New-York tribune., 1901-01-02
SOME EFFECTS OF CLUB LIFE.
OPINIONS EXPRESSED BY MRS. LOWE
AND OTHER WELL KNOWN
PRESIDENTS

AS far women concerned. the century just
past is acknowledged universally to be the most
important in the worlds history and not the least
significant feature is the women's club movement
The origin Of this movement may be traced back
20 the first decade Of the nineteenth century, when
women in the churches organized for the purpose
Of procuring funds for mission work. These. how
ever were largely controlled by men. In 1864 the
first independent society OF women missionary
workers was formed in New-York. and that the
Missionary Union.' still manages its affairs
without aid or interference from men, even sending
out its own missionaries both men and women
u not. however. until the increase in edu-
eational facilities for women struck new note in
women's life that organization for purposes other
than religious charitable became possible In
1868 Sorosis, the first club composed exclusively OF
women. was formed in New-York, with Alice Cary
the first president; Jennie c Croly vice-presi-
dent: Kate Field. corresponding secretary, and
Charlotte B. Wilbour, recording secretary and
treasurer. To-day the number of women's clubs IN
this country is in the thousands. and many have
been formed in other parts of the world
What prominent women think of the club and its
influence upon the women of to-day is of interest
just now, when all eyes are turned toward the
future. wondering what are its possibilities and
how 20 unfold them. Mrs. Rebecca d. Lowe
president Of the General Federation goes SO far as
TO assert that clubs have brought to hosts of
women Joy out of sorrow. light out Of darkness,
and hope and courage out of despair and fear.
In recent interview with a Tribune reporter she
kelQ- AS 10 the Disadvantages or cluD life for
women, find it difficult TO discriminate. because
in all affairs OF life what we call good and evil
seem inextricably mixed.
Il recall the story Of the enthusiastic youth who
started out with keen blade 10 slay evil On his
righteous way he found much use for his steel,
but CHANGING to look behind him he discovered
that with the evil he had slain the good.
I am convinced that in the main the club move
nent has worked for good TO a large majority Of
It's members"
Mre % sba No
uonal Society Of New-England Women. declares
that club life makes women systematic. and for
mat reason is an advantage to them in all
walks OF life She finds only Disadvantage
5nat St letting tit she club take the first place in
anq home duties should always take precedence
Mrs. cornelia Stewart Robinson, president OF the
west End Woman's Republican Association, says:
because mental development is necessary TO
progress and because association is a means TO
mental oevslopment ! conclude that club life is
greater attractiveness Of the home '
MIS-. Elizabeth Cady Stanton thinks that club life
teaches them" she says. Ito organize meetings.
lois; uons; ano tnis IS vast improvement on euchre
parties and fashionable receptions. Let them now
eoc1ai 20 Al stnies, and SO exert benefcent influence
ne Society for Political Study that the effect of
vEoen 1ie ggeos qpon the woman That to most
sncn membership Involves is a test of character
and broader. A small woman soon shows ''i1r her
fH,naiiness IN IS ana the lowness Of her aims As in
NE, so IN clubs. The nftest survives a woman
must conquer her tendency a personal view
enc must act and exert her influence not for the
inolVlouai put for the good of se club she will
lose any influence she may appear TO possess. Club
ne IS teacnlng women this and each year shows
an advance IN this direction. The tendency TO be-
long 20 an indefinite number OF clubs is hope
passing away, and women are learning 10 decide
what lines OF work best fitted for their Der-
are IN touch with those lines
,a. s.rs- Jasper Cairns: Of the New-England So
sloo llfe IS liable to be overdone little of ii for
tle purpose Of study relaxation can he made
ol lnhnite value In bringing into lonely disaD-
PSS.nssed OF weary Hives a strong mental and
z.7s .7lrs a ~ Palmer. president Of the Professional
eo Slaahs @ league says; Il think club life broad
one another" 'NNhA A'e'aei'S "A
@-tss bianche A. Kittle. president OF the Daugh-
80 oI Lafayette Post. believes that club life
psDasntsshs women, because narrow views are Inn
ing views ' P~OP'S Vi vary