The copper country evening news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 18??-1907, 1898-03-25


A queer kind of woman's meeting start
ed recently in the New York Industrial
building. A few days ago Mrs. Eliza New
comb Alexander sent out "a printed circu-
lar TO a large number of women promi-
nent in women's clubs, which ran as fol-
lows:
DEAR MADAM-In view Of the immense pow
er stored in our women's clubs and societies,
you will realize the value of a movement TO
concentrate, develop and apply that power for
the solution Of the problems and the promo
tion Of enterprise which affect the welfare Of
our women and Of our city, The committee
having this matter in charge have the honor to
ask your presence and active cooperation in
an adjourned meeting or session for permanent
organization, TO be held at the New York In
dustrial building, Forty-third street and lex
ington avenue, beginning on Monday, Jan. 81,
1885, at IL a. m.
ELIZA NEwCoMB ALEXANDER, Chairman
Exactly 10 women responded TO this call,
and after long wait for n larger gather
ing Mrs. Alexander called the meeting TO
order
sometimes ahandful of earnest women
do better than more who will not concen.
trate their effort and energy" she began,
with an encouraging smile "rhe call TO
form this council of women from all the
women's organizations i'm the city is the
result of an inspiration. The movement
started in 1896 at meeting of the Phalu
club held in my studio ia the interests of
philanthropy. We asked representatives
from various societies and clubs to meet
with us and discuss the most practical
methods of philanthropic work among the
women of New York At that meeting
committee was appointed to arrange for
conference of the womens clubs of Great
er New York, 10 form city federation of
clubs, one department of which should be
devoted to the scientific study of philan.
thropy. That conference was held in May,
1896, at St. Stephens Parish hall in West
Forty sixth street.
ut was decided to hold another meeting
the following October, and in October a
committee was formed to draft a constitu-
ton. The names of the original committee |
are Mrs K. Newcomb Alexander, Mrs. Ed |
Addison Greeley, Miss Cowdrey, DR. Oakley, |
Mrs. Kenyon, Mrs. Jasper Cairns, the |
Rev. Phoebe Hanaford, Mrs. Harry Wal |
lerstein, Miss Hamil and Mrs. Cechas |
Brainerd, Jr. We've added great many |
names to the committee, invited the presi- |
dents of all the women's clubs in the city
to cooperate with us, and we shall meet |
every day until permanent organization
is effected"
As the women came in they were asked
to register, and Mrs. Alexander asked
some one TO read out these names and beg
ged each woman, as her name was called,
to pledge herself to help form this council.
Mrs. Lille Devereux Blake's was the
first name called, and Mrs Blake respond
ed very gingerly. The little affirmative
nod of the head that she gave looked al
most accidental
Miss Agnes Leaycraft was the next on
the list. She spoke right up, "Well be-
fore pledge my support I'd like to know
something more about it.
Mrs Alexander read extracts from the
constitution to enlighten this delegate,
and then Mrs. @. j. Bourgoin's name was
called.
Are you in church, Mrs. Bourgoina"
asked the presiding officer.
Mrs. Bourgoin blushed prettily and
looked confused, and all the rest of the
women present looked as if they were in
church and at funeral at that
Il don't just know what you mean"
said Mrs. Bourgoin, "but j am an Episco-
palian.
"Oh, thought you might have come as
a representative of some church society,""
explained Mrs. Alexander.
When tho name of Mrs. Elizabeth Gran
mis- was called, she said "I'm not sufii-
ciently acquainted with this council TO
make any promises. / shall be glad to get
acquainted with the work. "
''Will you please state more fully what
the organization is for. " said Mrs Bour-
goin, addressing the chair and dwelling
ON the 'for" emphatically. A unanimous
sigh of relief escaped from all present.
Mrs Alexander got out typewritten
copy Of the constitution, which she wants
adopted once more. I'm going to ask
you all TO bring your best thought TO bear
Oh this council, " she began "'The name
Of this association shall be the New York
City Council Of Women. At first we
thought we wouldn't have that, for il
spells Cow, but that's the best name we
IAN find. "
"What objection is there 90 calling it a
City FederationY" asked Mrs. Blake.
1.-THE reason we want il TO be called "a
council instead of a federation is on &C
count of the government The object of
this council must commend itself to all
/ have, with the wisest Of wom-
IN, been brooding over il for year and a
half, and the thrills that this inspiration
gave to those interested are as perceptible
As those we get from the telephone wires.
The object is to provide a central oIgani
.ation through which the women of New
York city may effectively combine their re-
sources and exert their influence for the
solution Of the problems and the promo
ion of enterprises which affect the welfare
IF our women and our city.
at is to be council of women only,
sn't itY" asked Mrs. Grannis.
1--WE hope In time to get the assistance
# the wisest men too" answered Mrs.
Alexander.
SHOULD organizations composed of
women and men with full voting power
eek admission to this councilp" question.
d Mrs. Grannis.
1.-The Barnard club, which is composed
4 women and men, Is represented here"
eplied the presiding officer. "At first II
will be q council Of women, but no one
,Dows what It will grow into. Again, our
bject Is to purchase or erect and to main
ain a suitable building In New York city;
o hold property, Issue bonds and stock
nd conduct such other business as may