Mississippi leader. (Jackson, Miss.) 1892-1895, 1894-05-29
w. CT. U. CONVENTION.
A Readable Account of the Meeting by
Miss Madge Montgomery.

Miss Madge Montgomery.
The following interesting report of
the Canton Convention by Miss
Madge Montgomery, assistant record
ing secretary, was written for last
weeks paper, but had to be delayed
for lack of space.-ED. LEADER.
Seeing from THE LEADER that l am
expected to send some account of the
w. c. T. U. Convention, stop in the
midst of manifold duties to furnish at
least meager statement of the pro-
ceedings of that body. Having taken
nothing in the way of notes save what
was turned over to the Recording Sec
rotary, any errors or omissions must
be laid to the charge of a defective
memory.
A number of charming homes in the
beautiful town of Canton opened wide
their doors to delegates on Friday. II
was our own good fortune to be domi
ciled with cultured family in an old
ante-bellum house. Spacious halls
ample rooms and extended galleries
gave one a sense of freedom and rest
that was truly delightful, whilst the
old time hospitality was offered.
+ In the evening crowd assembled at
the Court House, which had been made
attractive with flowers; and the in
scription, "Welcome, Mississippi w. G.
T. IT," in large letters on a ground OF
white, to hear the addresses of wei
come On behalf of the Union of Can.
ton. Miss Virginia Bransford cordially
welcomed the delegates and Rev. L. S
Jones, on behalf of the Christian peo
pie, heartily welcomed us and paid &
glowing tribute to the State and Ma
tional w. c. Il. U. Mrs. Somerville, Of
Greenville, on behalf of the State I'm
ions, and Miss Cox, of Columbus, fol
the US, delivered brief but appropri
ate responses.
l neglected to state that Mrs Harper
of Fayette, opened the exercises in a
most impressive Bible lesson, followed
by prayer. The local talent of Canton
kindly furnished music which inter
spersed the exercises. Saturday at 9:3C
a. m. the 18th Convention of Mississip.
pi was called to order by the Presi
dent, Mrs. L. S. Mount. Credential
courtesies and finance committees were
appointed. Rev. l.. S. Jones, of Can
ton, was introduced as warm FRIEND
and most helpful brother; he respond
ed in cordial manner. Our apprecia
ted and well beloved brother, Mr.. Hen
ry Ware, was presented and enthusiast
tically received, his presence being
deemed benediction.
Mrs. Nelson, of Clinton, so we'll and
favorably known as an ardent worker
for missions in her own church. and,
also, as white ribboner, was present
ed and made a member of Convention.
Miss Clara Baer, Prof. of Elocution
and Physical Culture in the Sophie
Newcombe College of New Orleans, was
also presented and made a member OF
Convention. Miss Baer delighted the
audiences several times during the
meetings with her inimitable recita-
tions and helpful suggestions as to
physical culture. The President read
her annual address, which was very
able paper and which we hope every
w. c. T. U. woman may read for her
self in the columns of The LEADER
Treasurer's and Corresponding Secre-
tary's reports were also read. Mrs.
Smell at the noontide hour of prayer
held sweet, conservation service
which was much enjoyed.
The afternoon was devoted to hear
ing, in two minute speeches, the presi-
dents of unions and was most pleas
antly and profitably spent.
Mrs. Hoffman, President of Missouri
w. c. T. u, spoke to packed house in
the evening, fully indicating the right
of the Union to continue in we'll -doing,
as she answered the oft repeated ques-
ton, .What is the w. G. T. u. doing
anyhor?" Those who have had the
privilege of hearing this gifted speaker
do not need to be told how clearly she
stated facts proving our right to exist,
and how logical and eloquent she was
in pleading for greater freedom for the
sex. She spoke again on Sunday eve
ming to a large audience upon "Wo-
mans Right to Spread the Gospel"
basing her remarks ON the 3lst chapter
of Proverbs, beginning with the 10th
verse, .Who can find virtuous woman,
for her price is far above rubies?"
Rev. Mr.. Mcintosh being unable to
keep his engagement to preach our
annual sermon, requested Mrs. Smell
to take his place. This she did with
great acceptance to the delegates and
an immense audience. Her discourse
was based on q portion Of the 23rd
Psalm and made deep impression on