The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-03-17
the NAIIONAL COUNCIL.
a woman's Impressions of the Gathe


ing.
TO one entering i'm the midst Ot
busy and brilliant session from a conser-
vative and leisuTey community, the first
impression of the wOman's council Is
vivid establishment. As one eloquent
speaker after another packs her bright,
thoughtful, earnest contribution Of
thought and opinion into her allotted ten
minutes Of easy rapid utteTance, aston
ishment changes quickly into enjoyment
and interest. The most prejudiced listen
or IS convinced that not the early Chris
tiaus, the first protestants, nor the
Pilgrim Fathers were more certain Of the
righteousness and necessity, even divinity,
of their cause, nor more ready TO lay
their earthly all upon its altar than are
these women Of the National Council.
The fine management of the president,
the self-control, cdlEness, courtesy and
perfect kindness noticeable among the
members, the intelligence, experience and
great ability, the conspicuous absence
of all desire for display, TO shine merely
or to eclipse each other, unite to give
dignity TO the assembly and inspire the
respect and admiration of the audience.
The tide of persuasive eloquence was
constantly met by the audience with
hearty cheers and other emphatic demon
STATIONS of sympathy. This sympathet-
IT, enthusiasm was so contagious so
permeated the crowd, that 1t was repeat
edly expressed ty those even who were
unable 10 approve their opinions and
methods.
Perhaps the most profound, able and
eloquent. and altogethe' the greatest OF
the many captivating speakers, is Rev.
Ida C.. Hultiu. TO whom the president
gracefully alludes as "OuI prima donna.
She made "a mastery address ON, is
physical force the basis OF government
Regarding government as an evolution
from the destructiVencss Of brute force
TO the recognition OF a controlling spirit
uaI energy. Hardly second as a faVorite
with ,he audience is Mrs. Chapman
Gait, a graceful, beautiful woman, with
IL musical voice and exquisite enuncla-
ton. whose oratory is well nigh per-
feet Like many others of the council
she calls herself an eVolutiomst ana
her point Of view IS everywhere ueter-
mined by that idea.
Woman suffrage is not very prominent,
though the majority of the council regard
IL az 81 necessary means to an end-a
mower which they need If they are 10
prosecute their various labors, carry out
tbeir many aims with full liberty ana
IN tho hest advantage. Miss Anthony
ralfes an active part, in spite OF her
eavantv-ave wears Her hair is very
white. hut she is still erect ana IL hluCH
less unloveIy than she is commonly con
ceiyed. The council seem TO give heI
certain reverence and gratitude as 10
pioneer who has fought hard opened
way and made it easier FOR theulInot
only OF her own particular association;
which is comparatively small but LOT al
women who honestly believe they haNe
g. life work to do which calls thein out
from their homes and before the ploilc;;
the various associations embrace al
most every human interest. The coun1
ell has representatives from all sorts am anu
conditons Of women--Jew ana nonuIe,
CatboIic and Protestant white anu
1lack COR mulatto, TO SPEAK i,o
accurately). have equal pIlHdi es -,
and are listened 10 without cia ASA ~
80 nretudice. 1t takes no pfoIou,!,u
and, generating observation to perceioe
me largeness, strength and go9uhe e'hoi %
the spirit moving the council. the W"V the
some son cbeerfulness, even optimism ,o ,ue
6 1o,i,' reiigiousness and the mighty io owe
G Cor tbe,r' fellowmen. which permeaies tne
III, and holds it safely above an 'ii''
is petty triN'"i u ALICB BOYD.