Grand Rapids herald. [volume] (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 1892-1959, 1893-05-02

FAIR WOMEN.


The Alagninccnt Building Wa Deai.
cascd Yesterday Afternoon.
Women from every state snd territory
in the union gathered Ia and around the
womsn's building this afternoon to par.
ticipatc in the cxcrcises by which the
structure that Owls ita existence to the
patriotism Of the women III the United
States was dedicated to the uses Of their
sisters OF this and every other land when
they visit the fair. Women and only
women figured upon the program. The
opening prayer was offered by Miss Ida
Hulti Mrs. Potter Palmer. ~ president
Of the board Of women managers, de-
livered an eloquent address in review of
its labon. She said, when tho applause
had ceased:
Mrx Palmcr's speech.
THE moment Of fruition has arrived.
Hopes which for moro than two years
have gradually been gaining strength
and dciinitencss have now become reali-
tiee- Today the exposition opens its
gates. On this occasion of the formal
opening VI the woman's building. the
hoard Of lady managers 10 singularly
fortunate in having the honor TO vel
come distinguished official representa-
tivcs of many Of the able foreign CON-
mitteer. and Of the state boards, which
have 30 effectively CD operated with IL in
accomplishing the results now 10 be dis
closed tn the world.
I'VE have Travelled together q hitherto
untroiden path; have been subjected 10
tedious delays and overshadowcd by
dark clouds, which threatened disaster
20 our enterprise. Experience has
brought many surprises, not least of
which 10 an impressive realization ~
the unity of human interests. notwith-
standing differences Of race. government.
language. temperament and external
conditions. The people II all civilized
lands arc studying the eame problem&
Each success api each failure in testing
and developing new theories is valuable
10 the whole world. Social and indus
trial questions are paramount. and are
receiving the thoughtful consideration
of statesmen. students. political econo-
mists. humanitarians. employers and
employed.
Injustice to Women.
-Of all existing forms Of injueticc.
there In none - cruel and inconsistent
as 10 the position in which women are
placed in regard to self maintenance:
the calm ignoring of their rights and re-
sponsihilities which has gone on for
centuries. II the economic conditions
are hard for men to meet, IL is evident
that women. thrown upon their own re-
sources. have frightful struggle to en-
dure. The theory which exists among
conservative people II the spherc of
women is her home. that IL In unfemi-
nine for her 10 wish a. take a place he
sidc or To compete with men In the
various lucrative industries. tells heavily
against her. for manufacturers and pro
dncers take advantage II II tn dispsrage
her work and obtain her services FOR q
nominal price. thus prutiting largely by
the necessities and helpiessnese os their
victim.
Men "a the finest and moet chivalsic
type have asked many times whether
the hoard ~ lady managers thinks u
veil 90 promote sentiment which may
tend 81 destroy the home by encourae
ing occupations for women which take
men out - it, We feel therefore
obliged ~ state N our opinion every
xansan aho is presiding over q happy
hone ,s fulfilling her high ct ard trBess
function and cs,uld not he lured from !,
by temptations offered by fsciorss~ os
ssudio<
Nos sr pd~si sssse
sNoud that fheee ideslssts might ~
MT the fcffanste fre ~ the favored
cls~ with whom they pr~ahly are IN
dsilg onntsct. hut the gepersl s.sfus II
TIE isispt market thr~aehogi the wnrid
snd she reiatson 4 IL D. vwmsn. They
night ~ asronnsaed 70 learn that the