The herald., 1895-05-03
Patriotism, Religion, Hospitality
and BenevOlenCe
SEARCHING FOR ALTRUISM
Synopsis of Some Of the Brilliant
Papers Read
Hiss CInra Morse Tells Of the Y. w. 6. A.
Major Belle Reynolds Talks on
Patriotism

ond session of the Woman's Parliament
today proved no less interesting and en-
joyable than yesterday proceedings. The
rather iconoclastc protest contained in
Mrs. Graham's paper read last evening
against the modern movements i'll al
trurianism, was followed this morning
by Round Table series of papers as eX-
pressed by representatives. of the different
organizations, looking toward and work
ing for the uplifting OF humanity and
the betterment of our social conditions.
The first paper of the morning prapara-
tory to those to follow was written by
Mis-. Harriet Richardson and read by
Mrs. Emily Wright of Santa Barbara, The
Sovereignty of the Individual and Why?
The trend of the argument was to show
the responsibility of the individual, his
personal sovereignty over his own ap-
petites, passions and tendencies and that
"A perversion of liberty degenerat IS into
license. Legal enactmentS do not make
law, but we are capable of being law
unto ourselves. When all our people seek
to understand the law OF seif-government'
that they may obey it, we shall find
the most perfect liberty. The paper, while
excellent and suggestive, did not call out
general discussion.
The Young Woman's Christian assoca-
ton, AS a practical step towards Altru-
ism, was represented by its secretary in
Los Angeles, Miss Clara Morse.
Some one has said that Altruism is
the same thing which humanity has
eravcd throughout all ages. Philosophers
have apostrophzied it, martyrs have died
for it. Atruism means the practical in
vestng of the existing order of things.
The worker must toll not for hiself. but
~ kon hat hall II
from his efforts. AltIuism means, in
word, love thy neighbor. The Young
Womans S Christian association is the pro-
duct of a recent phase of history whose ten
dency is toward organized, intelligent
operations in behalf of the race or the iu-
dividual Overwhelming experiences
have wrought to bring about the changed
condition of young women. During the
civil war one million men yielded up
their lives in four short years, leaving a
multitude of women hitherto dependent to
the stern necessity of becoming bread
winners.
The history of the Y. w. C. A. was
gwen. it's origin. progress and what it is
now doing foi young women. Phe infor-
nation contained in her comprehensive
paper was new to many and in the dis
cussion much knowledge of the practical
working of the society in Los Angeles
was obtained. An interesting account OF
the moon rest" was given; its benefits
to the working girls. the opportunity it
affords to all classes OF young women. In
it's broad scope of work the college girl
may give to her less favored sister the
benefit of her larger opportunities and
superior culture.
Mrs. W. $. Fender. treasurer of the
central circle of Kings Daughters of Los
Angeles. represented that organizaiton
She recited its origin. history, aims and
practical working. Each one enters
with only the thought of the true and
beautiful, and desire to overcome and
to help others in whatever way seems
best An outline of the circles and tents
was given, how it is possible to help in
many small ways as well as in greater.
Little children enter with spirit and en-
thusiasin, assisting in the light talks of
the circles and practicing self-denial of
childish indulgences in order to contrib
ute to its funds.
The day nursery which the Kings
Daughters of Los Angeles has established
recently for the benefit of working wo-
men, aroused much interest and in the
discussion of the details of its manage
ment and resources were inquired into
by many of the audience. Its practical
helpfulness to the toliEg woman with
little children dependent upon her. ap-
pea led to the hearts of all other women
present.
Dir. Louise NJ. Harvey presented a COM
1OSlle paper Oh lue NoIeSe DeltleHlenG
III which she said that the great need to-
day in all altruistic work is more per-
sonal knowledge and less sentiment.
This knowledge can only be obtained by
personal contact with the people whom
we wish to help. Nicely elaborated the
cries for the betterment of mankind do
very well for the home circ.e or the de-
latlng club but utterly fail us when we
try to apply them to the actual exper-
ience of real life. If we are to benefit the
less favored classes the barriers of caste
must be broken down, the Il am holier
than thou" spirit must be put out and
our humanity must touch their human
ity.
We cannot expect to help the masses by
standing afar off and pointing with gloved
fingers to the sins and mseries of our fell
lows, but with bare hands, brave hearts
and thinking brain, we must step down
into their midst and by our strong per-
sonaity raise them to our level. In every
city there are communities where people
are living under unfavorable conditions.
They are the hotbeds of crime, especially
adapted for the growth of criminals.
From the material point of view these
conditions are most distressing. from the
ethical they are pitiable. and he who
visits these neigh borhoods and returns
home satisfied with our present civiliza-
ton must wilfully close eyes, ears and
heart to the wretchedness around him,
lest he see with his eyes, hear with his
ears and understand with his heart, and
be converted to college settlement work.
The doctor gave brief account of the
establishment of college settlements in
1869 in London and its gradual extension
to our own country, and then to our city,
where settlement was opened in Sonora
town. something over year ago. No one
could listen unmoved to this recital of the
brave self-sacrifice of cultured men and
women who forsake the advantages of cul-
tured society and comforts or refined
homes to live and work among the ig-
norant and lowly. not in charity, but to
teach them self-helpfulness, the beauty
of living, the comforts of cleanliness
and stir in them an ambition for better
things than they have known. The aims
and methods of the Los Angeles work
were brought out In the discussion of the
recent establishment of the Caroline Sew
-rance free kindergarten and the hope of
establishing industrial schools for the
boys. Mrs. Stephens told pathetic story
Of Il little fellow in the settlement who
was determined to go to Whittier so he
could learn trade.
Some one asked DR.. Harvey what she
considered the highest tyne of altrliriah-
ism. to which she aptly replied. the Civ
ing of ones self for others, not to die for
others but to live for them.
The president. who always finds the
kindliest word to say of each, introduced
Miss Gabreila Stickney of Los Angeles
corps No. l to represent the Salvation
Army: that pioneer of the truest altrllrian