Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-04-17
Our National Plejident.
BY Katharine Lente Stevenson.

Mrs. Stevens was born In Dover, Me-
and her home has always been within
the borders Of the old Pine Tree State
Like 50 many Of our leaders, her first
public work was in the schoolroom as
teacher. but she early left that sphere.
and at the age of q married Mr.. NJ
Stevens Of StrOudwater. a charming
little suburb OF Portland. Her hus-
band is in full accord with her prin-
ciples and life work. and is one Of the
most genial Of hosts to the multitude
Of her O-laborers who are entertained
In their charmingly hospitable New
England nome. Her only child. Mrs
Gertrude Stevens Leavitt, IL a young
woman Of great promise. an ardent
white ribbOner and one Of the State su-
perintendents in the Maine w. c. T. L..
Her sisterin-law, Mrs. Olive Hanson,
who is also. with her husband, d mem
Der OF Mrs. Stevens home. is likewise
devoted TO the interests Of the
Woman's Christian Temperance Union.
and IL a woman who brings things TO
pass with unfailing certainty The
old home. which has been for more
than a century in the Stevens family,
it-puHIs constantly " iit HluSlt VI
childrens voices. for. although Mrs.
stevens is prominently connected with
the child saving institutions Of her
State, she believes most ardently that
an institution can never be a substi-
tute for a home, and while she urges
her Maine women to open their doors
to Gods homeless little ones, she her
self sets them a most practical eX-
ample. Within the last Is years 10
children have at different times had a
home with her. two Of whom are at
present in her household.
Mrs. Stevens first met Miss Willard
a. Old Orchard Me-. in the summer of
1879. and there aided in the organiZa-
ton Of the State Woman's Christian
Temperance Union. of which she was
elected treasurer. She held that posi-
ton for three years, and then passed,
by the process of natural selection, to
the position Of president. To the latter
office she has been elected for the 21st
time. and in all those years but one
ballot has ever been east for another
candidate. Under her wise guidance.
the Maine w. G. Il. u. has come into
position of honor throughout the en-
tire state. Its membership in proper
ton to the population is very large,
one white ribboner to every 163 and
fraction of the population. and in no
other state have we seen greater rev.
erence for the organization exhibited
among ali classes.
In addition to her distinctive temper
ance work. Mrs. Stevens is well-known
in the other reform and philanthropic
enterprises of the State. She was one
Of the chief promoters of the Industrial
School for Girls. and it was through
her efforts largely that a woman su-
perintendent was appointed for this
school. She was Names choice for
the board of lady managers in the
Worlds Columbian Exposition. and
served in that board on most import
ant committees. She was for six years
treasurer of the National Council of
Women, and has filled many other
positions of responsibility and honor
But the Woman's Christian Temper
ance Union is her first and chief love
and to its interests she has devoted
herself with lavish generosity for "a
years.
Mrs. Stevens is woman of radical
principles, out conservative IN action
when conservatism may be trusted 10
accomplish more than radcalism. She
has always stood side by side with
Miss Willard in her most advanced
steps from the days of the suffrage
agitation until now. and yet so wise
and tactfui is she in the presentation
of advanced thought that she antag.
oniZeS very few. She is a woman of
strong affections. a devoted friend and
a wise counsellor. No .surer induces
can be given of her character than the
fact that animals always love her, as
she loves them, and that people in all
stations of life turn TO her involun-
tarily for advice. Perhaps she holds
more secrets of a personal nature than
any other one woman in her State, but
a secret in her hands is absolutely safe,
and her counsel is as wise as it is
kindly
The deep springs of her nature all set
toward God and righteousness She is
woman of profound religious con-
victions and deep spirituality. Perhaps
she may say less on these subjects
than some do, but those who know her
life best know how truly Christ is her
Master and Lord. and how every day
and hour of her life are given to hui
mainly for His service and I'm His
Name"