The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1892-05-12
BRAINY WOMEN in COUNCIL
First Convention Of the Federation of Clubs
What the Speakers Said.

CHICAGO. May misrepresentation won.
en- of intellectual type from nearly every
part OF the United States filled Central
Music Hall to-day. The Federation of
Women's Clubs was holding it's first con-
vention. and the floral decorations which
identified the stage and the white ribbons
separating the delegates from the visitors
all bespoke woman's taste. A magnifcens
bouquet OF white roses marked the table Of
the president, Mrs Charlotte Emerson
Brown. of New Jersey. A glance ct the
animated scene was enough TO dispel any
antiquated idea that braIny women and
dainty raiment are things apart. Nassa-
chusetts was so interested in the conven-
tion that it sent q special train composed
of Pullmsns. loaded down with delegates.
The women were especially proud of this
achievement and the Bay State women
were lionized accordingly. Far off Wash
ington had o delegation and the South
ern states were especially well represented.
The assemblage was unique in the alb
sence of the masculine element. When 10
was called to order 10y the president there
was but one man seated on the floor and
that was DIR. Brown. the husband of the
president. DR.. Brown is a dIgnIfied-loOk-
ing gentleman with snow-white hair and
II
the convention work as his talented wife.
Prayer offered by Mrs. Mary Brown
blackwell. of New Jersey. Then DR.. Sarah
Hackett Stevenson, president of the Chi.
cagO Womans Club, was introduced and
made witty address of welcome. DR..
Stevenson touched on the growth of won.
ems clubs. the benefit they had been to the
sex, the difficulties under which they had
attained. She added: I'VE have with us
delegate at large, representing all clubs
for women every where She has, perhaps,
done more clubbing and been dubbed more
than any other woman In the world. Susan
b. Anthony, whose head has grown
stronger as the knocAs have grown
harder" The mention Of Miss An.
thongs name called for an outbreak Of
applause. which would not be still until
Miss Anthony had risen from her seat
on the stage and bowed and smiled her
thanks. DR.. Stevenson then called stten-
tion TO the fact that there was no provision
made for the representation of the working
women in the clpb's meeting. deplored the
fact. and reminded the members present OF
the opportunity they had in their grasp to
rectify this. Applanse.
President Brown made brief address of
thanks on behalf OF the federation. and
ing secretary. Mrs. j. c. Croly Jennie
june were read by that woman, and Mrs
Charlotte NJ. Smith, the treasurer, made
her report, showing the federation had no
ueOtS. MIS- S06TlOLtc Emerson brown, the
president. followed with her biennial adj
dress. In two years, she said, the clubs in
the federation have increased from fifty
to 1S5, with a total membership of about
twenty thousand bright. cultured, and
many of them distinguished women.
After a recess the various State delegations
made their reports through their respect
i've chairmen. Tonight a reception TO the
delegates. rendered by the Women's Club
of Chicago, WAS given at the club rooms Of
the Art Institute Building.