The Washington times., 1902-01-09
MAY ABOLISH
CELEBRATION.
D. A. R. Society FavOrS a
New Move.
NO MORE PUBLIC FUNCTIONS.
National Organization Would Do
Away With Ceremonies Attending
Festivities on Natal Day of the
Father of His COuntr!-Pass "a
Resolution.

As matters now stand it appears as if
The National Society Daughters of the
American Revolution, which is scheduled
TO meet in this city next month in its
eleventh annual convention. were not
going TO celebrate Washingtons Birthday
in the same festive manner as this patri-
otic society was wont to do every year
since it was organized.
The reason for this apparently un-
patriotic action lies in a resolution which
was passed by the last Continental Con-
gress, doing away with the ceremonies on
the natal day OF the father of his Coun-
try. The resolution is as follows:
Adopt Resolutions.
Resolved, That this Congress instruct
the programme committee for the Con-
gress of 1902 that no commemorative cere-
monies be arranged for February 90. A
mention by the chair of the birthday of the
Father of his Country while the congress
stands in respectful attention is all that
is necessary. The discussions and actions
of the Daughters of the American Revo-
luton, in congress assembled, leading to
the development of the patriotic purposes
of our society is the best tribute We can
pay the memory of Washington
This resolution has created considerable
discussion among the Daughters, and it is
reported that there are many members
of the society who argue that by dispens-
ing with the exercises, the Daughters,
who are supposed to teach patriotism,
,ha
at large and are not true to their prin-
ciples- They claim that article OF the
constitution of the society compels them
10 observe Washington's Birthday. as it
says that the objects of the society are:
To perpetuate the memory of the spirit
of the men and women who achieved
American independence by the
anniversaries
Reason for Change.
Those who request the retention OF the
ceremonies claim that the doing away
with or voting out of existence of prop
er celebration of Washington's Birthday
is by no means promoting patriotic ami
versaries. 1t is further claimed that
those who voted for cutting out The cX-
ercises did so purely for mercenary rea-
sons. SO as to get back to their homes in
time. A strong effort will be made, il
Is said. at the coming congress to make
the Washington celebration again part
of the regular programme.
This is not all, however. So far as can
be ascertained. the Daughters seem TO in
tend to conduct their annual congress
without a semblance OF public social
functions. 1t was stated al headquar-
tiers yesterday that the board of trustees
of the Corcoran Gallery of Art have not
yet invited the Daughters to a private
view of the gallery this year. as they
have done every year while the CONT
mental Congress was in session.
Unless the invitation be received at
an early date, the Daughters will either
do without the usual reception or will
engage the banquet hall of one of the
leading hotels in this city for the pur-
pose The matter is under discussion and
Will again be brought up at today's meet
ing of the board of national management
Arrange Programme.
Yesterday all matters relating to the
next annual Continental Congress were
discussed at a meeting of the national
board of management, which was held at
the headquarters of the society. 9e2 F
Street northwest, Mrs. Charles w Fair
banks, the president general. in the chair.
After the reading OF reports of officers
and transaction OF routine business the
programme for the eleventh Continental
Congress, which is to be held at Chase's
Grand Opera House during the week COM
menclng February IL, was discussed. Dur
ing the meeting the hope was expressed
that the new Continental Hall will be far
enough advanced to enable the society
TO hold its annual convention next wear
in its own home.
The following draft of a programme
was submitted, which is subject to
changes at the meeting OF the manage
ment today:
The board recommends to the general
society that there be two sessions of the
Continental Congress daily: one from 10
a. m 10 or p. m, with recess from
1880 to o'clock for lunch the other ses-
sion to be from to 10 p. M. and it was
also recommended TO strictly enforce The
rule of permitting only members on the
hoor OF the house during the sessions.
on Monday, February II, D. m, ths
congress will be called to order by the
president general Mrs. Charles W. Fair
banks, which will be followed by PRAYER
by the chaplain general of the society.
AIRS. William A. Smoot. music, address
of welcome by Mrs. Fairbanks. and re-
sponse thereto by one of the State re-
gents
Report of Committees.
The following days meeting will be
devoted to the report of the oredentIaI !
committee, roll call OF delegates. re- |
port of programme committee and the |
reports of the national officers.
Wednesday. February ~, the report of |
The committee on recommendations of |
national officers will be heard considera- |
tion of the amendments to the Constitt.- |
tion and bylaws, and report OF the com !
mittee on ways and means.
On the day following. Thursday. Feb
ruary 20. the election of nine vice presi- |
dents-general will take place to fill the
vacancies created by the expiration OF
their terms OF Mrs. William Parker Jew
EFT. Minnesota; Mrs. John A. T. Hull,
iowa; Mrs. Washington A. Roebling. New
Jeraey; Mrs. Jay Osborne Moss. Ohio;
Mrs. Julius c. Burrows, Michigan: Mrs.
Albert II. Tuttla. Virginia. Mrs. ].
Heron Crosman, New York; Mrs. James
d. Wynkoop, New York; Mrs. S. b. c.
Morgan. Georgia.
On Friday, February q, the announce
ment of the election of State regents
will take place; the report of the Cont
mental Hall committee will be received
and discussed. and the report of the com
mittees on revolutionary relics and on