The Portland daily press., 1896-10-15

the poem.
the doubts which may have existed
earlier of Its stability, usefulness and
permanency. 1t has in measure defined
Its policy and entered upon aggressive
work. The planks of Its platform as
represented By the work and courses of
study carried of by the.individual clubs
are almost countless, embracing as they
do all the various branches of art and
literature. philanthropy, scien,e and
economics, civicI aud politics, and over
all stretches the broad canopy of a uni
veIsal interest-eduoation- comm on
ground on which we all can meet and
join hands in heartiest cooperation.
Many Of our clubs are in favor of a de-
oided policy for the federation yet con-
servatism still finds it's place among us,
participation In radical reforms. But we
may with safety adopt the old motto Of
the National council which says: "a
difference of opinion on one question
must not prevent US from working
unitedly in that upon which we agree"
The educational questions of the day are
of such great and varied interest that it
seemed only fitting and proper to give
the general subject conspicuous place
on our programme, and the Thursday
afternoon session will be open to such of
the public as care to listen to or take
part IN the discussions.
The constitution will claim the atten-
tion Of the delegates tomorrow morning,
and most earnestly urge you to give
careful thought to the proposed changes,
to the end that brisk, Intelligent dis
cussion will determine what shall be re :.
talned and what added.
Reciprocity among the clubs is very
dear TO my heart, and I sincerely trust
that the report Of the chairman of that
b0reau may justify its establishments.
lind In IL an answer to the ever recurring
question. how can we pass onto others
something of the surplus of good things
which comes to US In the clubs. and it
helps to bring in what Mrs. Livermore
calls the new aristocracy-the reign IF
him who serves"-diciples of which are
those who come to US as guests and en-
tertainers. Bringing the fruits Of varied
and rich experiences. some of which are
the results OF foreign travel, tales and
legends with the imprint of old world
customs and manners fresh upon them,
for they have caught the spirit of Brown
ing when he said, "Knowing not for
knowing's sake, but to become star to
mon forever 7sR
Of office must give expression to that of
which my heart is SO full. l appreciate
the honor which you have twice CON-
feRred upon me. and am grateful for the
pleasure which has come to me through
my connection with the official work OF
the federation. for the loyal support you
have accorded me, and your uniform
kindness and courtesy.
There ale many thugs which an ADLER
woman would have done better, but
have striven always to do my best and to
fulfil oonscientiousIy the duties which
have come to me. 1t Is with deepest feel
tpes of love and trust that l regard my
fellow mem bers Of the executive board.
For their efficient help and ready
sympathy Am most grateful. recognize
their patience and forheaTance towards
me and trust that the same cordial
relations will COD tinue to exist between
us when the ties of office shall be severed.
l bespeak for my successor only the
same measure of loyalty and kindness
may happen that you will all know her
for her work in previous conventions
bus If she comes to you stranger as I
did, take her in for thereby you will very
likely "sntertain an angel unawares, ="
and she will have come into that happy
company where "overy stranger seems
friend, and every friend a sister,"
After the acceptance of Mrs. Dowst's
response. a telegram CT sympathy for her
illness, and regret at her absence was
proposed and Immediately sent to Ban
Ror.
Mrs. Coyle gave the report of the pro-
gramme committee as follows:
Your committee appointed to arrange
the programme report their work accom-
hope Will meet with your approval. The
local committee desires to extend their
thanks to the executive board of the
Maine State Federation and all those
who have furnished subject matter for
the programme. Their prompt response
has greatly lightened the work Of the
local committee.
Mrs. Bagley's report Of the credentials
committee showed that not all the GRE
DENTAL cards had been handed in. Both
these reports were duly accepted.
Mrs. Beedy then called for the report
of the secretary, as follows:
THE REPORT.OF THE SECRETARY.
Mrs. Kate Clark Esta brooke, the score
tary, presented full and valuable report.
Mrs. Estabrooke said that early in the
summer letter asking for information
on the following three points was sent to
each club. -
1. What work have you been doing
throughout the past year?
2. What do you intend to do during
the coming year?
8. On what work ought the Federation
to lay special euphasisf
The answers to the questions were not
as many as had been hoped but careful
study of them brings out some interest
inU fBOts The renort detaifa them as
follows:
!. Variety Of SUBJECTS studied. No
body can truthfully say that the Maine
women are in an intellectual rut.