The National tribune., 1902-08-07
WOMAN'S AUXILIARIES.
Plans for Encampment Receptions-Conven-
ton Hall to Be Scene of Gaiety-Concerts.
Campfres and Reunions Program.

While the plans of the Woman's Citi-
zens' Committee are not completed as to
details, the general features are now
ready to give to the public The recep-
tions of the Womans Relief Corps, La
dies of the q. 4. X. and of the Woman S
Auxiliary Committee have been settled
upon as to place. The arrangement for
these receptions has not been an easy
task, fof TO give these functions properly
requires i larger hall than has ever been
given the ladies at any time yet. 1t is no
longer possible TO hold affairs of this mag
nitude in hotel parlor, as it is dangerous
to life and limb, TO say nothing of the
fruitless attempt TO pursue happiness un-
der such conditions.
There was very strong talk of holding
these receptions in the rotunda of the
Capitol, and all arrangements had been
made TO put u measure through Congress
for that purpose. While the historic ro-
tunda is large enough, the provisions for
ingress and egress are very poor, and re-
membering the trouble on this account 10
years ago, Mrs. Ellen Spencer Mussey,
Chairman of the Committee, felt that she
would like to have even roomier quarters
for these great events if possible. The
result is that the receptions will all be
held in Convention Hall. This is believed
to be one of the largest halls in the world
where the vast ceiling is unsupported by
u luluS- I<NeTy uCu Ol uoOT SpdCe IL
available, and it will seat 10000 people
comfortably. 1t is thought that 10000
people, standing, will not crowd it.
Convention Hall is to be magnifcently
decorated for the various functions OF the
week. 1t costs nearly $1,000 to decorate
this hall simply with bunting and flags,
which will be the decorations for Grand
Army week, on a very elaborate scale. For
the women's receptions there will be add
ed decorations OF palms and cut flowers.
The plan for the week, as far as can be
arranged at the present time, is to begin
by holding q great religious and patriotic
service on Sunday, Oct ,. There is a
splendid chorus Of 800 mixed voices now
in training for the musical features OF this
service. 1t is thought that u great re-
ligious concert, with eminent soloists, will
be the feature Of Sunday afternoon. On
Monday afternoon mass meeting will
probably be held. At this meeting for
NAL welcome will be rendered by the Cit
izens' uad Executive Committee to the
Grand Army of the Republic the Won,
ans Relief Corps, Ladies of the q. A r.
and the other patriotic and military or,
ganiZations which are the guests of the
city. Comrade Il. II. Warner, Chairman
Of the Citizens Committee, will preside,
and it is thought probable that President
Roosevelt will be present and speak a
word of welcome. The response to the
addresses of welcome will be made by Gen
Torrance, Commander-in-Chief of the
Grand Army OF the Republic.
On Tuesday great general Campfire
Reunion is TO be held in the hall, taking
practically the whole day, when Camp.
fire talks will be made by prominent mem
bers of the Grand Army cf the Republic
bands will play the old marching tunes
and the audience will join in singing them
On Tuesday evening-though this date
may be changed to Wednesday evening
Oct. s, to suit the pleasure Of prominent
people who desire to be present-will be
held the three great woman's receptions
The National President of the Ladies OF
the g. A. r., Mrs. Emma Wall, will hold
her reception from Z to 8 o'clock, and will
be assisted by her staff and all past Ma
tional officers who are in the city.
From 10 8 o'clock the National Pres
ident of the Woman's Relief Corps. Mrs
Calista Robinson Jones, assisted by hel
whole staff and such past National of
ficers as are in the city, will receive the
Commander-in- Chief and his staff and al
visiting veterans and ladies'.
AT 8 o'clock Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant
Chairman of the Reception Committee, as
sisted by Mrs. Ellen Spencer Mussey
Chairman of the Woman's Auxiliary Com
mittee, and all the National officers of al
the woman's orders. and the membars o
the Executive Committee, will take thei
places in line for the grand reception. Il
is thought that this will be the most gor
geous affair that has ever been given a
National Encampment. One happy
thought in connection with it is that ther,
will be no necessity for roaming all over
big city in an attempt to locate receptions
that one wishes to attend. Being undel
one roof, and held during consecutive
hours, those who attend can give them
selves up to the thorough enjoyment Of
the evening and not be in the least hur
ried.
Mrs. Mussey, Chairman of the Woman's
Auxiliary Committee, is of the opinion