The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1896-12-17

BERKELEY HAZEL RECEPTION.
Department Correspondent Sara /. Cain
writes as follows: For weeks preceding the
Council, Massachusetts W.R.C. was in a State of
pleasant commotion, preparing for the recep-
ton rendered the National President and when
the night came, notwithstanding her enforced
absence. Berkeley Hall never opened it's doors
to stateler or fairer women or Drawer mon.
The hall was lovely in it's decoration. A
glory of flags encircled the badge of our Order
on one side, and banner with the name
Woman's Relief Corps in large design of illumi-
mated letters on the other.
At the head of the hall the red, white and
blue in profusion was gracefully draped, and
the platform was encircled by evergreens and
tropical plants in the midst of which was the
Windsor orchestra, Mrs. Maria W. Going, of
Corps 80, the pianist of 14th National Conven-
ton, and resident of somerville, leader.
The reception was arranged so that members
who could not be present in the evening could
be presented to the guests in the afternoon. and
| many availed themselves of the opportunity.
| Luncheon was served in the banquet hall
| from to o'clock, and at 7:30 the guests were
| escorted to the hall by the Reception Commit
tee, to the accompaniment OF sweetest music by
| the orchestra
| Department President Brigham, with Depart
mept Commander William p. Derby, were the
hosts of the occasion, and were followed by Ma
tional Treasurer Isabelle T. Bagley, in the
absence of National President Hit, the repre-
sentative of the National Order; Lzabeth Tur-
ner, National Councillor; Past National Presi-
| dents Kate B. Sherwood, E. Florence Barker,
Emma r. Wallace and Sarah Z. Fuller; also
| Past Department Presidents Louise B. Robbins
and Emma B. Loud, and Margaret /. Sands of
| Illinois. Later in the evening Department
Senior Vice. Commander John 81. Deane Past
| COMMANDMENTS Chief John G. b. Adams Com
mandant George w. Creasey, of the Soldiers
~ L. -
| the National Council of Women, were escorted
to the hall and took place with the receiving
guests.
| A large company was presented, and in the
happiest manner. by the Reception Committee.
Word was passed there would be no speaking
but how could we be satisfied in not hearing
the women, whom we all knew had something
| to say and knew how to say it? And we could
have cheered when Past Commander-in-C Chief
| Adams insisted on hearing from them.
In her graceful way Department President
Brigham gave pleasant greeting to the guests,
members and their friends She presented as
first speaker, Commander Derby, and then Ma
tional Treasurer Bagley, whose words were lis
tened to with closest attention, as one speaking
with authority, and one who, while in Massa-
chusetts, made friends of all, and will be sure
of q warm welcome when next she visits the
old Commonwealth.
Past Commander in Chief Adams spoke in
his usual felicitous manner, that first brings
a smile by some witty sentence, and then the
tears as the thought of . terrible experience
that makes possible such gatherings, comes over
him.
Mrs. Nella Brown Mitchell sang "The Star.
Spangled Banner" after WHICH Rev. Edward B.
Horton was presented He was very happy
over the trip he enjoyed in, his Summer vaca.
ton, when he accompanied the "Ancients" an
historic military order on their excursion te
England. e. q
He told how, by invitation of Her Majesty
the Queen, the company was invited to Wind
sor and after the review by the Royal house.
hold, were invited to see that part of the castle
open on such occasions, And in and out the
labyrinth of rooms they went, preceded by the
coor-bearer, carrying the Stars and Stripes
1t is understood fact that any other for
eign company would have left their flag with
the stacked arms on the terrace.
Past National President farmer added to thu
words of the National Treasurer, who hai
spoken of Andersonvlle. saying that she hat
received the deed of the pfSperty the day be
fore. f,aD
Past National President Kate B. Sherwood
spoke in her own inimitable way, and when
joining hands with the three pioneer women o
our Order, Mesdames Barker Fuller, and Turner
she told the story of trials all surmounted
the W.R.C. present folt love for those women
that will never be lost or forgotten. Truly, i
is notable week for the WR.C Mesdame
, Wallace, Barker, Fuller and Robbins spok
, briefly, and then Mary Lowe, President of tn
Council, was introduced.
Though not member of our Order she
with Us in all good work for the elevation O
: mankind, and her sweet voice and the uplif
of her face told the story of her Inspiration.
7 Other speakers followed. and then Mrs
Mitchell sang "Swanee River" and the rsceiv
! ing line melted into the crowd of friends, VIII
Q were ioathe to leave the hall and the evening
/, enjoyment. 1t was we'll on to midnight whel
. the last one departed, and the reception to GU
National President pleasant memory,