The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1898-10-07
W. O. T. q. Convention.

convention held in Pars River Sept. 90
to ~ was the most successful in the his
tory of the organic .tion. Miss Preston,
state president, was justly proud vi the
progress made i'll the past two years; the
fact of having increased its membership
500 Tor two years in succession was al
most unprecedented. The state gaining
500 members is entitled to share in
benefit night at the National each year.
The fact that North Dakota was entitled
to this honor two years in succession was
most gratifying. The membership Of the
state now numbers ,555 which is greater
in proportion to population than any Of
the larger eastern states. There was
roll of honor displayed on the walls Of
the convention hall containing the names
of the counties who had doubled their
membership during the year, also the
local unions, among them was found the
names of Pembina "W" and "Y."
On Saturday evening was held the
first grand gold medal contest ever held
in the United States or the world; the
medal being especially designed tor the
occasion. There we're seven contest
ants, Pembina county furnishing two,
Mesdames Florence Baldwin, Bathgate,
and Mrs. DR.. c. B. Harris, Pembina.
Pembina county had every reason to be
proud of their contestants. The contest
was very close, needing referee to de-
eide it, The speakers all showed mark
ed ability. The Rotations were of var
led yet pointed character several oftnem
dramatic in their execution and thrilling
the audience. Mrs. Barker, chairman OF
judges, awarded the medal in happy,
humorous manner and was sorry she had
not medal for each one as they we'll de-
served it. the medal was awarded to
Mrs. Della Lee Hyde, Fargo, literary
editor of Western Womanhood.
The special music furnished during the
convention was most excellent, rendered
by best musical talent of the state, among
them D. Carlos McAllister, Fargo; Mrs.
]. o. Smith, Mrs. Anneta Gowland Reed,
Casselton and Mrs. Lockwood, and we
doubt if any city of its size in the state
could produce more musical talent than
Park River. The selections by male
| quintette and many solos furnished by
the local talent were highly appreciated.
Miss Myrtle McQuinn was chosen organ
list for the convention. Mrs. May Hewitt
Tonsley. state 'Y' organizer, was ill and
unable to be present on "Y" evening.
Miss Grace Parker, Pembina, filled her
place in very creditable manner. Many
excellent papers were read during the
convention and it would be impossible to
make mention Of them all; but the paper
read by Miss Matte Davis, county supt.
of schools Of Cass county, ''The Rela-
ton of Mothers to the Public Schools"
was worthy of special mention.
| The presentation OF banners occurred
on Monday afternoon. Pembina was the
only city capturing two banners given
for largest increase of membership, viz:
the ''Y's'' and L. T. L. They were pre-
sented to Miss Parker as president and
superintendent of the two organizations.
The speakers of national reputation
present at convention were Mrs. Helen
Nj. Barker, treasurer of National w. c.
T. U. and John G. Woolley. Mrs. Bar
ker was territorial president of the Da-
kotas for several years and is held in
warm esteem by Dakotans. She is a
very eloquent and logical speaker, hold
ing the attention of her audience from
first to last. She preached the annual
sermon Sunday and also lectured in the
evening. John G.. Woolley lectured on
Monday evening to crowded house,
even standing room was at premium.
His lecture on christian Citizenship"
was very unique and delivered in style
peculiarly his own.
Too much cannot be said in praise of
the hospitality of Park River citizens to
the white ribboners. Mayor Libby ten
dered them the freedom of the city in a
most cordial manner, Rev. Strachan well
coined them on behalf the churches,
Mrs. Schell on behalf of the w. c. T. U.
Every attention was shown which could
add to the pleasure of the guests. On
Monday afternoon the delegates were
taken for a drive about the city and
driven to the first ridge of Pembina
mountains which commands charming
view of the surrounding country. The
delegates will always hold in high esteem
the citizens of Park River for the many
courtesies extended to them during their
stay.
$50 for One Bottle of Medicine.
This is to certify that my wife was for
(years afflicted with asthma, and was so
| %l,o% ,e,,,or,1 n