The courier. (Lincoln, Neb.) 1894-1903, 1899-03-04
CLUBS.
LOUISA l. RICK FITS.

The third National Congress OF Moth
ers which convened in Washington Feb
ruary IA, Is, 16 and II, was. in spite OF
the heavy snow aed severe storm, one OF
great interest and one of the most nota-
bic in the history of the movement.
Nearly all the railroads throughout the
east were b.ockaded, many delegates
were thus prevented from reaching the
city at all, while others we're delayed
Owing to weather conditions the open-
ing session was delayed until the 10th,
and even on that day Washington was
visited with rain storm which con-
verted the deep snow into sea OF slush.
The president, Mrs. Theodore w. Br-
ney, called the congress together and ut
her request the audience bowed their
heads in silent prayer. Then followed
the opening address Of the president, in
the course Of which she said:
With an unalterable conviction that
in the home lies the only solution to the
problems which confront the world to-
day, we have striven to reach the moth.
ers of our land, and through them the
fathers, because it is they who have in
their possession the priceless material
Of which future civilization will be
wrought. Are they building of stone or
sandY That should be the question OF
most consequence before the world, and
yet is it so regarded?
Reorganization is one OF the greatest
powers OF the world today. 1t is very
important that all branches OF the child
study movement, which is a compare
lively new one, shall be closely banded
together for the advance of the cause. In
no way except by union and co 1cer ted
action, can it be successfully demon
strated that in training mothers we most
truly help the children and protect So
ciety from countless social, civic and
moral evils. Such union will greatly in.
crease the efficiency and Importance Of
the individual club; the stronger clubs
will have the pleasure OF widening their
influence by service to the weaker; the
weaker clubs will feel the stimulating
contact with the stronger"
The membership in the congress con-
sists Of members Of mothers clubs and
homemakers' clubs. associate members,
life members, contributors, benefactors
and utilization clubs. Nineteen organi.
cations have paid their dues and come
into the congress as members during the
past year.
The National Congress OF Mothers
keeps headquarters in Washington dur
ing the entire year, where those inter.
ested in this great work will receive all
possible assistance; address, Mothers
Congress, Washington, ID. c., Loan and
Trust building They have put maty
helpful things in circular form which
they send to clubs or organizations
affiliated with them. Their great desire
is to waken public sentiment to a recog.
milton Of the responsibilities of parents
and to their need Of training to properly
discharge these responsibilities.
They have no official organ for as Mrs.
Blrney says: I'VE have almost the en-
tire press Of the country as champions
OF this movement" 1t is the hope of the
congress. however, to establish publ
cation which will be kind OF quarterly
review, but it will be confined strictly to
the progress OF the movement through.
out this country and the world.
The amount Of work accomplished in
the two years existence OF the congress
is wonderful. In Chicago, in New York
city, in Philadelphia, Boston, San Fran