New-York tribune., 1900-08-02
" DISTRICT" FEDERATION.
A BODY OF CLUB WOMEN ENGAGED IN
WORTH WHILE WORK"

The District Of Columbia Federation of Womea's
Clubs differs from all other euxiliaries OF the Ma
ronal Federation IN that Il IS In itself both q
State and city federation AS q rule State fed
srations can convene bur once year and onIy on
that occasion representatives Of affiliated clubs
meet IN deberation but in the District all this is
ci1erent While its federation has al the powers
and privileges conferred any State federation.
The fact that il is IN limited area makes II pos
si6le for the clubs comprising II 10 meet once
month. instead OF once year, and this is done
with The result that such constant concerted action
brings about many reforms and improvements in
municipal affairs. The District Federation makes
its appeals TO Congress instead OF TO some State
legislature and necessarily is the only federation
which comes in contact with the National legts-
Iato-s-
These unique privileges enjoyed BY the District
Federation have helped in 10 small measure 70
build IL Up 70 remarkable degree Of efficiency n
putting through whatever Il takes up as a special
work for the year. Many Of the best features OF
municipal life IN Washington may be Justly pointed
out as having been pushed 10 adoption through the
concerted effort Of the members Of the federation
Just now progressive women Of the capital city
are rejoicing ever The fact that yesterday there
opened z house Of detention for women and
children prisoners, which is be under the super
vision Of police uarrons. " hile the federation is
modest about claiming the credit for this advanced
step in the right direction and while Il is true
hat the Dill upon which the appropriation las
granted The presented 10 Congress by
Major Sylvester head Of the District police force,
EeL every one opinion LI4dl II ---0
constant agitation and urging Of the Of the
federation. their Uuceasiug advocacy OF such a
measure and their convincing arguments before
members OF the District and Appropriations Gem
-1ltree that brought the bill 10 the fore and made
the longed for separate prison for women and chill
dren an assured fact The head Of the police force
fully appreciates the help this BODY Of women
has been 70 him and is always glad 20 receive -hcr
suggestions and anxious for their cooperation
NEW HOUSE OF DETENTION.
VII be called, is 10 furnish real home for women
and children pending their trials Congress has
made only e small appropriation for the purpose,
bur II Is = fine beginning An old fashioned but
comfortable and commodious house in the central
part Of the city has been hired and fitted out with
every sanitary convenience "Repeaters," the police
Term for ole offenders viii not be placed thers-
II VIII be q refuge for women who have COM
ri-ted their first offence, OF those who are more
unfortunate than criminal even though their
offences number severaD. and for children. The
house will be IN charge Of three police matrons,
vii relieve each other every eight hours.
Everything will be done for the material comfort
o. the inmates, and al means tried 10 improve
their condition and wiz them 10 better things dur
ing their Incarceration Their attorneys and friends
vii have access 10 them at al times; OF course,
conDylng WITH certein "a II rltes @I1is1 VIII nav - s
re Tse-~fcF F-edersfi0n mas tried for years 10
have the number Of police matrons IN the city IN
creased but now that all women and children VII!
BE- conveyed 70 the House OF Detention instead Of
70 he dIHerent police stations, the need for this
L great three VIII De able, al
least present. 10 manage The INSTITUTION
very comfortably. The adoption Of such q hoIse
should stimulate in other cities 70 WoTA LOT
Ike purpose. The women OF Washlngto9In ats
drn n the BELIEF and il is shared by police ofciaIs
that when IN smooth working order tnls mouse
vii z potent means Of minimizing oHehces
y among women aIC illiQFeLll... ,.
Last winter was a busy season with the D-sCrlct
Federation. addition 70 It's interest," II -iI
the approximation for the House OF Detenllol' -
made Z great EFFORT TO secure veSuOuies on a,
motor cars for the protection OF the noTcI1ie t1I0
7 speaks volumes for the influence OF ne Iii
rhar spite OF the strongest opposlIloh IhS OAii
which II advocated passed both houses
PRACTICAL, WORK OF THE FEDERATlON-
The federation gives largely in practical PM
lsnthropy Il raised q fund last year 70 feed "ho
cothe destitute children who wished 10 atteha
school Many of The children would come TO schooi
having had 10 breakfast and with no prospects OF
tcnchecu. but through the feceratioa I4tL
clothed
This body q women has a reserve "oIk' -
Ehch gives constant time and attention, n a.
cirion 70 !ts sneci6c performances, the estaDIls-
le1t o. the postal savings bank system ~
Defsllp IS thoroughly convinced OF tle oe- o,eS
and utility of this system and Il is IN constant
Win TIE nnen who are forcing II 10 the from -
4elegates 70 the recent biennial az ~ Ggya
seTec the convention their Work along ms
shc urged uDon declarations everywhere ne =
NAT might be accomplished II they Woul1 81 49,
ststen intelligent consideration ana supper Z
The federation president ATs; 70 =
Kent, wife Of one Of Washingtons oiVlnes, ana q
woman Of exceptional executive abiity MIS-
serving her second term and was D9tI tI.,9,,I1,y
Eectec by acclanatfon. having WoIAeu 49, t5s
- vice president and IN other capaclIle5 HFs-v
ssefaLon since its organization, II L''1' D -