Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-01-25

booklet on Directions to Officers contain
ing suggestions for work and methods Of
carrying them out; These supplies have
not only been placed in the hands of all new
clubs organized under the auspices of our
committee, but have been distributed free
of cost in all the states, whenever desired.
Several states have adopted our local con-
stitution, and long step toward harmony
of action has been taken by this means.
The Years Work Summa rized.
ITO summarize the years work We may
say that fourteen persons have served as
organizers under the auspices of our COM
mittee Five hundred and ten meetings
have been held. Nine state conventions
have been held under our supervision and
ten state associations have been organized
Aid in the way of organization has been
given to thirty-one states. Over 100 clubs
have been organized, which, We believe, at
this writing, to be alive and active. The
work has been done with bold strokes in
an effort to lay a foundation for perfect
organization. 1t remains TO the future to
build upon it an to increase its strength
and usefulness.
'In conclusion, let me say that the best
results of the years work cannot be re-
duced to statistical statements. 1t con-
sists in change of sentiment concerning
the possibilities of organization. In the
spring we sent a letter to each state presi-
dent, appealing to her to try to double the
organization in her state during the year.
v.
Others wrote to declare the impossibility
Of organization. Some went SO far as to
say they did not believe in organiza ton,
and still others wrote that a distinctly suf-
frage organization could never accomplish
the work. Among them all only two de-
clared their willingness and determine
ton to increase the organization in their
states. But as the months have gone by
our correspondence has indicated a steady
and permanent change of opinion. Under
the influence Of organization actually ac-
compliShed many of the Indifferent have
awakened into activity. Many of the dis
couraged have been inspired with new
hope. New workers, new strength, new
possibilities have been given our associa-
ton. The prospects Of organization are
far brighter and more promising than they
were a year ago. The symptoms are ap-
parent on all sides that the apathetic are
at last being aroused to the needs and i'm
portance of organization. This fact we
regard as the best result Of the years
work.
ut is an old proverb that 'hindsight is
| better than foresight Our plans have
conditions We expected. The results
are not those we anticipated. Yet taking
conditions as we found them We have per-
| formed earnest and conscientious service
| results possible. To the national officers
| from whom We have received the most
| sympathetic cooperation, and to the many
friends of the cause who have stood at all
| times ready to help bear the burdens of
| the year, we feel tenderer gratitude than
| 1t Is possible for words to express. To
the many, many suffragists who have aid.
| ed the work financially during the year we
are heartily grateful, and trust an exam
| ination of the work accomplished will sat-
isfy them the money was well expended.
| "Our committee are more than ever con-
| WINGED that 1t is possible to build a great
| organization based upon the one platform
/ of the acknowledgment of women With
| harmony, cooperation and determination
We shall yet build an organization Of such