Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-05-17

w. I'M and inspiring in the aggre-
N ~ cation and organization of
HsGH5A III individuals into body for
&3kFXSG joint action in a common
KNSsSrA-, ause. In the history Of
M,,,SM Ill growth and progress in
E&fVT8 the physical world the
T"FI'V principle of union, har-
mony of action, of alliance has been that
adopted by the victors since time began
While men have worked out great problems Of
government, statecraft, commerce and the in
dustries in convention, it is Of comparatively
recent date that women have availed them
selves of the joyous intrepidity Of spirit there
may be in cooperation among themselves for
many objects. The capital city is rich in a
proiusion of societies among women for the
study of abstruse and scientific subjects, the
advancement of womankind and for ali mis-
sionary and charitable purposes.
HOW THE SOCIETY ORIGINATED
The remnant Of . casual class OF learners
who had sat at the feet of Mrs Z. A. Conner Of
New York for a time, on her departure re-
solved themselves into the Pro Re Nato So
clety. 1t was in the autumn of 1883 that Mrs.
Conner had founded a class here OF women for
the study OF parliamentary law and the rules
and practice of extemporaneous speaking. Mrs.
Conner promulgates the theory that woman is
Tue eIOqueut sex Dy natural endowment ana
that all she needs for proficiency in the art of
public speaking is that confidence gained by
the experience of talking upon her feet to q
| subject without dalliance or hesitation.
Mrs. Conner was called away to New York
| city before the course was completed After
ward some OF the members held together in
| the study OF their text books until the present
club was formed. The constitution was ac-
cepted and signed by eleven members and the
name Pro Re Nato (for purpose) was given
the society by Mrs. Belle Bacon Bond, on the
18th day of March, 1885, The ladies meet fort
nightly on Wednesdays, from the hour Of 10
until IL, at each others houses, and they do
bring all discussion to a close promptly at the
appointed moment, no matter how engross-
lngly interesting the topic may be. The
clu6 grew in strength, and beauty
and grace is added unto graciousness
with each additional meeting. The members
discuss the broadest questions of the day and
are making surprising progress and advance
ment In speaking to the point with perspicuity
and unity and deporting themselves in every
particular after the most approved parliament
airy method. If there ever arises any question
as to what that is no less an authority than
Roberts rules of order" is consulted. Meet
ings are opened with due observance of cere-
mony; the chair is always addressed as Mad
anne Presldent! by an intending speaker, who
waits until recognized by name before taking
the floor, and the meetings are always ad-
journed by motion. The ladies are au fait in
the opening OF meetings and conducting the
same.
THEY KNOW IT ALL.
When the members of this society attend
session OF Congress, and. sitting in the gallery,
look down upon the deliberations of the great
law makers of the land and listen to the myriad
OF motlons, querulous Questionings of privilege
and the endless begging of questions, the
diplomatic ''wordy triangular duel" on the
| floor of the House, that SO few women and
| many men are unable to make out head or tail
| of, is all fully comprehended by the ladies OF
the Pro Re Nato Society. They know exactly
what 1t Is all about and appreciate the fine
points made by the parliamentary expert as
keenly as does the average American citizen
| the score Of his favorite game. In the STYLE of
delivery that obtains, the easy, familiar and
| conversational manner is being superseded by
a finished calmness of address that seems better
to harmonlze with the dignity of the subject Is
discussed. No topic of live interest is barred
| by the constitution. A brilliant member
OF the society said last week: Il ex-
| pect to hear my dearest views at
tackled with ruthless fervor, and l expect to
| invade without due obeisance the revered
temples OF the creeds of Others NY fondest
belief may be regarded as the rankest heresy
by by my neighbor The battle may wage and
Quoted according to Robertsl''
QUESTIONS DISCUSSED.
Among the topics under discussion has been
''What should be the position Of woman on the
temperance question:" broad field OF DO
| lemics that the society occupied fully. The
| action of the Women's Christian Temperance
Union IN Its different branches was sustained
and criticised, the claims Of high license were
set forth and prohibition was favorite theory,
Where shall free education stop" 1.-The need
or industrial education in our free schools :"
'The need of physical culture for American
women" and The servant girl question" have
all brought out interesting testimony from the
membership Of the Pro Re Nato. High grounds
are taken throughout the discussions as is shown
by the records. The leader appointed for each
| meeting calls upon the speakers, and ewes
sparkle with the rising thought as each one
| awaits her turn to speak. The very idea of
gossip is precluded by the forms observed, for
no woman could arise in her place after formal
recognition and trivially announce before the
august society that Mrs. J. Jones was wearing
the identical bonnet this spring that she had
last fail!' The very idea Of fippancy in con-
nection with this organization is totally neon
gruous. The subject for the next weeks con-
sderation has been posted: 'Does the work Of
the outside world unfit women for home
duties?" While it is safe to affirm that there is
great diversity OF opinion among the ladies
it is pretty certain that that question will be
carried over the heads Of the conservatives to
an almost unanimous negative. Another point
OF common interest to which they are ali rap
idly converging in sweet accord is the adoption
OF the Jenness- Miller system Of dress reform
THE MEMBERS.
As to the personnel Of the Pro Re Nato; At
the annual meeting Of the society, held April 9
1890. the following officers were elected for the
year: Mrs. Lucie E. Blount, president Miss
Clara Barton and Mrs. Harriet Taylor Upton.
vice presidents; Mrs. Mary Orr Earle. CORE,
spending secretary; Mrs. Ella NJ S. Marble. re.
cording secretary; Mrs. Jennie Mcknight
Moses, treasurer. Besides these officers there
are appointed three councillors: Mrs Elliot
Coues, DR.. Caroline b. Winslow and Miss
Esther de Puy. The other members are Miss
Kittie Wetmore Gault, Mrs. Efie McQuat Hol-
combe Miss Josephine Smith, Mrs Miranda
Tuloch Mrs. DR.. Stowcll, Mrs Mary S. Lock-
wood, Mrs. d. w. Prentiss, Mrs. Mary T. Bent
ley, Mrs. Jane H. Spofford, Mrs. A. Ii. Thomas.
Mrs. Josephine T. Mcdonald and Mrs. r. q
Fisher. II faithful pictures Of all the members
of this society accompanied this sketch the in
terest in 1t would be greatly enhanced, for
lovely women in pursuit Of knowledge il surely
an engrossing spectacle.
Public Opinion Of Civil Service Reform.
From the recent speech Of q. w. Curtis
II any man doubted the hold Of reform upon
public opinion the doubt was removed bv In.
late debate IN the House of Representatives
upon the appropriation for the civil service
commission. Tho prickin9 Of the bubble of RI.
form, the overthrow Of luz politics and senti.
mental quackery were duly uounced as about
to occur. The field was chosen. the charge
was sounded, but more ludicrous skirmishise
was never seen. II have led nv ragamuf;ns
WHARF fbav warA papparod xros,,It.