The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-02-16

I gan to fill with an audience of representa-
tive men and women long before the hour
set for the commencement of a public
meeting in honor of the eightieth birth
day of Miss Susan p. Anthony, the hon
orary President of the National American
Woman Suffrage Association. Many we'll
known and prominent divines. prominent
officials, and business men could be seen
scattered throughout the vast auditorium.
The stage was tastefully and artistically
adorned with roses and carnations. The
four starred banner of the association oc-
cupied prominent place, being artistical-
ly draped over table which occupied the
centre of the stage, containing vase of
cut flowers.
The meeting was opened by selections
by the Yundt Ladies' Mandolin and Guitar
Club. Loud applause greeted Miss An
thony and Mrs. Gait as they came upon
the stage and faced the vast audience.
Mrs Gait, the new President of the asso-
citation. called the meeting to order with
slight rap, and made a short address of
welcome, saying that the pioneers of the
movement had ',esn invited to be present
on the platform. Mrs Gait introduced
John Hutchinson. the last member of the
famous family of singers, who. Mrs. Gait
said, "has always been singing for re-
form"
Mr. Hutchinson made a few remarks,
expressing his sympathy with the suf-
frage cause. and then rendered a song
which lie had composed especially for the
occasion. Mr. Hutchinson was loudly ap-
plauded.
Mrs. Theodore Weld Birney was to have
offered the greetings of the National Con-
gress of Mothers. but was prevented from
being present by reason of Illness.
The firsk speaker was Fannie Hum
phreys Gaifney. of New York, President
| of the National Council of Women. Mrs.
Gaffney. who brought greetings from her
association. said that the voice Of Susan
B. Anthony and her followers will drown
| the weak criticisms of the remonstrants
| and of man.
Mrs. Mary Wright .Sewall. OF Indiana
polls, President Of the international Coun-
Gil of Women. followed Mrs. Gaffney in a
happy address. t@N7't
Next in order were greetings from the
professions. Rev. Ida c. Muffin, for the
ministry. made stirring address, which
made a profound impression.
Diana Hirschler. OF Pennsylvania. made
an address OF greeting from those women
who are engaged In the practice of law
Her address was witty, strong, pathetic,
and logical and was well received.
Joseph II. Douglass. grandson Of Fred
erick Douglass. was next introduced. He
rendered violin solo-"H Hungarian Rhap-
sodie." by Nansen Mr.. Douglass displayed
wonderful technique interpreting in
mastery manner the wild flights of the
nf ho ~ of ha HIM paria
pussta.
In the name of the Business Women of
the United States Mrs. Lillian NJ Hol-
lister Supreme Commander OF the Ladies
OF the Maccabees, brought greetings. Mrs.
Coralie Franklin Cook brought greetings
from the colored women in this country
She was followed by Ellen Powell ThOmp-
son. who spoke for the District Equal SUI
frage Association. and offered their greet
ings and purse OF $50.
Next in order were greetings from the
enfranchsed States. Wyoming was repre-
scented by Helen NJ. Warren. who
read a poem and presented Miss Anthony
with small United States flag set with
diamonds She was followed by Virginia
Morrison Shafroth. of Colorado, who pre-
sented a silver loving cup to Miss An
thony; Emily s. Richards of Utah; Nell
G.. Woods. of Idaho. who presented a book
containing birthday greetings and photo
graphs from the suffragists of Idaho.
Musical selections by Leo Weight followed
the addresses of greetings Mr.. Weights
selections of American airs on the violin
mandolin. and banjo elected loud and long
applause.
The striking scene of the afternoon was
when eighty little boys and girls passed
the stage. each depositing a rose in Miss
AuthOny's lap. denoting. as Mrs. Gait said.
eighty rosy years.
Lydia Avery Coonley Ward. OF Chicago.
read poem. entitled Loves Rosary"
dedicated to Susan B. Anthony. February
Is. 1S20-1900.
Mrs. Harriet Stanton Blatch was next
introduced by President Gait. Mrs. Blatch
addressed herself to Susan b. Anthony
bringing greetings from Miss Anthony's
co-worker, Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Mrs.
Blatch's offering was gracousiy accepted
by Miss Anthony
from the National American Woman Suf-
frage Association. Mrs. Gait. introducing
her likened her to Demosthenes, aud said
that when he addressed the Grecians they
forgot his beautiful eloquence. but wanted
TO fight the Persians. Rev. Anna Shaw's
eloquent address caused many women to
weep and was received VITA storms OF ap-
plause
Miss Susan b. Anthony. with tears in
her eyes rose. and with her the audience,
waving handkerchiefs, she said: There
is no chance for me to say a word but I
must. What has been said today has
touched my heart more than all the coin
OF silver and gold which I have been re-
ceiving Nothing has touched me SC deep
ly as the words from that woman whose
face is of darker hue. Nothing speaks
SO strongly for freedom, for liberty in this
nation as members and descendants of that
great agony. who were unable to secure edu-
cation. right. and development. am glad
that we are coming TO the condition very
soon. when not only every man. but almost
every woman who can speak, read, and
write the English language can also vote
the same as man. Miss Anthony ex-
pressed her thanks for the many good
wishes and gifts offered her on the occa-
sion OF her eighticth birthday.
Mrs. Gait made short address. closing
the meeting. Miss Anthony and the pion-
GERS OF the association held au informal re-
ception on the stage after the close OF the
meeting.
The Corcoran Art Gallery opened its
doors last night at S o'clock. the date hav
ing been chosen by the board OF trustees |
complimentary to the National American
Woman Suffrage Association.
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