The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1890-12-19
w. g. q az. Golnn,n.

The 18th Annual Convention of the
National W. G. T. U. was held in the
Trinity M. E. Church, Atlanta, Ca.
Nov. 14-1S, 1890. Palmettos, cut
flowers, blossomiDg plants, and fruits
adorned the platform; aud numerous
national and state w. G. T. u. banners
decorated the walls.
At 9 a. m, Friday the IA, Miss
| Frances 3. Willard, president, called
the convention to order. "Rock Of
Ages was sung, and tie crusade Psalm,
the 10th. vas read; after which Mother
Wallace led IN fervent prayer. To
the roll.call, presidents from thirty
nine states and two territories respond
ed; the largest number on record. Be-
sides these, there were present over
400 delegates. The national Cor. Sec.,
Mrs. Buell., reported an increase of l.
625 members. As 1851 had been
lost by secessions in Iowa and Pennsyl.
vania, the actual gain during the year
was 1856. The enthusiasm over this
report found expression in a joyous
doxology.
Ten years ago, in Boston, there were
% states and territories and the Dis-t
trict of Columbia represented; now there
were representatives present from A
states, and 2 territories, and the District
of Columbia. Receipts for dues in 1890
are I6 times as large, as those in 1880.
During the same decade the official
organ of the Union, has grown from an
eight page monthly with circulation
Of 5000 to sixteen page weekly, The
Union Signal with subscription list
of 10000 the largest of any religious
or philanthropic paper in the country,
except The Sunday School Times.
There is also children's paper The
Young Crusader, and one for the young
women, The Ook and icy Leaf. Miss
Pugh, the treasurer, stated that in 1878,
only little over 81 900 had been re-
ceived from ali sources; and this year the
receipts were over $4,000. New
York reports the most money from
dues, and Pennsylvania comes next
In the afternoon, Miss Willard made
her annual address, which held the
close attention Of the audience, for
nearly two hours; then reports we're
made by superintendent Of the several
departments of work.
In the evening, the children, mar.
shalled by Miss Anna Gordon, marched
in; two little girls in white leading the
way, bearing the temple banner, and
as they took their places on the stage
singing,
who are these singing band,
Marching through the listening land
and Miss Wizards song,
SALOONS must go.''
The crowd was SO great. an overflow
meeting was held in the basement,
Mrs. Benjamin of Michigan, presiding
In the meeting upstairs, Rev. Mr.. Sher-
rill, pastor Of the Congregationaist
Church, offered prayer, after which ad
dresses Of welcome were given by Gov.
enor Northen and others.
Saturday morning, after the hall
hour devotional service, reports Of su-
perintendents were resumed.
Afternoon session opened with prayer
by Dean A. A. Wright Of Mass. The
Worlds W. G. T. U. was reportsd by.
Mrs. Mary A. Woodbridge, and the
Press department,by Miss Allcc Briggs.
Several persons were introduced to the
convention, among whom were Mrs.
Jaae Hicks Stapler, daughter Of the
last hereditary chief of the Cherokee
Indians. She was born near Atlanta
and went with her parents to the Indian
territory, at the great Cherokee exodus
in 1888; now SIZE comes back for the
first time, to her native state, as presi
dent of the w. G. T. U. of that terri
tory. Several other superintendents
reported; and touching memorial
service was conducted by the president.
In the evening the "Y's" had charge,
and the "Y" song book was used. Mrs.
Barnes, superintendent of Young
Woman's Work, gave an interesting
report Of a visit. she and Miss Ames
had paid, as fraternal delegates, to the
British w. T. A. The .Y' banner
was presented to Pennsylvania, fol
largest increase in membership.
Sunday was notable day in Atlanta
on account Of the number Of pulpits
filed by women. All the churches
we're well filled, and some were crowd