The best of feeling
prevailed, and all exhibited an earnest desire
to learn and be benefited by counsel from the
highest authority. Such meetings lead to mu-
tual good, as officers and members come into
closer contact and learn to know each other
better By clasping hands and exchanging
ideas, members are encouraged, and officers can
ascertain thespecial needs of Corps and Depart
ments, and can more wisely administer. The
new President Leonora w. Howe, evidently
has the good will of the several Relief Corps,
and with the strong support of the Department
Commander from the same place ought to make
a good record.
New Hampshire Convention Immediately
followed Vermont, and like it showed the best
of spirit. New Hampshire's best and ablest
women are connected with the work, and to
whatever other Order any may belong, there IS
nothing that ELECTS the enthusiasm and draws
out the fine gifts and true devotion as does the
| Woman's Relief Corps. Mrs. Celia +. j. Foster
presided with ability and TACT showing much
thoughtful study in preparation, and personal
attention to the work during two years sery-
| ice. The revised Ritual was exemplified in an
impressive manner by Chamberlain Corps of
! Concord, the baIlOtlng being especially line.
OF the new President, Mrs. Nancy Moore, Of
Nashua, much will be expected by those who
| know how clearly and concisely she can draw
| conclusion. Her work with Committee (of
which the now National President was one) on
Revision of Rul and Regulations in San Fran
cisco, showed thorough knowledge of the prin-
cipes and laws of our government, and well
may we anticipate grand results this year, as
her brother, the Hon. A. B. Thompson, is elect
ed Department Commander. Added to this is
a link that binds New Hampshire to National
| Headquarters, from the fact that the Assistant
| Adjutant- General James Minot, was for years
a school-felow OF the National President in
| BrOckport N Y, and enlisted with her brother,
Capt. Milo /. Stark, in the 140th N. Y. New
! Hampshire should make record this year.
The dates Of the Connecticut Convention
made it impossible to reach it from Concord,
and much anticipated pleasure was thus de-
! MED. But glowing reports were brought and
/ safely delivered by the National Treasurer,
| Mrs. Turner telling of growth and progression,
| and promise from the President Mrs. Mary
| J. Merriman, TO be at the Massachusetts, Con-
vention.
Little Rhody" next claimed attention, and,
accompanied by National Aid Harriet L. Reed,
of Dorchester and Mrs. Josie I.escher, of Som
! ervile, Mass, the National President visited
| Pawtucket, r. J., the home of the Provisional
! President Mrs. Sarah G. Mason profitable
day was spent in discussion and instruction, and
| in the evening instituted Slocum Corps, No. 6,
with 90 charter members, in the beautiful city
Of Providence. The new Department Com
mander, Junior Vice Department Commander,
| and other comrades gave strong assurance OF
| support and assistance, and an early call for a
regularly -organized Department in that State
| would not be surprise at National Headquar-
| tiers.
Massachusetts Convention held at Boston,
! was marked by a full delegation and large Wis
iting attendance, in which the adjoining States
| were we'll represented. The President, Mrs. S
| Agnes Parker was surrounded by her staff on
| the platform, and presided over that large body
| of women in the most admirable and mastery
manner, treating all with the utmost courtesy
| and rendering most impartial decisions. Many
important points and principles were debated
| and cleyerly handled. All seemed alive to the
interests of the Order, and only anxious fol
it's advancement. The retiring President and
her staff seemed each and every one to be par
ticulary adapted for the position occupied, and
the incoming ones equally so. Mrs. Emma B
Lowd appears eminently fitted for the Office o.
President. and is taking up her duties like 9
veteran. She is the pOssessOr Of a fine, cultivat
ed intellect, which viii he another laurel added
to the Department Of Massachusetts,
The National President spent sufficient time
at the office of Z. B. Stillings & Co. to become
thoroughly familiar with the business beinl
transacted by that firm for the W.RC., ant
find the Order arc indebted to them in many
ways. Their promptness in assisting the ISSUE
OF all TeNlSlOHS Vi TIC pit5Cib AituiiiobTdtlOi
has been gratifying, and the benefit Of thei
knowledge and large experience in GA. r
work has been freely and cordially at our dis
posal, making possible many an effort tina
would otherwise be futile.
The National President was the guest of thu
Department officers during Convention, AM
from them received the most cordial reception
every attention being shown that was due thu
executive head of the organization, togethe
with all that could be done through tn
, promptings of warm and afectionate hearts
, The comrades and Corps were all kind and cor
, dial, vieing with each other in their attention
and invitations until it seemed every point O
, interest must be exhausted. These attention
were fully appreciated and treasured up by tn
recipient, and bonds of friendship formed tina
will not be severed when the labors and honor
of the year are transferred to another Whel
the time for separation came it was like part
ing with lifelong friends, and All felt the vsi
had been profitable one. The National Presi
dent returns to her home with new inspiration
and encouragement, and the best and sweetes
remembrances Of her co workers in the East
WOLVERINE.
Department Gleanings.