The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-12-07

The Ninth Annual Convention of the U. D. C. Closed in the Washington Ar tillery Hall at New Orleans, on Novem- ber IS. at F m. This session closed one of the most brilliant conventions in the history of the Association. the enthusi- asm and deep interest which was man. ifested to the last moment. plainly re- futed any charge of those on the outside who are uninterested in the cause that "the interest and patriotism is on me wane.''
 As e member of the Alabama Delega- ton, I wish for an abundant flow Of words, such as would touch with fire my pen and give me the power in this hum ble account of the Convention to inspire with zeal and love for the cause every Southern woman in this State to be an active member of the Alabama Division. The Convention was composed of band of noble Southern. women. deeply inter- ested in all the work that pertains to the Confederacy, and the paramount mo- tive that prompted every action was the sacred cause for which so many heroes of the South gave up their lives
 From the beginning to the end, the de- Alterations of the Convention were be- fitting the loyal dignity of true Southern womanhood. At times the question be- fore the Convention was of such import ance that many would stand upon the floor at once to speak, and for mo- ment their eager interest would cause pandemonium to reign, but with the heavy strokes of the Presidents gavel quiet would soon prevail. and the ques- ton of so much interest would soon be decided with wisdom and justice.
 With many proxies sent the President of this Division before her departure for the Convention, came the urgent request Please work for more days for the de- livery of the Southern Cross of Honor" This request the President heartily en- dorsed In a called meeting of the State Presidents the afternoon before the open- ing of the Convention on Wednesday. 1t was clearly seen that many other presi- dents came with similar requests. When the report of the Cross of Honor Com mittee. with Miss Rutherford of Geor- gia, as Chairman, was read, 1t proved that they had made a careful study Of the question, not only as it touched one State. but all the States, and they re- commended that the Convention still hold to the three memorial days, Lees and Daviss birthdays, January 1S and June 4th and Memorial Day, with one other date appointed by each State President to fill the long interval from June 4th to January 18th, that will be most suitable
 
 given by this committee to sustain it's recommendations were clear and indis- putable. After a lengthy discussion this report and it's recommendations were ac- cepted overwhelmingly. and possibly with no contrary votes at all. We suppose the time is not so short before the next Memorial Day, January 18th. that the Alabama Division will not desire the ap- pointment of this extra date; but should such be the desire of any of the Chap ters the President of the Division will be glad to hear from them, giving the date most desired. and It will be her pleasure to appoint the date best suited to the majority.
 Several proxies were sent with the re- quest to vote for the South Carolina amendment, for the biennial meetings. Right here an explanation is necessary to those Chapters, because Alabama's vote was cast solid for the annual meet ings. Long before the amendments were brought before the convention, 1t was clearly seen that this amendment for the biennial was defeated by an overwhelm- ing majority.
 South Carolina's President Mrs. Con- ner, said to a party of friends. "Oh. see our amendment for biennial meetings was a few years too soon' All delegates present were going to vote for the annual meetings, hence the President decided, as those votes instructed for biennial meetings were so largely in the minor ity. that it would be wise to change and make Alabama's vote solid on this Ques- tion. feeling that if the Chapter was rep resented by a delegate she would cast the vote likewise.
 The Convention honored itself in elect ing with great enthusiasm, Mrs. Vir- ginia Clay-Clopton, Honorary Life Pres ident, one to whom Alabama delights to pay honor and reverence.
 Alabama contributed $lO to the collec- tion for the Bull Run Monument.
 Nearly 5000 was raised for the Jeffer son Davis Monument to add to the $i5. s3s.F already in. the treasury. of which $33, 900 has been raised by the Daugh- ters of the Confederacy in the last three years.
 The social side of the Convention was not to he surpassed. and was fully equal to the royal Southern hospitality for which New Orleans is so famous.
 We would call the attention of the Daughters of the Alabama Division to an erroneous impression that has gone out in regard to the power of the Com mittee on Organization of Chapters. This Committee was formed with the para mount idea of its being of most valuable assistance to the President, in promoting the growth of me nbership and number of Chapters throughout the State. believing that more effectual work could be ac- S.omplished, when the organizing of Chapters was made the special duty of a committee, when that committee was se- lected from different localities in the State.
 The excellent. untiring and enthusiastic members who compose this Committee will no doubt be much surprised to find ! that the impression has gone abroad that l all power for organizing Chapters had [ been delegated to them.
 The ladies of this Committee hold the [ interests of the Alaba ma Division first | in their hearts. and they will rejoice to greet and give the cordial hand of fel- | lowship to any Chapter organized by the or the individual member.
 Let this be a correction of this mis- taken idea; the Committee is faithfully at work and we hope lt our next Con