The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1895-11-06
National w. {. t. u. Convention at
Baltimore, Md.

The White Ribbon army of women,
five hundred strong, from the north.
south, east and the far west, met for their
22d Annual Convention in the beautiful
city of Baltimore, on Friday morning,
Oct. 18th, 1895. Music Hall, in which
the sessions of the Conventions were
held is one of the most beautiful halls in
the city, but its natural beauty had been
greatly enhanced by the decorative art of
the members of committee on arrange
ments. The stage upon which were the
seats of the National officers had a back
ground of tall and handsome potted
plants. At either side were potted palms.
The front of the stage was draped with
ferns over which in graceful loops, was
hung the American flag; below this in
floral letters were the initials w. G. T. u.
1895. Round the front of the gallery
railing at the front of the stage, and in
fact, everywhere the eve turned, appear
ed State, and National banners of all
colors and designs which lent an added
charm to the green decorations. AS the
song "My country 'tis of thee" was ren~
dered and as voice after voice caught the
strain, till hundreds Joined in unison, the
arches of Baltimore's new NJ sic Hall
rang as never before with the National
anthem. Precisely at $3.50 a. m. the Ma
tional officers took their seats on the
platform, aud Miss Frances e. willard,
National President, called the conven-
ton to order. The CRUSADE Psalm was
read responsively by Mother Thomp-
son, as she is familiarly called, and Miss
Willard. The opening prayer was made
by Mre. II. l.. Monroe, President of
Ohio W. G. y. u, followed by the call
ing of the roll by recording secretary
Mrs. Clara C. Hoffman of Missouri. The
''Silver Lake Quartette." who are fa-
nous evangelistic vocalists, came for
ward aud sang several selections, and
were heartily applauded.
Miss willard now gave her annual adj
dress, which she read III clear strong
voice, and was an able presentation of
the work and aims of the organization.
1t is unnecessary to say that at different
points in her address she was loudly ap-
plauded and the whole was listened to
with becoming attention. At its close
Miss Willard asked the convention to
allow her TO present her niece, Mrs.
Katherine Willard Baldwin, who step
ped forward bearing a beautiful white
silk flag, containing so golden stars, one
for each of the fifty states and territories
in which the w. c. II. u. is organized.
This beautiful flag was presented to the
convention as the gift of Mrs. W. j.
/ Demorest of n. Y, and as Miss Willard
held and wived this beautiful flag, Mrs,
Baldwin sweetly sang "rhe White Rib
bon Star Spangled Banner" that seemed
so particular appreciated. l shall just
/ give one verse;
Fling it out to the breeze let it tell TO
the world
| That the faith which has raised it will
never surrender
Let it tell that the love that our banner
infurled
Is the guard of the home and the Ma
TONS defender,
Let it CLEAN as a star for the shipwrecked ed
aiar,
Like a beacon that warns of the treach-
erous bar;
Let that banner Of freedom and purity
wave.
As signal of hope midst the perils we
/ brave.
A greeting was then read from Lady
Henry Somerset of England, who could
not be present and these we're the words,
1.-The Lord did not set his love upon you
nor choose you because ye were more
in number than any people, but because
the Lord loved you"
! Concluded merit Week,)