The record-union., 1898-04-24
ANOTHER MOTHERS CONGRESS.

time expressed its qualification over
that success. Itswas so pleasant digni-
fed iand- useful an assembly that it had
the commendation of the press of the
whole country. 1t was so much above,
beyond and superior to the woman's
rights gatherings that men hailed the
beneficent intentions, purposes and ac-
complishments of the promoters of the
idea with glad acclaim.
We can conceive that a national con-
gress of fathers would be an exceed
ingly interesting and immensely valu-
able congregation. But compared to a
congregation Of splendid women, moth
ers Of the rising generation, consulting
how best they can aid in giving to the
nation the best order of citizenship, the
fathers. congress would sink into in
significance since the influence of the
mother in the training of the child is so
potent in fashioning the course of
youth to man and womanhood. Any
and every respectable, sober and earn
est effort to improve the physical and
moral conditions of the homes of the
land must have the respect of the peo-
pie, since the nation and society has
the home as bedrock foundation.
The second national congress of
mothers is about to be held. 1t will
convene in the city of Washington May
2-7. AS the first session had such
strong support from the press, it is
safe to assume that the second will also
receive the same generous assistance.
One thing gratifies as very much,
namely. that the mothers congress has
no organ" It publishes no special
journal 1t has no begging committees,
and does not pauperize itself by any
whining appeals. If it needs financial
assistance it seems to get it in straight
way.
This congress is not to be gathering
of winners and complainants. Rather,
it proposes to be a body of protest, of
advice. Of help and education. 1t be-
Ieves parenthood is one Of the most
sacred of offices, and that it has not the
preparation under our system that it
should have. These mothers hold love
of childhood to be a common tie that
should unite men and women for holiest
purposes, therefore, child study, syste-
matte and thorough is an object
worthy of all commentator.
OF course it is to be replied that the
place for child study is in the home,
not in congresses. That is certainly
true with a reservation, for the prime
object of the organization of the con-
gress is to stimulate proper child study
sn the home, since it is mournful fact
that in so many tens of thousands of
homes it is no study at all, and that in
consequence there is untold misery and
wrong.
These good women are laboring to the
more dignity and ennoble parenthood
and discourage barrenness and neglect
of the right Of the child to be born
right, raised right and given right in
struction. Who will dare to say that
visited with God bless you? The fore
most educators Of the country have in
dorsed the work past and the plans fu-
fure Of the congress. 1t has the sup
port and commendation of the first
men Of the medical faculty. It has the
advice of the leading clergy of all de-
nominations, and the aid Of the most
thoughtful students of the age.
One Of the aims of the congress is
10 throw about childhood guards
against the malign influence of unclear
literature. Another is to consider the
proper care and treatment Of dependent
children, known as charity wards. An
other is the consideration of the mora.
responsibility of women in heredity
other subjects are how best to secure
TO the nation educated mothers; the
meaning of the kindergarten to the
mother and the home; reproduction an6
of youth into touch with great and pure
literature; parental reverence; value
of music in the development Of charac-
ter; the place of humane education an6
its power in early training; the rela-
ton of parents to the public schools
necessity for training schools fol
nurses; value Of domestic science les.
sons to children; the home as a center
of patriotism; structure, growth and
development of the little human ma.
chine; a pure press; defective chill
dren and what shall be done for them
value of parents associations; how II
help mothers who need help, and so on
through a still longer list of subject:
which engage these good women.
of what value. however, are these an
nual convocations of a few devoted
noble women and mothers among tn,
millions who do not attend? Reall!
such question answers itself. OF wha
value is any convocation and consulta
tion2 It's value is educational Knowl
edge is never spoken to be lost. Goot
advice is never dissipated upon tn
winds. Debate. calm. considerate, earn
est. hopeful and desiring truth is neve
lost to the world.
The reports of these congresses ar
read by the millions The generou
rress constitute the wings of the morn
ing for the wisdom that is evolved from
these congresses. Besides one OF tn