Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-11-25
ne,. NORA 6 slcE's ADDRESS
49, samuel Grant Chapter. Daughters d
A.erjcan Revolution. At Gardner.

American Revolution. At Gardner.
rho following address was recently
,.urered before Samuel Grant Chap
.er daughters of the American Revo-
,,t;on. of Gardiner, by Mrs. Nora G.
Rice:
70 Members of the Samuel Grant Chap
~ az daughters of the American Revolu-
ton:
r.dies-I have the honor TO present to
-, NV report. a brief resume of my at
vsaance at the sixth Continental Con-
100 Of the National Society of the
Hnsmshters of the American Revolution
LII N washington. February last. in the
Gambia Theatre. The Continental Con-
~ress Is composed of all the active off,
s.rs of the National Society. one state
scenf from each state and the regents
IA delegates of each organized chapter
- mo United States. Each chapter hav-
snr 80 members may elect one delegate
- the congress in addition to its regent.
md each chapter having IS members may
sisct a second additional delegate. Our
eaneress meets every year. the I'D of Feb
mary. in Washington, the center and ma
.;cnaI headquarters of the society. This
sreaf organization was nobly planned by
he patriotic women who founded it, four
~ whom received from this congress med
sis IN recognition of their services. there
nv settling the disputed question as to
rho we're the real founders of the society.
Nv them it was laid on broad national
nes with a constitution patterned after
me constitution of the United States. The
nrranization of each state is perfect. but
the comprise one great undivided whole
as society, looking to the national head
quarters with loyalty and support, each
Individual being member of the Ma
tional Society without joining a chapter.
Nearly 500 enthusiastic women, repre-
senting chapters from Washington state
10 Florida, from California and New Mex
;co 10 Maine. greeted Mrs. Adlai Z. Ste
! venson our president general. as she
to preside upon this interesting Oc-
II casion
Il PRAYER by the chaplain and patriotic
il music, sung by the entire assembly to
Il ,e stirring accompaniment of the Marine
II and, served to inaugurate our opening
ssion.
An address of welcome was offered by
1 Z president general, to which clever
Interesting response was read by Mrs.
cry, state regent of Ohio.
!. n address in behalf of the Society of
n Sons of the American Revolution, by
eral Greeley of Arctic fame
address in bahlf of the Society of
II Daughters of the Revolution mot
Vi ican), by Mrs. Snow, their president.
address in behalf of the Sons of the
n ition mot American). by Hon. John
II of Virginia. All We're replete with
and inspiration.
n export of judges on biographies of
Ii ion women and award of prizes
first report read. followed by re-
\ the national officers and those
n ate regents. We held three ses-
II ay during the entire week from
n d NJ -btn int riS-
,ou may ask what business and
uestions of interest filled our time
an extent. / may refer you to the
number of the American Monthly,
/ lining the full minutes of the con-
s. The first question of vital import
\ e was the discussion suggested by the
port of the Continental hall committee,
[. which Mrs. Shepard of Chicago, is the
Enthusiastic chairman.
A bill was introduced into our United
States Congress, last December. asking
for a site 1OOx2OO feet upon the Washing
ton monument lot for one memorial build
ing, a building that shall be home for
our society and for each individual mem
ber a building not only suited to all our
practical needs, but something that sha!l
prove a grand monument to the unselhsh
herosm of the men who fought for our
liberty, ill-clad. ill-fed. ill-paid longing
for news from home and the unprotected
ones left behind, this army of pitiful
numbers, continually harrassed by return
ing anxiety of every kind.
A monument to the brave and suffering
women of the American Revolution. A
monument to the children whose early
years were overshadowed by thoughts
and associations of war and bloodshed.
The bill at the opening of our congress
had passed the Senate, and the day be-
fore adjournment the news was tele-
graphed to us and received amid great
ttco hot had House
and for the first time in the history of the
United States Congress, an organization
OF either men or women had been so COM
plimented The only restrictions upon the
original bill were that We should begin
building within this year. and complete
our work in 10, and erect building that
should cost 100000. The Continental hall
committee reported some $4,000 in hand.
and the congress voted some $lO,33S. our
surplus, to the fund, making with many
contributions sent in during our meeting,
about $36. 900.
| wish l could make stirring appeal
to the members of this chapter to realize
the interest that is felt throughout the
society in this it's great undertaking.
Nearly every chapter has sent its con-
tribution, even the cq1ildren's chapters 1t
was hrst intended to ask every daughter
to contribute $40, which would have speed
y made up the desired amount. $4,000 be-
ing our number, but it was deemed best
TO leave 1t to the voluntary acts of all
ana any amount, no matter how small.
Is now gratefully received. / hope at no
distant day this chapter may cooperate
In some way to raise such contribution.
Among other questions that came before
us was the announcement that new
charter had been granted us by the
United States Congress. in no wise differ
ent from our old one, except that that
was granted by the District of Columbia
we are the only woman's organization in
corporated by an act of Congress.
The revision of our constitution was
aoly championed by Mrs. Mclean of New
York. but while it was infinitely discussed,
very few changes were adopted. Smaller
representation to the Continental Con-
sress, and retaining larger proportion
q the yearly dues in the chapters for
tneir own disposal. are the two changes
large
Une day was given up to the election OF
omcers for the coming year. This is an
AL Important moment. when every dele
gates feels in duty and interest bound to
De Ia her place ready to cast her vote.
We again elected Mrs. Stevenson as our
president general bpt many changes
were made in the national officers. The