The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-02-17

In the most critical period Of the his
tory of the United States there was never
a hotter political campaign waged in
Washington than will be fought during
the coming week at the National Con-
gress of the Daughters of the American
Revolution, which will convene at the
Grand Opera House tomorrow Two
avowed candidates for the position of
president-general, whose supporters have
been actively working for months past.
are in the field. They are Mrs. Charles
w. Fairbanks, wife of Senator Fairbanks
of Indiana, and Mrs. Donald Mclean. of
Sew York. Mrs. Washington Roebling. of
New York, was a candidate until ye5ter-
day. when she withdrew.
At present the supporters of both can
didates are confidently asserting that
their candidate will be elected
Nearly all of the delegates had arrived
in the city last night and there was
scarcely a hotel in Washington which did
not contain a party. Conferences were
held by many State delegations, but the
sessions were, as rule, executive and the
proceedings were not made public.
Mrs. Mclean is making great efforts to
gain the victory. Recently she sent
lengthy personal appeals to many of the
Daughters In these she stated that she
is native of Maryland and snculd be
supported by the Daughters from The
South on that account.
1t was yesterday stated that Mrs. Fair
banks mad received assurances that the
Pennsylvania State delegation would vote
for her and that similar pledges would
soon be made by other State delegations.
The election does not occur until Thurs
day and in the interim there will be q
vast amount of lobbying and hard work
done by the supporters of both candidates.
Mrs. Fairbanks gave an afternoon re-
ception to the members of the society yes
terday, and hundreds took occasion to pay
tribute to this candidate and enjoy her
hospitality. Mrs Fairbanks was doubly
Interesting account Of her candidacy.
One Of the most important of the fea-
lures Of the coming convention viii be
three minute reports from each State Re-
gent. As a general rule the Daughters do
not thoroughly read the magazine which
is the official organ OF the society and
when they come to a convention they are
rot posted in what has been done in any
ether chapter. The present arrangement
is supposed to ohviate this defect.
During this convention a special effort
will be made tc get Congress to legis-
late in regard to the use of the American
flag The Daughters hold the flag too sa-
cred to be used as labels ON cigar boxes
and brands Of liquor.
Other matters OF consideration are the
reduction of dues for the National So
ciety and the Continental Hall fund. The
National Society will make firm stand
to have the dues kept as they are at pres
ent, as they stand all the expense for the
numerous badges and for the pro-
grammes and printed matter of the Soc
iety. The badges this year are gorgeous
affairs The president general and honor
airy vice presidents have white ribbons.
the delegates green. the alternates dark
blue, the press yellow. eX-ofiicers red,
ordinary members. lavender, State reg
ents white and red, the House Committee
blue. while the thirteen young women who
act as pages viii wear broad ribbon
sashes.
\ conference of the delegates from NeTf
York TO the Daughters of American Reyo-
luton congress was held last night ct the
Arlington behind closed doors. Nothing
buL routine business was transacted. Mrs
Samuel Verblanck. the State regent &c
New York. presided Over hundred dele
gates were present.
1t was rumored while the conference
was in progress that an attempt would be
made TO endorse one of the candidates
for president general. Mrs. Donald Nc
Lean. of New York. between whom and
Mrs. Fairbanks the position is conceded
to lie. was present at the conference. No
effort, however, was made TO endorse any
one.
One of the delegates from New York
said last night that although Mrs. Yer
blanck, the State Regent. was advocating
Mrs. Fairbanks candidacy she did not
represent the sentiment OF the New YORK
delegation. the majority of the members
Of which would probably support Mrs. Nc
Lean. Another conference will probably
be held on Monday, but the time and place
has not yet been decided upon.