The critic. (Washington, D.C.) 1890-1891, 1891-01-19
THE SPINNER MEMORIAL.
A Meeting Held at the wimodaushs
by Grateful Clerks.


by Grateful Clerks.
The Spinner Memorial Association,
composed of ladies employed in the Gov
ernment Departments and outside of
them, and instituted for the purpose of
erecting fitting monument to the mcm-
ory of the late General Francis II. Spin
nor, ex-Treasurer OF the United States,
met ut the Wimodaughsis parlors, 1i08 q
street on the 18th instant, to pay tribute
to his memory.
After the reading of the minutes of o
previous meeting expressions of deepest
sorrow, mingled with warm and feeling
sentiments of gratitude, and brief eulogs-
tic remarks were made, and many letters
and papers of high literary order from
numerous persons, expressing sympathy
with the movement, were read.
A member of the society read from a
paper that In 1870 and 1871, General Spin
ner offered resolution in Congress for
the promotion Of women clerks in Gov
ernment employment and for higher sala-
ries for them.
The resolution passed the House and
later IL passed the Senate and became q
law. There were several ladies present
who were among the first to be promoted,
who, in eloquent and touching language
acknowledged the benefit
p A number of direct quotations from
General Spinner, setting forth his convc-
tions in behalf of women in the most un-
mistakable language, were read.
The meeting elected as officers of the
association: Miss Lizzie Stoner, Treasury
Department, PRESIDENT vice-prcsidents,
Mrs. Effie Heron, Interior Department.;
Mrs. Cougle Navy Department; Mrs.
Kent, Agricultural Department; Mrs.
Stevens, War Department.; Miss Hayes,
Postoflice Department.; Mrs. Ralston,, De-
partment Of Justice; Miss Richardson,
Bureau of Engraving and Printing; Miss
Mary Markoe, State Department.; Mrs.
Rosenberg and Miss Lewis
The nature as to the form the memorial
should take now occupied the attention of
the committee of the whole, and the few
ideas and suggestions that were exchanged
showed marked differences of opinion. A
few members favored q hospital FOR women
to be governed by women physicians;
Others showed leaning toward home
for women clerks in Government service.
But the outcome was that the majority
were in favor of bronze or marble statue
to be placed in the south court Of the
Treasury Department, as near as possible
to the window where General Spinner had
his desk and where he sat and worked.
Almost at the opening of the subject n
member of the society informed the meet
ing that IL was not a legally organized
body, and that unless it should be incor-
ported none of its proceedings would be
legitimate. 1t could not be held respon-
sible for its transactions, nor could it hold
any one responsible. 1t must put itself in
u position to sue and be sued.
This action gave the course of the meet
ing an unexpected turn, and its legality
was discussed pro and con, with the final
decision that the association should be-
come incorporated before taking decided
steps. Consequently committee of five
ladies was appointed to draft q constitu-
ton and bylaws, Mrs. John A. Logan,
who was present, being unanimously
chosen rs chairman of the committed
The document is to be finished in ten
days and submitted to the association for
acceptance or rejection.
Miss Mary Desha, secretary of the
Wimodaughsis, kindly offered the Asso
citation the use of the Wimodaughsis
parlors for subsequent meetings, which
was accepted, and after vote Of thanks
each lady paid 81 to the treasurer as q
membership fee, and the meeting ad
iOurned,