The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-11-27

Miss Mary Henry Defends the Union Against
Criticisms Made in This Newspaper.

To the Editor OF The Indianapolis Journal:
Kindly allow me to correct certain
erroneous statements that have lately APP
peared In the Journal concerning the
recent convention of the National w. c. L.
L. l desire to call attention to the fact
that Mrs. j. Ellen Foster and the Iowa
delegates, so far from being "browbeaten,
bullied and insulted." were treated with
marked courtesy and Christian forbear-
ance. Mrs. Foster was given the floor
every time she asked it; was even urged to
sp eak: was granted extension of time again
and again. and asked TO come TO the plat
form that all might hear her. With regard
To the Kisses that were noticed on Two 0c-
casions, Mrs. Foster herself called atten-
ton to the fact that they came the second
time entirely from outsiders. and the dele
gates deny having Missed at all. Although
but one member of the committee on reso-
lutions, Mrs. Bailey, of Iowa, desired to
submit a minority report. the minority re-
port was printed and distributed with the
from the platform. spoke in it's behalf. and
was followed by Mrs. Aldrich. of Iowa. and
Mrs. Foster. who were heard with
entire respect. No others expressed a de-
port. Two ladies only spoke against it.
Mrs. Hoffman. OF Missouri. Ii Mrs. Ham
mond, of Ohio.
Mrs. kinney, chairman of the committee
on resolutions, read the following bylaw:
No State union shah be bound by any principle
espoused or plan devised by the National W.. G.
4. u. except that all State auxiliaries must SUBJ
scribe To the total abstinence pledge and to the
constitution of the national union.
No mention whatever is made of politics
in the constitution. 1t was clearly shown
that the society, as such, is now and always
has been, strictly ~nOn-partlsan.
A resolution was passed rejoicing that
the dominant party In South Dakota. he
Republican party. has explicitly declared
for national prohibition. Senator Henry
w. Blair. of New Hampshire. a Republican
friend of the w. G. L. u, was introduced
to the convention in most appreciative
as did also Major Picker. Republican Con-
g-ressmen-elect from South Dakota, and
others.
Mrs Foster and her adherents never had
less occasion for withdrawal Their
lence. There was no applause
until Miss Willard referred to the forbear-
ance and considerateness with which these
ladies had always been treated by the Ma
tional w. T.. L. II. A resolution regretting
the action of the Iowa delegates was i'm
mediately proposed and unanimously car
ried. A second round of applause came
when the president said, IF there is a par
allel to the patience of the National w. C..
Il . ~ ~ 10 W OO u AL ~ tho
minority in Iowa." and this applause was
simply In recognition of his fact.
BY publishing these statements. to which
many more of like character might be add
ed, you will help TO make known the truth.
and will also greatly obligee.
| National Supt. Press Work for w. e.. 7. u.
EVANSTON, H., Nov. 10.
The Journal does not care to continue the
discussion, but, as regards the kissing of
Mrs. Foster and the remark of that lady in
relation thereto. ventures to call Miss
Henry's attention to the report of the in
cident supplied by the Associated Press. On
Nov. IL, an amendment to the constitution
being under discussion, Mrs. Foster rose
and spoke. Among other things she said:
OF course we are not a political party-ve
could not be under the disabilities which apply
to the sex. But we are partisan. lCries of mo
no.,I We are partisan, repeat, inasmueh as
This is What the National Union has done. 1t
officers; il has done 1t By its own action; il has
done it by its legislation; it has done it by its
platform, ana It is conceded that it has done it
CO eeas i0h by amy one who has listened Mam ed
TO the report of. the corresponding
the sSsrs unicn having in escaped salre t ses bills sSsa 6f noD Dl
craftsmanship. Also, upon this platform the sem
timent has been applauded by this great body Of
women that non partisanship means Republic
anism, and from this platform the names of hon.
orable men in the Republican party have been
derided."
The speaker was interrupted by a storm of
Misses aud cries of mo-" stop" False"
81 repeat il" said Mrs. Foster. her face flushed.
at repeat 1t in spite OF the Kissing. More Kisses. !
THAT hiss is partisan" she continued, "that
hiss was PARTISAN"
81 would like to say" said one of the delegates,
"that kissing or cries come from the spectators
outside the seats reserved for the convention"
They did not" responded Mrs. Foster. 'they
come from the delegates" and she continued her
speech.
The foregoing is the only ~allusion to hiss
ing contained In the report. and if Mrs.
delegates, she must nave made the sdmis-
sion outside the convention.-lEd. Journal.