The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-07-27
W. c. 7. U. Pilgrims to Lon
don Returned.
They Have Had a Good lime on
the Big Tour.
And Arc Chcck Full OF No End of
Pleasant "reminiscences.
To THE EDITOR OF THE NEWS:

pHBflms that We're ODlEed on the l3tr
| TO take their farewell look of London, and
| turn their faces resolutely towards South
| ampton, where the fast and commodious
steamer New York waited to bear them
| westward TO native land and loved ones.
We had come 10 London as strangers,
but found a welcome such as few receive.
The timidity and distrust that filled our
hearts on arrival had been exchanged foI
assurance and thanksgiving. Assurance
OF the good will Of our British sisters and
Thanksgiving that we belonged to them,
and such as them, that make up the white
ribbon army, and that we'd had such Q
lovely time all around.
No wonder tears would come spite OF
us, as we bade farewell TO Miss Helen
Hood, Lady Somerset's private secretary;
Mrs. Ward Poole and Others who had
come thus early TO the depot TO see us
on, and said so many kind things in
parting, with best wishes for bon voyage.
Then our thoughts reverted TO our
patron saint, Lady Somerset, who had
opened so many doors through which we
found, not alone great pleasure, but that
which should help us in future days, as
we took up home work again in our
chosen departments.
As the train bore us southwark, we
were strangely silent. Ii seemed as If
each was living over pleasures of the
past-the conventions, with their hours
full OF that which was bright, helpful
and suggestive-the grand women that
had made them so-and right here, let
me say-Rhode Islands delegation was
proud OF the love and appreciation our
English friends have for our dear Mrs.
j. X. Barney, who has spent SO many
months within their borders, speaking
on gospel temperance and who will return
to them again this coming autumn.
Whenever her name was mentioned In
their convention, II brought burst OF
applause, and il was intensified when
Lady Somerset announced MRS. Barney
had promised to soon return to us for
further service.
Then how could we help living over
again the charming day at Reigate
Priory-Lady Somerset's home, anot her
at Windsor Castle, the hours on the
Thames, the special sermon to us at
Westminster Abbey by Canon Liddon
with reserved seats, the visit to the Tower,
st Paul's Cathedral, parliament buildings,
British Museum, and the missions for all
classes and conditions os people, 1t was
not strange that there were not only
regrets but inward rebellion that we must
leave II all and go back and take up the
stern duties in our several home fields
again. but thankful indeed for our en-
larged vision our new acquaintance with
English hearts and scenes.
II, but 1t was about II 80 when the long
train reached the dock and another hour
before passengers and luggage were trans
ferred, the moorings cast off and we at
sea again.
The first excitement was the opening
of goodbye letters, kilograms and gifts
sent by our new and kindly English
friends, with their wishes for safe and
prosperous home trip. Then came the
usual rush for steamer chairs, and their
location in sheltered quarter, the ar
OF "personal effects" In state
rooms, while our heads could plan and
our stomachs were in q state Of tran
guilty.
Soon the gong sounded the call for
dinner, and We were eager to see our
for the coming week. The
beautiful, airy dining saloon was filled
with gay company, and justice was
soon done the excellent dinner provided.
We took careful survey OF our comrades,
feeling positive it was the first and last
appearance of many of them for several
days.
The larger part OF the company were
strangers. We missed many faces that
Berlin. The most of the Canadian dele
cation had stayed behind to edo" Rome
and some Scotland.
Many had found England so winsome
through Lady Somerset, they had re-
mained to lift up their voices in favor OF
the Local Veto Bill; Others tarried to
establish missions, mercy bands, and still
others for simple, unadulterated good
time.
We missed them, and the dear English
girl from st. Bartholomew's Mission,
New York, who had been with us i'm ali
our travels, but had gone on to mother
md the old home in Yorkshire, to secure
needed rest and regain health.
Though we found our ranks so de-
pleted, yet we numbered nearly so of the
original pilgrims, and as we took our
places on deck. and chatted familiarity of
,ur past, the wind came up, the sea be-
,ame unusually restless and disturbed, as
lid also many of our companions, and
me by one they left us, saying they
were tired" and would retire early,
'too much sightseeing, etc. We under
stood the never-failing symptoms, but
leld our peace. Seasickness has touch
,f divinity about 1t, being "no respecter
" persons" and she who makes light OF
Ter neighbor's sufferings today, may be
'ictim tomorrow OF the same common
oe.
AS we came to meals the first two days
md saw how thin our ranks, we felt
positive many were literally obeying
scripture as never before in "casting
heir bread upon the waters" "
A few days brought cessation of hos
ilities, and the deck chairs began 10
AXE on life again, and their occupants
ome into accord with their environ
nents.
Then a meeting was called OF the pill
rims in the smaller dining saloon, where
resolution was presented and passed of
ppreciation OF Lady Somerset's thought
illness and provision for the American
delegates during their stay i'm England,
With hearty gratitude for the same.
Then the presiding officer requested
ach TO state In a few words what she
pecially enjoyed i'm the convention, and
Vhat had brought her the greatest |
,elp in her particular line of service.
he time was too short for each TO
peak, as everyone seemed to have SO |
much that brought pleasure and profit. |
n the mids; OF IL, we were informed the |
toward wanted the saloon TO make ready |
he next meal, so our meeting was |
rought to an abrupt close.
No collection taken.
One evening I'm a certain company Of |
= the question was asked: "Who In the |
lost distinguished looking woman In
ur party?"
Mrs. Caroline II. Grow (sister OF ticket |
gent Edgar q. Windsor, Providence) |
OF the W. II. Il. A., Chicago.