Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-04-20

uent. ana Mrs. Florence george, past PRESIDENT.
The exercises were opened with an address
by Commander Faunce. Then followed pro-
gran, of considerable merit. George Scott sang
several comic songs in his own inimitable way
Miss Gleeson gave a recitation, A V. Holmes
contributed mandolin solo, Miss Donneily a
song. Miss Cavanaugh a recitation, Miss Don a
vocal solo and Mr.. Cullen a banjo selection.
The ladies having charge of the entertain
ment were Miss Sadie +. Underwood, chair
man. and Mrs. Thorne Cardella. Overaker,
Kelly, Graham. Sneeden, Averley and Wright
FOUNDATION OF THE ORDER.
This order was instituted some seven years
ago and is entirely distinct from all other or.
ders of the G.. A. r. in that its membership in
Guides only the families of the honorebly dis
charged soldiers. sailors and marines who fought
10 preserve the nation. Army nurses are eligi-
bic to membership. also all comrades of the G.
A. r.. either as active or honorary members
To be more explicit. eligibility for membership
includes only the wives, mothers, daughters
and sisters of the Union soldiers, and it stands
today the only organization of its kind that
has strictly followed the lne.and kept, ike the
Grand Army of the Republic. within itself
being not auxiliary to. bu. in kinship
aud spirit partan parcel of the Union veterans.
Vt aims 20 honor the memory OF the fallen
heroes. to perpe;uate and keep forever sacred
Memorial day and to watch the public schools
and see 10 ii that the youth OF the land imUibe
proper education III the true principles Of
Patriotism.
1t also aims to establish homes for orphan
children and for ell members OF the soldiers
household who are in distress, inc!udinC the
soldier himself. and seeks his cooperation to
that effect well rs HIS membership il the
order now here established. An illustration of
the good the circles have accomplished in the
state of Pennsylvania is the founding of home
there for the aged helpless mothers of the
soldiers, some of whom were transferred from
the aims house to the new home.
The membership of the order now numbers
throughout the country some 10000. In eight
states there are fully organized circle depart
ments. having nor less than ave circles each,
and IN many states there are circles owing their
allegiance directly to the national organiza-
ton. In the state of Virginia there is one COL
ored circle of large membership and in a -four
iShIng. condition. In all, some one hundred
circles in different states. under the banner OF
fraternity. charity and loyalty, are doing a
good and noble work in aiding the widow and
the orphan.
ORGANIZATION OF Q. s. GRANT CIRCLE.
One year ago Margaret A. Stevens
Of New jersey and Mary C. Smith of New York
were duly authorized by tine national presiie
of the order TO institute circle OF the ladies' OF
the u. A. r. at the national capital To a few
the principles of the order were explained
among them being 3lrs. Florence c. George a
lady OF remarkable p-escience. VINO became i'll
tensely interested, seeing in it the posi-
bilities of great good in Washington where so
many soldiers and their families reside
Through her instruLertalities interest was
awakened, and at her residence a circle was
duly organized and she was unanimously pro-
claimed as Its first president. delegatiH 10 her
the suthOrity of naming the circle here
instituted, which she did by hOnoring
the memory OF one of the greatest
generals of the world aud christening
it U. 5. Grant Circle. which me: with a hearty
Clanimity from every member. The expert
ment OF :. circle here under the fine executive
ability OF its first president proved success.
Mrs. George was gain chosen to I'LL the place
ton. stiil new. with increasing Membership,
peculiarly diverse III ideas of guidance. but one
at heart IN a noble purpose. but being greatly
overtaxed physically as well mentally. she
was Obliged TO decline TO serve and urged the
selection or another 10 lead and direct. Mrs
George resided many years in Kansas before
coming 10 Washington. and is the widow Of
capt. John +. George. a soldier and color
bearer iii company L Of the second Nassa-
chusetts volunteers, VINO wss promotes to grade
OF captain Tor acts OF g-ayery on the held. she
is thoroughly IN love with the order aud gives
he- best energies to the fUrtherance OF its
charitable objects. For her executive ability,
her devotion 10 the order and her many kind
and generous acts she circle may well feel
proud of her its fret president and its repre-
sentative IN the national council.