The Indianapolis journal., 1899-02-19
MRS. SEWALL'S REPORT
REFORMS SUGGESTED FOR THE Ma
TTONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN.
Resolution Opposing the Seating OF
POlygamist ROberts-ActiOn of
the Mothers Congress.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1S.-The feature OF
to-day's sessions of the National Council OF
Women was a prolonged discussion over
several resolutions against the seating of
Representative Roberts, of Utah, in Con-
gress When the forenoon session opened
Mrs May Wright Sewall, the retiring presi-
dent, presented her report and recommenda-
tions. Reviewing the enlargement of the
work of the council, she proceeded to out
line needed reforms Her report embraced
the following recommendations: The forma-
ton of a committee to classify and group
the titles of all women's organizations in
this country; the appointment of eight or
ten women at the head of the following de-
partments to constitute the cabinet of the
president of the council, viz: Religion. ed
ucation, civics and politics, economics and
industry, professional freedom, literature
and art, charity and philanthropy. the adj
mission of institutions as well as organiza-
tions to membership in the council, the
bringing of different women's and co-edu-
cational colleges into atfiliation with the ma
tional council, and creation of a committee
to consider this suggestion; the creation Of
committee for the study of the social and
domestic conditions of life in our newly
quired islands, with a view to seeing in
what way the women of the islands can be
aided by the council through their initiation
into American methods of organization for
mutual benefit for the public veal; the
sending of an engrossed letter from this
council to the Car of Russia, expressing
the appreciation sympathy and gratitude of
women for his disarmament initiative, and
an expression of sympathy towards the ma
tional committee in Great Britain having in
charge the organization of circles and So
1sa+ oF dc
armament.
Then followed the report of the resolu-
tions committee recommending the abolish
ment of the canteen system in army and
navy; deprecating war; requesting the
influence of President Mckinley to
STOP 6glIghtiing in in G1Ra against
poses; in favor of physical and industrial
general education, as we'll as mental and
the larger participation of women in the
work incidental to our colonial acquisitions.
With reference to Representative Roberts.
of Utah, majority and minority resolution
was reported. The majority report resolu-
ton follows:
Resolved, That the National Council of
Women of the United States stands for
the highest ideas of domestic and civic vir-
tue, well as for the observance of law III
all it's departments, both state and national;
therefore,
Resolved. That no person should be al
lowed to hold a place in any lawmaking
body of the Nation who is not law-abiding
citizen"
The minority resolution was stronger, cit
ing the binding effect of the Edmunds law,
and resolving that no person shall be al
lowed to hold a place in any lawmaking
body of the Nation who is not in this and in
all other matters a law-abiding citizen"
These resolutions have given rise to long
erng the one kind of OfenSe and affecting
other laW-breaking offenseS. The forenoon
session was adjourned without action
At this afternoons session the storm over
the Roberts issue was resumed. Miss Anna
Gordon, of Illinois, offered a substitute COM
promise resolution for the minority, omit
ting the words "Edmunds bil' 1t was
lost. Mrs. Zina Young Card, of Utah, said
that all the delegates wanted purity in the
family, but asked il they were able to in
vestigate the parentage of every child, and,
If not why should the National Council di-
rect attack on any individual.
Miss Sadie American, of Illinois, from the
National Council of Jewish Women, asked
why the council concerned itself about the
question.
Miss Susan B. Anthony then spoke. 1--WE
have laws" she said, in all our States to
punish men who violate the laws of monog-
amous marriage, but If we should go up to
Congress would we not find men there, who,
on investigation, would be punishable under
out to Utah to seek out man to punish?'
Rev. Anna Shaw, vice president, urged on
every woman to protest against this man.
Miss Susie Young Gates, Of Utah, protested
that 1t was cruel to force the Utah delegates
into a position not wished for and asked
charitable treatment for her people Il
would not dare" she protested, breaking
into tears. Ito speak to you in insincerity,
and I ask you to be charitable. l wanted to
bring you argument, but 1 see 1t can only
bring you emotion and sentiment"
Mrs. Ida NJ. Weaver, of Idaho said she
knew political conditions in Utah; that she
could see the political scheme underlying all
this excitement and urged the majority re-
port in justice to all.
The minority report was voted on by yeas
and nays, and lost-S1 to 16 On the majority
report, on the call for negatives, nobody
rose and the chair declared the resolution
carried-24 to O. This closed the fight and
all the remaining resolutions were then
adopted, save one restricting future resolu-
tiOns, which was deferred.
At this afternoons session Rev. F. Lau-
renee Hunt spoke on the duty of the State
In training children for citizenship, and this
evenings session was devoted to reports and
executive business. The congress will close
Monday,