The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1889-12-13
National w. G. T. u. Convention.

The annual meeting OF this organization was at
Chicago. Nov. ell, in Battery D. 4e5 accredited
delegates were present. increase of SO over last
year. Every State except Nevada was represented
and every territory save Utah and wyoming.
The first morning session was devoted to a
prayer service.
The Cor. sec'y.. Mrs. Buell.. in her report said
this has been the best year in the history of the
organization. The total number of Unions is
TAOS; an increase in membership of more than
5000 over last year. The "Y's" number 81 ,657
members and membership of $780, 43 is reported
from the Loyal Temperance Legions
Miss Esther Pugh, Treasurer, reported total re-
ceipts S23. $50; an increase over last year.
The President. Miss Francis E. Willard, gave her
of 5000. She commented in most eloquent style
on the various branches of work, taking up the
problems of reform with a depth of thought that
is rarely exceed.
Excellent addresses were given during the conven.
ton by Mrs. Lathrop. Mrs. Hoffman, Mrs. Hem y
Neal Dow. Gen. Fiske and others Miss Julia
Thomas spoke on Physical Culture and Mrs
Parker on Temperance Woman's Dress.
On Sunday DR.. A. A. Wright, Dean of the Chau.
tauqua School of Theology, preached the annual
sermon. subject: "The Resurrection of Eve
Forty pulpits in Chicago and It's suburbs were
occupied by members of the Convention.
Many noted visitors were introdu ced to the con
vention and responded in words appreciative of the
work OF the organization. Among them were Gen
Neal Dow. Clinton B. Fiske. Henry Blackwell
Lucy Stone, Mrs. Lucy Rider Meyer, Mrs. Jennie
F. Wiling. Mr.. & Mrs. St. John. Mr.. & Mrs. Demo
rest, Mrs. John B. Finch, Prof. Dickie, Senator
Blair and Major Picker. The latter two, both
Republicans, pronounced the W. c. T. U. the
greatest reformatory force OF the Republic. There
were quite number of fraternal delegates, ten
from Canada Mrs. Finche represented the l. O.
G. T., Dr. Barrows the Y. P. 8. C. E. There were
several from the ". II. NJ. S. and other societies
Many kilograms of greeting were received from
individual and various societies. Rev. DR.. Josiah
Strong. author of that famous book "Our Country,
in lettcl TO Miss Willard wrote thus of the Con-
venton: cat no time in all the year, and at no
place in all the land is there much of the saw
il power of the nation gathered together as at
the Annual Convention of the W. G. T. u"
One o the many interesting features of the con.
venton was the Demorest Diamond Medal con
test. The prize an elegant diamond medal, was
awarded to Daisy Stoddard of Nebraska. not more
than ten years of age. The reports from the forty
departments of work gave evidence that the W. C..
7. U. is leaving no stone unturned for the ad-
vancement of temperance and the canse is being
pushed grandly along by many Sacrificing hearts
though the department work. The secession OF
the Iowa delegation, numbering IA, with Mrs
Foster as its leader, was not matter of much
surpri,e to the convention. They have been try
ing to stir up strife for number of years because
Of in In
Having failed in their effort to get the word non.
partisan in the Constitution. proposed Tasty ear
they saw they could no longer successfully
tend with such a majority al withdrew. The
visitors from Iowa who were willing to work in
harmony with the National, no matter what were
their political preferences were asked by the con-
vention to fill the vacant seats and SO came for
ward to take the places of the IA who had with
drawn. Measures were Immediately taken to
organize Iowa. The discussion relative to the
change in the constitution very clearly brought
out the point, that as the constitution had never
been made partisan, leaving all individuals at
perfect freedom in political opinions. there was
need of making any change. In the discussion
Mrs. Lathrop very clearly defined the position OF
the W. c. T, u, said she: "organically and con
stitutionally we are non partisan, in opinion we
are ProLibitionists.' On the other hand We take
these words from Mrs. Fosters remarks: "If
could to-day write the platform of the Republican
party l would not have it declare for National
Prohibition" Resolutions were passed touching
upon various phases of reform, The convention
was invited to meet at Atlanta next year, The
invitation given by the Legislature ofdeorgia.
the municipal council of Atlanta and the temper
ance people of the city through Rev. Sam Small
60. j.