Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-02-18

conventions are held at this church, was
this morning filled with mammoth potted
palms The reporters were told that a
special favor they would be allowed to sit
UP in the gallery.
From this point an excellent view could
be had of several hundred dainty bonnets
and rs many pairs of voluminous sleeves.
a noticeable spectacle in the front part Of
the church was that presented by two dele
gates Instead of sving their handsome
gold badges pinned on the front of their
gowns they Wore them suspended from
vide blue and white ribbons hung around
their necks. just earls and dukes AMI
other foreign nobility are supposed to wear
their jewels and orders when on dress
parade.
Mrs Anita Newcomb Mcfiee, as the chair
man of the committee on house, music and
decorations. was pointed oat as the one to
whom the reporters must present their ap-
peal
Cant do anything for you she said.
Iou can sit Up in the gallery. if you want
to-
But there is no place there to write
You'll have to write on your laps then"
Being woman. she thought it was an
easy thing to do. Squeezed between the big
sleeves of the delegates, however, it was not
so very easy, after all.
Mrs. Fosters Address.
The most important business of the morn
Ing was the reading of the annual address
Of the president general. Mrs. John W.
Foster, wife of the ex-Secretary of State.
1t a carefully prepared document, and
Mrs. Foster read it in clear and dignitied
voice, which was distinctly heard ali over
the hall. at least, after order was secured
and the delegates stopped whispering.
In the course of her address Mrs. Foster
sad:
lit affords me great pleasure to be able
to report to the congress that in the work
of the past year there Is abundant evidence
that the Daughters of the American Revolu-
ton have. in the discharge of the duties
imposed upon them by their constitution,
been inspired by the high motives to
which / have referred. You will, ] am
sure, find confrma ton of this statement
in the reports of the state regents and the
general officers.
The reports of the vice president in
charge of organization and the recording
secretary general will give the detailed sta
tistics as to the growth of the society dur
Ing the past year. 1t is very gratifying to
be able to announce that the increase in
membership has been the greatest of any
year since the organization, being more
than four thousand. and making the total
membership over twelve thousand-surely
an imposing army of patriotic women IL
is pleasant to note that among the new
members is included Mrs. Ulysses S.
Grant.
The treasurer generals report will show
that the finances are in good condition.
Notwithstanding considerable expenditure
was occasion ed by the accumulated busi-
ness of the previous year, 1t has been pos
fund. and a large balance is in the hands
or the, treasurer general.
The national hymn committee has been
giving careful attention to it's duties and
Will be able at this evenings session to
SHOW the progress made by 1t.
Inc committee Incorporation has
secured the passage by Congress Of the de-
sired act, and the society Is now national in
legal form as well as in character.
"A new movement In the work of the past
year winch gives great promise of useful
he r1crylro 10, ~ =
the American Revolution under the dires-
ton and care of the Daughters of the
American Revolution. The work of organi-
cation OF the society was intrcsted by the
fourth congress to the originator of tie
movement. Mrs. Daniel Lothrop of the Con-
cord Mass) Chapter, and the wisdom, of
the cho:ce mas been demonstrated in the sig
nal success which has attended her /. bors
Her report will show that within six
months of actual work fifty-seven societIes
have been organized. four thousand seven
peen sent out. and over 100 have already
been enrolled. The Importance of This
movement c.nnot be too highly valued and
soniilehu II 10 the warm support and
patronage of the society.
one OF the notable events of the year
was the series of meetings of representa-
i've women of the society held at Atlanta
in October. iii connection with the cotton
states International exposition Dracfi,al
ard very gratifying result of that exposi-
Ion tas peen the acquisition by the Atlanta
.hapter OF the Massachusetts state build
Ing, through the efforts of various mem
befs or the Sons and Daughters of .he
American Revolution. Coming as IT does
es donation from the state of Massachu-
ketts. it is a conspicuous evidence of that
fIaternal spirit which today allows no sec
t;onal linec tn limit it's patriotism AS this
is the first colonial memorial hall acquired
~ any chapter, 1 trust 1t marks a new era
in the society. indicating i:s permanencv
and the beginning of the acquisition of
such halls throughout the country In this
eonaestion l desire to again bring to Your
attention the project of continental
memorial hall in this capital 1t was su.-
Eested by our first honored president gen
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