The age-herald., 1898-05-08
The National Mother Congress
 At WashinQton. D. c.

One of the most notable and important aggregations of American women assem- bled last week at the national capital, the mothers congress. While this organization is comparatively young, inasmuch as 1t has been in existence only a very few years, yet 1t has grown in numbers and impor- tance with such rapidity that it's delibera- lions now attract the attention of a large majority of the men and women of the country Women conspicuous for strong intellectual and moral qualities, are sent from the various states as delegates to the congress, and each one contributes in some way-by her votes. or her teachlng-to the betterment of the condition of the children of the country.
 The congress of mothers, which assem- bled last week, was perhaps more largely attended than any previous session of this order. Great numbers of visitors were present at the meetings, and the keen in terest felt in the proceedings was mani- festd by libral applause of papers and speeches.
 Among the most helpful discussions was that of the care and training-of defective. weak minded children.
 Mrs. Mary H. Weeks, of Kansas City, had an excellent paper upon "Stories and Story Telling for Children" subject which has been much discussed quietly by num- Der of Alabama mothers. In her paper Mrs. Weeks said: "Children love stories, and want to know more of them, that they may be like the characters told of. Much of the future life of the child depends upon the character of stories instilled into their youthful minds. By proper stories ideals may be created which will nullify the de- grading influences of after life. Stories Of nature are much more effective than mere facts on the same subject. Stories of extra ordinary good or bad children are false hoods, and the child knows that they have no part in the everyday life of the world. In telling stories to children dwell upon the detail and do not attempt to tell them any thing that you cannot explain Tell them of the simple lives of men, like Washing ton, Lafayette, etc., and or women hke Miss Willard, Clara Barton and others. Stories of travel are of the greatest inter- est to the child of to 10 years, and is field wide and diverse. It is well to keep from children stories that make strong ap- peal to the sympathy: stories of narrowing experiences, of suffering and distress, stories that impress upon the child that wealth is the most desirable thing, and Is easily acquired; that fine dress is essential; stories of other children wherein improper language is used and lastly tales of fights and battles" ,,,
 It is to be feared that Mrs. Weeks VIII find if an utter impossibility to have par ents at this juncture of national affairs, re- frain from entertaining their children with takes of fights and battles
 Mrs Weeks theory is to be commendea hut even the combined power of the entire mothers congress could not preVen. tue fascinat;on of awar extras" penetrating the y,aet regulated family nursery.
 The boys in short trousers ana the httle s,rls in pinafores are studying the geo. graphical lines of the world as never pc fore, and they are as familiar With @ tne .ssaS,a,oants of inc souadrons as they for merlv were with their "Mother Goose melodies. They crave "battles and lights with an unsuitable appetite, notwltnstand- ing Mrs. Weeks very excellent advice.