Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-21

eral from the earliest to the closing hours
of our association.
1 have deemed 1t not only my bounden
duty but my high privilege to bring to
hamentary ruling as this country can at
ford; l refer to the decisions of Colonel
Henry NJ. Robert, the accepted parliament
tsry authority of the National Society. and
Mr.. w. E. Spencer, from whom 1 have
sought counsel in reference to almost all
points which 1t did not seem wise to trust
to my own tnexperience.
In the interim between my terms Of serv-
ice, and by the fourth continental congress,
Mrs. ]. W. Foster was elected president
general. Mrs. Foster served you with dis
tinction and marked ability. and would
have succeeded herself had she yielded to
the wishes Of the congress.
In 1896 1 again entered upon the duties
that fall to the lot Of the presiding officer
of the National Society. Today it is my
great privilege to report Al state regents.
622 chapter regents increase this year In
membership, $685. and a total membership
of 3d. 92.
waters edge" In travelling abroad it
was no infrequent sight to catch the CLEAN
of your insignia as one passed hurriedly
Through galleries and palaces. No further
pie badge told the story of the strong tie
that binds US to a common cause.
The English lady asks with reserved but
curious interest as to the meaning and in
Daughters of the American Revolution.
In Geneva, where there is always a large
resident American colony, ths regent ap-
pointed by your board was enthusiastic
in her hope of organizing a chapter.
In Rome a charter member Of your So
ciety donned her badge and called to re-
new her loyalty to the cause she loved
in its infancy and still cherished.
In Naples there is regent, but should
doubt the ability of the most enthusiastic
daughter" to accomplish aught on italian
soil. as the stay of Americans there H. in
the main, brief.
In Hawaii there is a chapter, and in Jo-
hsnnesburgh, South Africa, we have one
representative.
Most heartily and with emphasis. I
congratulate your officers. and state and
achievements. Nor should 1t be forgotten
that 1t has been mainly through the I'M
wearied efforts of the brain and sinew' of
the National Society the chapter regents),
wisely directed by the prudence and dis
erection of the state regents, that these
magnificent results have been accom-
plished.
Again rises in attractive proportions our
pet scheme, our castle in the air." but as
yet trust not "castle in Spain.''
OF the progress made the chairman will
speak. and make another plea for the Con-
tinental Hall.
There is nothing that go quickly and 80
forcibly attracts the attention of the way
farer in foreign lands as the monuments,
statues and memorials that other nations
rear to their illustrious dead.
Why should we be such laggards in this
work? Let US have this Continental Hall,
and let US give to it the best in art that
this country can offer, whether it be
wrought in stone. or painted on canvas.
Let us remember, ladies. that 1.-The deed
begun Is half accomplished"
Nor of ltss interest and importance is
the National University committee.
Recently a new and awakening impetus
10 avn nnfx ai<rI,f
years ago George Washington left in trust
to Congress fund for the purpose of a
National University. 1t has been estimated
that the fund would now yield sum not
exceeding four million five hundred thous-
and dollars 1t is earnestly to be hoped that
ere long the fulfillment of Washington's
81 ggestion. contained in his farewell ad-
dress to the American people, may be liv
ing and a vital influence.
The committee appointed to draft bill
TO present to Congress to prevent the
dissertation of the national flag is so sig
nifcant as to suggest without comment
the rull import of its object and work.
l cannot. however, forbear word in be-
half of our Star Spanglad Banner" The
flag of each nation is the emblem and seal
OF the rights and privileges of its people,
and Is held by them too sacred to allow 1t
for moment to float heavenward with
aught but the nations distinctive mark
Let US see to 1t that our own national flag
waves Ger land and sea- pure and unsul-
BILE union of indestructible states"
Committee on Prison Ship Lists.
This committee brings forcibly to mind
the strong paper read by Mrs. 8. " White
to the fifth continental congress, and by
which she awakened the first interest
among the Daughters In the martyrs of
tho prison ships.
In that paper Mrs. White reviewed the
capture of 1900 colonial troops at the bat
tie Of Long Island, in August, 1916 by the
British army. Most graphically did she de-
scribe the sufferings by day and night of
these heroic men.
1t Is estimated that over 1000 of these
brave men died on the "Old Jersey" alone.
Death came swiftly to their relief crowd
ed into the holds and between decks, with
out food. light or air. Their bodies were
the sand.
To erect a monument to these heroes, not
enc of whom betrayed his countrys trust,
perhaps you will be asked to contribute be
It great or small, to mark the resting place
OF the martyrs Of the prison ships.
Ever and amen the inquiry is made, What
are you doing in the national society
What are your objects?"
The objects are SO lucidly and concisely
explained in the constitution that any fur
ther exposition would be superfluous. To
state what the chapters have done in patri-
otto work would require a volume Of vast
The most notable and interesting event of
the past year was the celebration of the
surrender Of CORVALLIS at Yorktown, at the
Tennessee centennial, October 10, 1897.
The observance of this anniversary of
Octobe.' 10. 1881, was intended to be of q
national character. and the national board
of managers had accepted the courteous in
vitation extended by the president Of the
woman's board and the distinguished state
regent Of Tennessee Daughters of the
American revolution.
However, exaggerated rumors of the yell
low fever and quarantine regulations COM
PEELED the board at later date to decline
the proffered hospitality.
With quick decision and wonderful pluck
the day was converted into a state affair,
and right nobly did the Tennessee Daugh-
tiers observe 1t.
The objects and aims Of the national So
ciety We're fully discussed, its methods,
rules, ETC. Special attention and impetus
was given to the National Society, Children
American Revolution.
The noble state of Tennessee can well
congratulate herself upon such capable
Daughters"
In the history of the organization perhaps
there has been no more valuable work done
than nv the Ptiladelphia Chantar