The Press., 1897-06-03
w. C. T. U.
Holland County Convention.

The twelfth annual convention was held at Stafford Springs in the Methodist church on Thursday, May 27.
 Convention opened with devotional service conducted by Mrs. J. H. James of Rockville.
 Mrs. c. F. Fitch, county president, took the chair and introduced Mrs. c. B. Forbes state president, and Mrs. M. M. Andrews. state corresponding secretary, both of whom gave words of greeting.
 Cordial words by the local president, Miss c. A. Washburn, bid all welcome to a no-license town to harmonious church and to 8 Union that is endeavoring to aid in the good work.
 A graceful response was given by Mrs. c. Pike of Mansfield. Encouraging re- ports were read from the five Unions, Rockville, South Coventry, Ellington, Mansfield, and Stafford Springs, and the childrens' organizations at Mansfield, Rockville and Ellington.
 Mrs. J. s. Rooms, superintendent of narcotics and purity, the only organized departments of the county, reported some work accomplished on these lines.
 The claims of the White Ribbon Banner, our state paper, were presented by it's editor, Miss Herr of Norwich, who urged that every worker become 8 subscriber. That her earnest plea was effective was shown by the gathering in of twenty-six subscriptions during the day.
 Minutes of previous convention were read, after which the treasurer's report was given showing a balance in treasury of $52 58. Mrs. c. T. Chapman of Filing ton was elected to serve on the resolutions committee at the state convention-Mrs. Rooms of Mansfield, alternate.
 Mrs. Fitch was nominated as deligate to the national convention at Buffalo, with Miss Washburn as alternate.
 Mrs. Margaret D. Ellis, national super intendent of legislative work, was intro duced and greeted with the w. c. T. U. salute after which theconvention adjourn ed for lunch. The afternoon session
 
 the reading of the minutes of the morn ing.
 The election of county officers, conduct ed by the state president, resulted in the reelection of the former encumbents.
 Mrs. Pike of Mansfield was elected superintendent of narcotics, and Mrs. Topliff of South Coventry of purity work
 Two new departments were adopted that of scientific temperance instruction with Mrs. N. G. Hodgson of Staffo1C Springs as superintendent, and loyal legior work with Mrs. Huntington of Mansfield as superintendent.
 Miss Herr favored the convention witt a recitation, entitled 4'Biue Bells" 1 The afternoon address was given b, Mrs. Ellis, showing the importance of tn, white ribbon movement and urging it claims upon every woman of America She spoke especially of her legislativ, work in Washington last winter, giving graphic descriptions of her experiences a the capitol. The address was encourag ing, instructive, inspiring, and was listen ed to by all with the utmost interest. Al offering amounting to $6.29 was taken.
 A resolution of thanks for the cordia hospitality of the Stafford Springs Unior was adopted by rising vote.
 The new county banner, given fol the greatest increase in membership, wal presented to the Mansfield Union, anc accepted with thanks by Mrs. Sears.
 After singing of the county rallylnG song, the pastor of the church, Dr. Bar tholomew, was introduced and spok, words of encouragement, thus evidency hli interest in the cause.
 Mrs. Ellis led in the closing prayer ,thu ending one of the most interesting anC successful conventions ever held in Tol land county.
 After adjournment, the ladies of VII lington, in attendance at the convention decided to band themselves together fo temperance work, and were organized a a local union by Mrs. Ellis and the stat secretary. Mrs. E. J. Holman was elect ed president of Wilmington w. 0. T. U. For the word of King is word of power And the Kings own voice comes over tn
 sea,
 Let down your nets for draught fo
 me'.7