The courier. (Lincoln, Neb.) 1894-1903, 1899-03-11


There seems to be difference OF opin.
ion among the members OF the city fed
Grafton OF Columbus how to best use the
power which such an organization rep
resents. Their board of directors, con
sisting Of the president OF the clubs be
longing, have the power to dictate the
policy OF the federation and 10 a very
conservative manner decided for the
present to work along certain lines OF
education and reform. Phases OF these
subjects were the topics for discussion
at this meeting. Definite practical &C.
ton was taken at the close Of each dis
cussion, whereby the two hundred and
fifty GLIB women present pledged them
selves to give hearty enthusiastic sup
port to the work suggested by the board
Of directors.
Miss Carrie Shoemaker, principal Of
one Of the city schools. opened the fret
subject for discussion. "Art in the Pub
lie Schools" She made an earnest plea
for pictures in the school room, saying:
"Tho four walls that bound the horizon
Of our pupils foe 30 many years have
their silent influence over I'LL who come
to live within them. Well selected pic.
lures upon tinted walls open new vistas
Of delight to the child" DIR. Standish,
OF Boston, the celebrated specialist, was
quoted as to the Injurious effects OF
white walls upon the eyesight OF the
child. Miss Shoemaker's practical re
marks were followed by discussion
after which rising vote, which was
unanimous, was taken as to how many
present were in sympathy with the
movem. MT to b. tier the art influence OF
the schools.
The next subject discussed as "Drese
Reform which was presented by Mrs.
Gordy in witty and original man.
ner. The dangers and discomforts OF
the long skirt were enlarged upon and
the statement made that any woman
who really does anything for the world
must wear mans costume. Twc-legged
animals should wear two.legged gar
mente, knickerbockere, in fact. Mrs.
Gordy admitted that she would be a
brave and courage Gus woman who defied
public opinion to this extent, and sim
gle woman could not be expected to
make this sacrifice; but there is strength
in multitude, and the hope Of the
future lies IN organization.
This paper was followed with lively
discussion. One conservative lady clos.
Ing it by expressing'a belief that nearly
all necessary thiogs are brought about ia
time, 30 that the burning question Of
suitable dless will probably te settled
without any great social upheaval, such
as would be caused by wearing. knicker
bockers. OF course no such outrage
on conventio nality WAS conteml late BY
} the federation, but the wearing OF req
sonably short skirt in bad weather /,
. within the reach OF every woman as I
matter OF convenience and health, with
out causing any remark or notice. A
, rising vote was called for and about two
hundred woman pledged themselves t
wear the rainy day skirt. We Can onl!
, express hope that this action of thu
= city federation OF Columbus, O., ma,
, become contagious throughout III
length and breadth Of the land.
: A delightful luncheon was served t
the ladies in the large dining room o
I the hotel. "Over three hundred intelli
Y gent, cultured, well.die ssed women ga
t down to luncheon together" Thei
o bonnets were on straight. their skirt
hung beautifully and t.ere was not