The record-union., 1894-07-28
FAREWELL TO MISS ALICE BAILEY.
Resignation of the General Secretary
of the Y. w. C. A.
She Goes to a New Field in Michigan
A Farewell Reception and Pres
entation Last Night.


was rendered Miss Alice E. Bailey, Cen
eral Secretary of the Young Women's
Christian Association. A large number
of friends gathered at the association
rooms, 10ll Ninth street, to say good-by
and wish her God-speed. After pleas
ant programme the President, Miss Eliza
beth Blasdel, gave a few remarks of
farewell on behalf of the members OF the
association. She said:
''In February, 1892, the Lady Board of
Managers of this association called to the
field of work, as General Secretary, Miss
Alice 4. Bailey of San Francisco, for
merly of Coldwater, Mich. At that time
we were without General Secretary, and
had been for some months, on account of
the resignation of Miss Andrews. though
Mrs. Greenlaw formerly Miss Hillhouse)
had been acting as Secretary pro tenn.
Our work at this time was in a critical
condition. Although we had long list
OF members, there was lack OF interest
among the girls, and on that account all
classes had TO be suspended; our standing
with the public was anything but good;
business men hardly knew whether to
consider US welcome guest or not. and a
ignored US, and were quite sure we had
no right to exist. Doubtless they had
good reasons for holding us at arms
length or, at least, thought they had, and
the work probably had been misrepre-
sented to them, or for some reason they
gained wrong impressions of the work.
NOW, this was the condition OF the as
sociation when we called Miss Bailey to
the field. Not very pleasant outlook,
you'll all admit. She thoroughly appre
ciated the situation, and knew that the
work she had entered upon would be
difficult, and that it would not be clear
sailing if she expected TO overcome some
OF the many difficulties that confronted
US. The ladies were cogniZant OF these
facts, but were determined to hold to it
and do all in their power to make 1t a
success, and, with the assistance of
competent General Secretary they be-
lieyed they could bring this association
out of the depths into which it had fallen
and place it before the public and the
churches in the light that IL should be
placed. We knew we had right to exist,
and TO exist we were determined.
II might give you detailed account of
what has been accomplished during the
past two years, but that is not necessary.
Suffice 1t that both our General Secretary
and the Lady Board OF Managers look
back over the past TWO years with con-
siderable satisfaction at what has been
done tor and by this association. Glasses
in various branches were organized i'm
mediately, and have been conducted ever
since, except during the summer months;
our standing III the eyes of the public is
favorable; we have the liberal support of
our business men, and now almost every
pastor and church recognize us as help,
not hinderance. They give us their
hearty cooperation, and our work and
their work, which are SO closely allied,
harmonic now, where once was dlscord.
But do not misunderstood me. l do
not say that either the ladies or Miss
Bailey have accomplished all they had in
their hearts for this aSsociatlon-not by
any means. Whereas we have made de-
cided progress in the general work of the
association, yet we have been compelled
to leave untried some plans we coveted
for our association. Still, considering the
difficulties, we are gratitied with the work
accomplished while Miss Bailey has been
our General Secretary.
''But the task placed upon me tonight
is not that OF singing the praises of this
association, nor of Miss Bailey. 1t is the
task OF saying good-by. Miss Bailey re-
signed from her position as General Sec
retary of this association a few weeks ago,
and her resignation will take effect on the
1st of August. She leaves the work here
OhiJ W OhlOA ohObnOl ehooOOlhb4Oh LII SOHl0
Eastern city nearer her old home in
Michigan"
The President then spoke of the feel
ing of friendship existing between the
association and its General Secretary.
They thoroughly appreciate what had
been accomplished by her, and wish her
success in whatever field she enters. Miss
Bailey has won many friends during her
stay in this city, and it is with regret
than fhaV good
Before allowing Miss Bailey to respond
to these remarks of farewell the Presi-
dent presented to her, in behalf of the
members of the association, watch
chain and fob. The gift is purely Cali
fornian, she said, and will remind her of
the ''chain'' OF friends she leaves, as we'll
as of our city and State.
Miss Bailey responded very feelingly
with a short review of the time spent
here, the harmony existing among work
ers, etc., and left the audience in a good
humor with her witty responses to the
President.
The gospel meeting at the rooms on
Sunday, at P. NJ, will be led by Miss
Bailey. Especially is it requested that
the members be present at this the last
meeting Miss Bailey will lead as General
Secretary Of the association.
Miss Minnie Landis was chosen by the
Board of Managers last Wednesday even
ing to succeed Miss Bailey for the months
of August and September.