Wichita eagle., 1889-09-22
a NOBLE MOVE.
An Appeal for Woman by the Woman's Council
of Wichita.

To the Editor Of the Eagle
The Woman's Council of Wichita is the
representative and united working force OF
the organizations of women IN this city.
1t basis is that OF the International council
of Women, organized in Washington
about eighteen months ago. It's general
object is to improve women mentally.
morally, physically.
Believing that social conditions are the
result Of inherited tendencies aud educa-
tional forces rather than inherent indiyid-
ual deprayity, and believing that moral
reform is the great demand of the present,
the Woman's Council desms ii duty 10
throw It's mite OF influence against the
current Of social evils overwhelming our
city.
The first work of our members was an
attempt to better the condition OF the I'M
fortunates of our sex who sometimes lind
place within the city prison. A com
mittee from the Woman's Council visited
that institution and reported it to be ab-
solutelv unfit for human being 10 be
lodged in, a place that necessarily must
make any occupant more vicious ana
deprayed The united womanhood or our
council then petitioDed the city council
that police nlatron De appointed and a
would open the door for reformation.
The petition was not granted. A COM
mittee of women then quietly and dis
creetly investigated the possibility of re
moving the houses OF III repute from our
city. But it was learned that there was no
city ordinance 10 authorize such course:
We then began to LOOK for the ounce OF
prevention if we could not find the
pound of cure" The result was a decIs-
ion TO provide a home OF reform Tor those
OF our erring sisters who could be Induced
to turn from their life Of shame and SIN.
The only effort heretofore made IN be-
half OF the homeless and unfortunate IS
that OF Miss Selma Fountaine, whose Falt Il
Home has become widely and well known
in that il has proved Christian shelter to
many young and homeless strangers arrlv-
ing on our daily trains and met by
this tireless toiler armed with faith.
| There will be no conflict between this line
of work and that proposed 10y our council
Each Will be kept IN its own channel,
though partly associated. Miss ountaln
has consented to delegatea portion OF her
present labor TO Others and 10 give her
personal attention TO the moral and spIr-
itual training of the reclaimed. Arrange
ments are being made TO rent house and
secure a matron who with her husband
will superintend household affairs. The
institution will be conducted upon the IN
make it self-supporting.
We need the prayers OF our friends and
the help OF ali to make this work sue
cess. Here is IN opportunity TO do some
thing in cause that Is OF interest TO US as
parents, citizens, Christians. We need a
house, money, clothing, furniture and
everything that makes u home comfort
able.
VIII those womau's organizations not
vet represented in the council join and
help Us in this work?
Win our editors and ministers use their
influence in our favor?
Will ladies a little later, send in orders
for work, plain sewing, etc, etc?
VIII some person of good Judgment
donate suitable and proper reading mat
ter?
\ few personal appeals have been made
and responded TO literally. But as this
greatly augments the work of our already
ovef-burdeued members, we ask that
every reader Of the EAGLE will consider
this direct appeal. Donations OF any
kind delivered by person or letter may be
left with any member OF the committee or
be sent to the home of the president, l.2
Waco avenue. Should anyone doubt the
necessity OF this movement let him or her
happen in at the police court when licenses
in the shape of So-caIled monthly flies are
being collected. Let them see whose
husbands. sons and brothers unblush-
ingIy assume the responsibility of such
payments Worthy families are often
robbed that this worse than blood-money
may be poured into the city treasury. II
there can be a proper use made OF such
money. should it not be TO crush the social
evil?
a home for friendless. fallen women!
Surely every heart is touched to tender
pity. Surely every hand Will be out
stretched to aid IN fitting UP Christian
home and Offering honest labor to those
poor unfortunates whose lives are despoiled
and darkened. Help Us then 10 nurture
this orphan fedgling rescued from the
blackeuing clutch of vice. Hep Us work
today for those allied TO us only by human
ity's bond. for tomorrow others nearer and
dearer to our hearts may need the hand Of
love to turn them from an erring pathway.
Mrs Fancy BLAIR MILLER,
President Woman : Council.
Mrs. Mary Todd. Mrs. Hannah l.. Gil
loghy, vice presidents; Mrs. SallIe Ioler,
secretary: VI. Lee Hoyt, delegate.