, 1896-07-16

civil war, N indeed every epoch in
our progress as a nation, the devotion
and sacrifices of women were constant
ly apparent and often conspicuous.
tApplause.l
She was everywhere appreciated
and recognized, though God alone
could place her service at its uIe
value. The work Of m has been a
power in every emergency. and always
for good. In calamity and distress she
has ever been helpful and heroic. Not
only have some of the brightest pages
Of our national history been illumin-
ated by her splendid example and noble
efforts for the public good, but her in
fuence in the home, the church, the
school and the community in mould
ing character for every profession and
duty to which our race is called has
been potential and sublime.
" 1t is in the quie- Of the peaceful
walks of life where her power is great
est and most beneficial. One of the
tenderest passages to me in the work
Of Stuart Mill beautifully expresses
this thought. 1t is recorded in his au-
photography when he paused to pay
high tribute to his wife, he could not
speak too much. He said she was not
only the author of many of The best
things | did, but she inspired every
good thing | did
Many men there are from whom
frankness would not withhold, but
command, like expression of obligation
to woman, wife, mother, sister, friend.
(Great applause.)
One of the bes; things of our civil
cation in America is the constant adj
vancement of wOmen to a higher place
of labor and responsibility. Her op-
.portunities are greater than before,
and it is singularly true here, where
practically every avenue # human en-
deayor is open to her. Her impress is
felt in art, science, literature, song and
in government. Our churches, our
schools, our charities, u professions
and our general business interests are
more than ever each year directed by
her.
Respect for wOmankind has be
come with us a national characteristic,
and what a high and manly trait!
There is none nobIer or hoiier. 1t
stamps the true gentleman. The man
who loves wife and mother and home
will respect and revere all ~womankind.
He is always the better citizen for such
gentle breeding. The home over which
the trusted wife presides is the citadel
OF our strength, the best guarantee of
good citizenship and sound morals in
government. 1t is the foundation
upon ii all else is constructed. From
the plain American home where vir-
tue dwells and truth abides go forth
the men and women who make the
greatest states and cities which adorn
our republic, which maintain law and
order, that citizenship which aims at
the public welfare, the common good
of all. Some one has said that women
mould the future as mothers and gov
ern he present as wives
Il congratulate you for what wo-
men have done for grand and noble OBJ
jec;s in the past.
Il rejoice with you at the wider and
broader field of the present, and the
splendid vista of the future which is
everywhere opening up for you.
Il again thank you for your presence
here, and for the manifestation of your
regard and good will.
Mrs. Mckinley and | will be most
happy to meet and greet you one and
all
The women, led by Mrs. Scott, sang
a campaign chorus song, accompanied
by the band, and then Miss Birdelle
Switzer presented Mrs. Mckinley with
an enormous basket of flowers. Dur
ing the afternoon the women had a
ratification meeting at the tabernacle,
with lunch, music and impromptu
speeches.