The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-01-15
THE WORK OF WOMEN.
Miss Helen GouId's Interesting Talk
at Secretary Roots Home.


Miss Helen Gould spoke in the interest
OF the International Women's Auxiliary
of the Young Mems Christian Association
at meeting held at the home Of Secre-
tary Root yesterday morning. Cards had
been issued for the occasion and about loo
of those interested in this work of charity
assembled at this residence at II O'Clock
Mrs. Root was absent, but in her absence,
Miss Root was assisted in receiving by
Mrs. Gage, who acted rs the hostess of
the occasion. Secretary Root was ably
seconded by Secretary Long, who is also
greatly in sympathy with this work The
first part Of the morning was devoted to
talks along the. Line of the subject in hand.
After the various discussions there was
a general reception, as Miss Gould was
glad to take by the hand every one who
had come to listen.
The exercises were In charge of General
Bird. This presiding officer was intro
duced by Secretary Root in his own happy
way. General Bird briefly told of the work
done on shipboard and in Manila by the Y
NJ C. A. In closing, General Bird introduce
ed Mr.. ". B. Miliar, the International Sec
rotary of this association. Mr.. Millar ex-
planned what was being done and what
had been done along the lines of work
He interested his hearers in accounts of
Improvements made in the condition of
soldiers, during the Spanish war, attribut-
ing to the association the facilities for
writing home, 5000, coo pieces of station
airy, with an accompanying five barrels
of ink for each million pieces, the swim
ming tanks, the games, the reading rooms
with their daily papers, and libraries.
One feature that he dwelt on. was the use
made OF the organ provided; he told how
some one would sit down and start some
familiar song. and it would be taken up
until all over camp the thousands of
voices would join in the song. He told of
the building erected at Governors Island
and explained the need of just such
building at at least 100 other stations in
the Union. The work OF this organization
in the army and navy in the last year has
cost s5O,00O, most of 1t contributed
through the philanthropy and patriotism
of women.
Interest centered in Miss Gould. 1t
was the first time that many had met this
noble woman, and many were surprised to
find her gentle, retiring, soft voiced, lit
tie person. She wore a small hat of black
velvet with single cream colored ostrich
feather. Her black silk gown which fitted
tightly was relieved by slashing, which
disclosed a foundation of cream lace about
the throat and yoke. Her voice was mel
low and agreeable, as she addressed the
assemblage in an informal way. She told
how she became interested in the work
for the soldiers, during the Spanish war
through the International Relief Asso-
citation, referring to the way in which
those unaccustomed to such things had
even sewed for the sufferers. Later Sec
rotary Long said, "he did not know Just
all about Miss Gould's ability at sewing,
but he thought she had sowed pretty well,
as the reaping showed
When the international relief work WAS
over Miss Gould said she deter
mined TO turn her efforts along the line
of Y NJ. c. A. This she was espe-
cially glad to do, as it took in the rail-
road men and they were railroad people
Then this work took in first the soldiers
and later the sailors She then told of
the home she had established just outside
Of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, but was too
modest 10 explain that this was her own
charity.
Miss Gould gave an interesting resume
u the work accomplished at the home
Having thoroughly explained the ad-
of such home she de- |
scribed the new building which was be-
ing erected to accommodate at least $50 |
men with lodgings. Miss Gould clearly |
showed what an advantage it would be TO |
have such home at every military sta
ton.
When Miss Gould had finished an op- |
portunity was given for all interested TO |
oil In the cards for membership to the or |
Among those present were: Mrs. Sheri- |
ian. Mrs. Sternberg, Mrs. Russell Harri- |
son, Mrs. Elkins. Mrs. Logan, Mrs. Chan
Her, Mrs. Goodloe. Commissioner and Mrs.
Miss Kean, Mrs. Mum, Mrs |
Mrs. Hill, Mrs. ]. Dormer |
Steele. Mrs. d. b. Henderson, Mrs. ]. B. |
henderson, Mrs. Henry Wells, Mrs. Simon
Iewconb, Mrs. John b. White, Rear Ad-
niral and Mrs. Higginson. Rear Admiral
md Mrs. Watson. Mrs. Crowninshield,
Mrs. Richards, Mrs. Hale, Mrs. Hugh |
Miss Ella Lorraine Dorsey, Mrs.
Arthur Lee, Mrs. K. VI. G. Brown. Mrs.
Moore, Mrs Archibald Hopkins, Mrs Hal
ord Miss Patten