The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-08-05
WOMEN IN COUNCIL.
Reports from International Meeting
Held at Copenhagen.

Held at Copenhagen.
Copenhagen Letter in Brooklyn Eagle
The absence of the president, Mrs. May
Wright Sewall, and the vice president, Lady
Aberdeen, threw a grave responsibility on
the shoulders Of the Danish council presi-
dent, Froken Henri Forchhammer. And
seldom was a sudden task undertaken with
more tact and skill. Women who came
from every quarter of the globe with di-
vergent views and aims-strangers, most
of them, TO each other-gradually came to-
gether in sympathy and real affection until
the utmost harmony prevailed The ques-
ton Of making yearly date for holding
demonstration meetings in all the councils
in behalf of peace and arbitration precipi-
tated long discussion in the executive
Holland was strongly in favor of the idea,
while the United States stated that they
always could hold meetings on the subject
as the distinction was clearly seen in Amer
lea between the propagation of peace and
criticism of the government which might
at the time be engaged in war. But the
English and Canadian voice was opposed TO
SUCH methods in their own countries. While
they still held to the ideal set up at the
London quinquennial, it was deem9d in
eXpedient to engage in any public demon
STATIONS at the present time. Sweden was
very emphatic in her refusal TO undertake
any such work.
The resignation of Mrs. Ida Hustled Harp
er, the chairman OF the press committee,
was regretfully accepted. Mrs. Harper's
efnclent labOrS were the subject of many
commendatory remarks. Her successor was
appointed-Mrs. Emily Willoughby Cum
mings, a well-known Canadian Journalist
and council worker. Mrs Cummings has
been recognized force in the Canadian
council since its inception in 1893. She has
been engaged on the Toronto Globe for
number of years and is, as well, writer for
other periodicals. She was a delegate to
the council sessions in the United States
several times.
The financial balance of the council is
very satisfactory, owing chiefly TO the in
terest Oh the president, who has secured
eleven new patrons all in the United
States, within the past year. 1t will be
very easy TO obtain the large sums of
money necessary to carry on the Berlin
congress, and quinquennial, for Germany
undertakes to manage its own congress,
oHerlnS helping hand 10 the council in
IN the arrangement and management of its
less exacting business meetings. The plans
submitted by Frau Stritt, the president of
the German council, for the Berlin con-
gresS, conceded exactly with the sugges-
lions given by the president. Great COM
mittees will be formed in every nation,
topics Will be most carefully selected and
! the ableSt opponents of modern thought
on all sociological subjects will be invited
| to place on the programme.
II ID dH open question Nnetnef the next
executive meeting will convene in Dresden
! or Berlin. Fraulein Lange, who is a most
! influential German woman and is likewise
| treasurer of the council would like the
meeting held in her own city, Berlin. But
| the president Frau Stritt, lives in Dresden
! and naturally would give the preference to
her own city. The matter will be decided
| by the president of the council, Mrs. Sew
| all, in good time. Certainly the last re-
| naming executive will be held in Germany
in order to prepare for the quinquennial.
hn Rnr
| Won BeschWltz on laws concerning domes-
| tic relations was printed in German, but an
| English translation will be made soon and
| sent round to the English speaking coun-
| ellis. Thus eight nations appear in this
| summary, and most careful consideration
| of the whole subject has been given by the
/ able chairman.
! When Miss Clara Bartons name was pro-
posed as a patron the executive expressed
! the deepest pleasure. Her name was ac-
| corded the rising vote. Another dis
/ tlnguished patron added to this years list
was Froken Irstine Fredericksen, of Copen-
| hagen. Froken Fredericksen is the only
! living pioneer of the Women's movement in
| Denmark. She is very active journalist
still and is well known and beloved in her
| native land.
The report brought by Mrs. Sanford from
| Italy was very interesting as we'll as quaint
| in its wording. There are a number of So
| cieties in Rome already federated and
others In various parts of Italy will be
| formed as rapidly conditions permit. a
| mammoth bazaar has been held recently I'M
| der the auspices of the council at which
| really wonderful exhibit was made of the
| handiwOrk of all classes of Italian women.
| Rapid strides are making in this country
| toward the liberal emancipation of woman,
| and this Is particularly gratifying to the
! women of the northern races, whose op-
portunities and privileges are thought to be
much greater. Mrs. Sanford, of Canada.
has done much toward forming this La tin
| council, and her warm friendship for the
| Comtessa Taverna, who is president of the
| Italian Council. has given her great scope
| in this work. The only representative from
the United States was Mrs. Susan Young
| Gates, who was proxy for the chairman of
| the press committee, Mrs. Ida Hustled Har-
| per.
The elaborate entertainment provided by
| the Danish National Council was delightful.
| The sessions OF the executive were held in
| private homes, where luncheon was pro-
vided for all present. At the extra days
session the Danish women were the guests
| of the foreign delegates at an elegant
luncheon served at the Phoenix Hotel
A reception was rendered to the council at
| the Anglo-Danish Club through its woman
president, Frau HOwitZ, the first evening
Brief addresses We're made as to the condi-
ton of women in their various countries by
the foreign delegates. The American con-
sui general was present. well as about
800 OF Copenhagens most representative
English, American and Danish residents
1t was remarked next day that English
was evidently the language of the council
Indeed many here express conviction that
English Will be the common language of the
future.
other delightful receptions. dinners and
teas were given, one evening being spent al
the Tivoh, where the famous conductor
Joachim Anderson. gave special music fol
the visiting council guests.