The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-05-02

MISS luS l1tiItn OueFtu prayer. MISS fJOf-
ence Wilkinson. daughter of Professor
Wilkinson. of the University of Chicago.
recited an original ode, which included the
story of TIE part which Queen Isabella as
sumed IN the discovery OF America.
MRS. PALMER's ADDRESS.
Mrs. Palmer then delivered an address
which was punotuated By frequent bursts
of applause. She said in part:
The moment of fruition has arrived. Hopes
which, for more than twO years. have gradually
been gaining strength and deiniteness have now
become realities To day the exposition opens
its gates. On this occasion or the formal open
ing OF the Woman's Building, the board of lady
managers Is siDgularly fortunate in having the
honor 10 welcome distinguished official repre-
sentatives OF many OF the able foreign commit
tees aud of the state boards which have eff
fectually co-operaied with IL in accomplishing
the results now disclosed TO the world.
Experience mas brought many surprises, not
the least OF which is an impressive realization OF
the unity or human interests, uOtwith-
standing differences of race, govern
ment language. temperament and exter.
lands arc studying the same problems Each sue
cess and each failure in testing aud developing
new theories is valuable TO the whole world.
Social and industrial questions are paramount,
and are receiving the thoughtful consideration
OF statesmen. students, political economists,
humanitarians, employers and employed.
OF all existing forms OF injustice there is none
go cruel aud inconsistent as is the position In
which women are placed with regard 10 self
inalntenance-the calm ignoring OF their rights
and responsibilities which has gone on for GEN.
turies If the economic conditions are hard for
men 10 meet. subjected they are TO the con-
slant wedding out of the less expert and steady
hands, who are thereby plunged into an abyss OF
misery. IL Is evident that women. thrown upon
their own resources, have frightful struggle TO
endure. especially as they have always to con-
tend against public sentiment which discount
tonanees their seeking industrial employments as
means OF livelihood.
The theory which exists among conservative
people that the sphere OF woman Is her home,
that IL Is unfeminine. eN en- monStrous, for her 20
wish to take place beside or to compete with
men in the various lucrative Industries. tells
heavily against her, for manufacturers and pro-
dueers take advantage of il 10 disparage her
work and obtain her services for nominal price.
thus protiting largely by the necessities and
helpessness OF their victim. That so many
Should cling TO respectable occupations while
starving In following them and should refuse to
yield To encouragement and despair, shows q
high quality OF steadfastness and principle.
These are the real heroines or life, whose
handiwOrk We are proud TO install in the expOsi
ton because 1t has been produced i'll factories,
workshops and studios under the most adverse
conditions. aud with the most sublime patience
aud endurance.
The absence OF a just and general appreciation
or the truth concerning the position and status
OF women has caused us TO call special attention
TO II, and 10 make point or attempting 10 create
by means OF the exposition well defined pub
lie sentiment in regard TO their rights and duties,
and the propriety OF their becoming not only
self-suppOrting, bat able To assist III maintain
ing their families when necessary. We hope
that the statistics which the board OF lady man.
ayers has been so earnestly attempting 10 secure
may give = correct idea of the number OF women
DOT only ca those without natural protectors or
those thrown suddenly upon their own resources.
but the number of wives of mechanics laborers,
artists, artisans and workmen or every degree
who are forced TO work shoulder to shoulder
with their husbands In order 10 maintain the
family, without noting the number forced 10
support their husbands in idleness and vice.
Realizing that woman can never hope TO re-
ceive the proper recOmpense for her services
demonstrated, fully understood and acknowl
edged, we have taken advantage OF the oppor-
tunity presented by the exposition TO bring TO
gether snch evidences of her skill in the various
Industries arts and professions may convince
Urged by necessity. she has demonstrated that
her powers are the same as her brothers, and
that like announcement and fostering care may
develop her To an equal point of usefulness.
The board does not wish to be understood as
placing an extravagant or sentimental value
upon the work OF any woman because OF her SEX
1t willingly acknowledges that the industries
arts and commerce OF the world have been for
centuries III the hands OF men, who have care
dcyolving upon them. and who have, conse-
quently, without question, contributed vastly
more than women 10 invention, finance, art and
literature. Notwithstanding their dlsady ant
ages however, few gifted women have made
their value felt. and have rendered exceptional
service TO the cause OF humanity.
When our invitation, asking operation, was
sent to foreign lands, the commissioners already
appointed generally smiled doubtfully and ex-
that they would not feel inclined to help us, and
IN many cases stated that it was not the custom
Of their country for women TO take part in any
public effort; that they only attended to social
duties, drove In the parks. etc. But. as som as
these ladies received our message sent in brief
and formal letter. the Freemasonry among
women proved TO be such that they needed no
explanation; they understood at once the posi-
bilities. Strong committees were Immediately
formed of women having large hearts and
brains. women who cannot sefshly enjoy the
ease OF their own lives without giving q thought
to their helpless and wretched sisters.
Our unbOunded thanks are due TO the exalted
AMI influential persouages who became, in their
respective countries patronesses and leaders OF
the movement inaagurated by us TO represent
what women are doing. They entered with ap-
probation into our work for the exposition be-
cause they saw an opportunity. which they
gracefully and delicately yelled behind the mag
Diicent aces forming the central objects in their
superb collections, TO aid their women by open
ing new markets tor their wares. This was the
earnest purpose of their majesties, the Empress
OF Russia and Queen OF Italy, both so noted for
the progressive spirit they havL displayed in
promoting the welfare of the women under their
kindly rule. They have sent large collections of
the work OF peasant women through OrganiZa-
tons which exist under their patronage for sell
ing their handiwOrk. The collection OF her per-
sOnal laoes sent by Queen Margnorlta will be
one OF the most notable features OF the expOsi-
ton.
The committee of Belgian ladies' was kind
enough 10 take special pains TO comply with our
request for statistics concerning the Industries
anu condition OF women, Notwithstanding the
Europe so popular as with US. Ii has sent COM
plete reports, very attTactively prepared in the
form OF monographs and charts, giving details
which have been secured only by great personal
effort. These figures have never before been OBJ
tanned in that country. and the committee is
surprised at the great amount of novel and val
liable information il has succeeded in present
Ing
Her Majesty, the Queen of England. has kind.
ly sent an exhibit OF the work OF her owl hands,
with the message that while she usually feels no
interest IN expositions. she gives this special
token OF sympathy with the work of the board of
lady managers because of its efforts for women.
That the English committee has included ia it's
exhibit and in its catalogue plea for the higher
education of women is in itself a significant fact
Her Majesty. the Queen OF Spain, has kindly
promised 10 crafty our desire by sending some
relics of the great Isabella. whose name is SO
closely associated with that OF the discoyerer or
our continent
The Orient has not been behind in it's efforts to
Cooperate with US. although has succeeded in
doing so only on limited scale. and. in many
cases. unoficially. We have received the most
pathetic appeals from those countries in which
women are only beginning to learn that there Is
q fuller development and u higher liberty Of ac-
ton permitted their elsewhere. Japan,
under the guidance OF its liberal
and intelligent Empress, has promptly
and cordially promoted our plans.
Her Majesty, the Queen OF siam. has sent a spe-
cial delegate. with directions that she put her
self under our leadership and learn what indus
trial and educational advantages are open TO
women In other countries. so that Siam may
ton OF her women.
We rejoice IN the possession OF this beautiful
building III which we meet to-day. The eloquent
president of the commission last October dedi-
Gated the great exposition buildings 70 human
lty; we now dedicate the Woman's Building TO an
tied AT ny ~