The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1899-12-18
AMONG NOMENS CLUBS


Commenting editorially upon II
kindly influence OF women's clubs. th
christmas number Of the "Club Won
an" sounds true note when IL says
''The woman of today is growing eve
more kindly and less given to self
seeking.
"Club life among women Is teachinI
them to love their neighbor as them
selves. There is no doubt we have
come into larger and fuller life" The
larger is always the better and sound
er life. BY the range OF ones sympa'
thies the measure of ones life sound
ness is gauged. This is all true and NJ is
especially gratifying TO recall IL as the
Christmas season comes on. Kindness
and good cheer are in the air. Ii is easy
TO make good cheer for others by keep
ing IL first in our own hearts. Selfish
Unlocking soul Is never happy; the broad
visioned worker for humanity may al
ways be so. Which shall we choose?
Arderhebiah club met at the residence
of Mrs Charles A. Russell. Elmwood
avenue. on Tuesday, Dec. II, when a
program OF such interest was given
that despite the fact that the rains
number of the faithful greeted Mrs.
Gertrude Rugg Field. the speaker of
the occasion. Mrs. Field gave her de-
Hghtful lecture Facts and Fancies
about Eugene Field"
The lecturer was peculiarly happy in
her choice of subject for, as she said
"A genuine admiration for the poet.
more or less intimate acquaintance
with his writings and sympathy with
fondness for children and many OF his
fancies, had suggested the preparation
of the lecture, which she wished 10 save
as back ground for the songs and Sc
lections which express the message OF
Eugene Field and speak various Ian
guage, as they interpret the changing
moods OF one who has won
"Not the fame that lies in the voice
OF the world
While the book or the poem is read,
But the love that lies in the heart OF
the world.
After the man is dead"
Mrs. Field dwelt briefly upon the in
teresting story OF the poets life and
his premature death. Let us think OF
him." she said. mot even as he fell
asleep among his dearly loved books,
but as living again in that fair country
of the angels whose singing in Gods
Acre is echoed in one OF the most
touching poems that Eugene Field ever
produced"
Just here the lecturer paused, while
Miss Lucy Carpenter rendered in
beautiful contralto voice than touching
poem, THE Singing in Gods Acre"
Following. Mrs. Field referred feel
ngly TO the closing scenes in the beau
1ful life OF the poet. The words OF
he poet himself" she said, ring sweet
IN otif ears tts we Think thar -;yerhapg, I
,e was glad indeed to rest after |
! life In which he gave himself so free |
y 10 others and communicated so much |
II sweetness and light to those around |
him. He said, Il am weary and will |
-est little while: lie thou there my pen
D pleasant dream calleth me away: 7
shall see those distant hills again. and
The homestead under the elms, the old
associations and the old infssssnce round
about me. and child shall lead me,
Md we shall go together thro' green
pastures and by still waters And. O,
NY pen, IL will be sprngtime again"
The speaker, in calling attention to
Eugene Fields place in American Lit
nature said, ut Is yet too early to de-
ide upon the place which Eugene Field
to hold in the history of American |
literature. but. by his inimitable vers-
s his tender insight into child life his
uaint expression of dainty fances. his
genuine sympathy with hu-
nan needs and failings, his gospel of
ood-cheer, these and kindred qualities
4 his life and labors. have made his
writings dear 20 many hearts and his I
'erses. said and sung by MANY voices
throughout Christendom
a recent magazine writer has said
mat Froebel and Dickens are the best
interpreters OF Chrast's ideals of child
hood. The philosophy of Froebel and
he stories Of Dickens are in perfect
harmony. To my thought this Is true
,ut would add an American name 10
ne list. that OF Eugene Field. poet
aureate Of childhood and the home.
hose verses for the little ones are as
weet and true In their teachings. and
sveal the same insight into childish
carts as do the words OF the father OF
ne kindergarten or the creator OF
Tiny Tim"
The lecturer dwelt at length upon {
ugene Fields love for children and !
stated many interesting facts illus ]
rative Of this beautiful side of the {