The courier. (Lincoln, Neb.) 1894-1903, 1899-12-16

general federation. and extracts were
read from letters, showing that the
leaders were about equally divided on
the pros and cone OF reorganization.
Mrs. L. L. Ricketts,, Of Lincoln, who
was guest Of the club, was called upon
for her views Of the case. Mrs. Ricketts,
spoke with clearness and force from
the opposition to reorganization. She
believed that the idea had arisen from u
mistaken opinion that the general fed
edration was unwieldy, and cited the
National Education Association az proof
that the business Of the largest organi
cation may be conducted scceptably
through committees. She thought
there need be no limit to the growth Of
the general federation and that the larger
the conventions the greater the inspira-
ton to be derived from them. Mrs.
Ricketts, understands that the proposed
reorganization would cut of individual
club representation, situation which
would curtail their. interest in the ma.
tionsl work. il it did not destroy it. Mrs.
Ricketts, remarks received close atten.
ton and at the conclusion Mrs. McGil.
ton expressed her entire agreement with
them. Mrs. McGilton thought there
was danger Of over organization, and
to her mind the value OF federation,
either state or national, was doubtful.
Mrs. Hartford explained that it wes in.
tended that clubs should not lose their op
portunity of sending their members to
the biennial meetings. but that this
privilege should be more widely extend
ed. She also showed how more uni
form method Of dividing the expense Of
the general federation would raise q
larger revenue, while at the same time
it would relieve the present burden upon
many clubs. Mrs. Heller stated that
delegates to biennial conventions Of the
federation had found themselves hereto.
fore representing their respective states
and scarcely willing to represent any
thing less. She was in favor of the
council as proposed by the committee.
1t reminded her, in connection with the
larger body, Of the two houses Of the
United States government. Mrs. An.
drews thought that logic should wait
on sympathy. The organization might
be improved mechanically, but it should
be allowed to grow naturally and nothing
should be done that would in any way
weaken the bonds If the most remote
club to the national body. Mrs. Towne
emphasized the idea that the ultimate
success Of reorganization would depend
upon the ability or efficacy Of the state
president or the general federation sec.
rotary. She thought that the clubs.
when they found themselves an integral
part Of the national body. though asso-
ciated with the state, would grow. Miss
Fairbrother declared that organization
from local to state and from state to
national body was the only method that
could be recommended by experience
Where economy Of power and force of
inspiration are desired they muet come
that way. An illustration is the we'll
known organization Of the party politi-
cal machinery. As the club desired to
meet Mrs. Ricketts, socially. the discus.
sion could not be prolonged and the
matter was recommended to be consid-
cred January 9Th. After adjournment,
an informal tea drinking was held in the
parlors, where Mrs. Ricketts, was the
guest OF honor. This social half hour
was in charge Of the house and home