Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1902-01-23
CONGRESS Of MOTHERS
The National Convention at
Washington Promises to Be
Notable Affair.
Something About the Origin and
General Aims Of the
Society.
Fret consress Held in 1907 and
First Congress Held in 1897 and
Has Had Wonderful
Growth.

Washington, Jan. 2S.-There have
been good many kinds of congresses
of women in the past few years. since
/ it has been granted that the womer
have a right to discuss any topics
whatever, and since it has been recog-
nized that they have the capacity to
think for themselves and the dignity
public. without finding it necessary
either to take refuge behind their male
relatives or to become masculinl
themselves in the process.
In all previous congresses, altho II
has been freely admitted by men and
women alike that there is still much
for women to learn from each other
thru mutual effort and consultation
upon any and all other subjects, 1t has
been taken for granted that from the
beginning of the world the vocation OF
motherhood has been one which re-
quired no special knowledge, and that
lit was, therefore, wholly superfluous
for the mothers of the race to, con-
yene as such and to confer with each
other about these topics which are OF
the first and most vital Importance to
humanity, that is to say, about their
functions, duties, and moral RESPONSE
bilities as both the creators and Grad
lers of mankind.
| But while the world has long dwelt
fondly upon the thought of the mother
In the home, the present age has dis
l ~. a a Il
more of the woman than home life. II
has learned that true mothering neces-
states knowledge of outside con-
ditions that influence the home, and a
direct interest in the welfare of all
children. An intelligent interest re-
quires information. exchange of opin-
ion, and experience and the stimulus
of thought against thought.
1t was in realization OF these, facts
that the wise originators OF the Moth
ers' Congress felt the necessity OF such
an organization, q movement aiming to
make of every household a home by ed
ucating the fathers and mothers in true
parenthood, by lettering its conditions,
multiplying its pleasures, and creating
more ideal surroundings for its chill
dren. Where these conditions exist re-
form would be needless and pnilan-
thropy forstalled by thus securing more
healthful living, better housing. more
economical planning. In short, the pur-
pose of the Mothers Congress is to
stimulate the efforts OF parents and
educators trowad the best physical and
mental development of the child. AS
President Roosevelt said to the con-
gress of mothers when it convened at
Albany, during his administration as
governor OF New York:
Fundamentally, the questions of
love and confidence between parents
and children underlie the whole social
system-not only underlie but are. Our
civil life In the long run will rise or
sink as the average family is success
or failure. All question of social life
Will solve themselves II the children are
brought up to be the highest they are
capable of being, IL our social and fam
lily relations are as they should be; If
not, no material prosperity. no progress
in literature, art, success in business or
victory in war will make up for 1t to
the nation"
Washington may we'll be proud that
this idea of bringing mothers together
in national united effort for a more
enlightened parenthood originated with
Mrs. Theodore w. Birney-aN woman
who is we'll known in social life and
philanthropic circles. She first pub
licly presented the Idea at ChautauQua
in 1895. The seed fell upon fallow
ground. and the growth seemed TO be
spontaneous. During the winter of
1896 the interest and invaluable co-op-
Grafton of that truly great philanthropy
list, Mrs. Phoebe A. Hearst. were Sc
cured. Her generosity made possible
the first congress which was so success
fully held here in Washington in Feb
ruary of 1897. The two succeeding con-
crosses were held here with nnabated
interest. Since that time the cities of
Des Moines and Columbus have gra-
ciously entertained the mothers
1t would seem safe to hope that the
National Congress Of Mothers may now
be regarded as one OF the fully estab-
lished institutions OF the country, whose
influence seems destined to spread until
Il casts its bereficent and enlightening
rays upon the dark corners and neg
iected places, not only Of our own dear
land. but even unto the uttermost parts
of the earth. Ten states have already
effected organization and are holding
annual state meetings and the congress
has correspondents in every state in the
union, in Canada, England, Germany,
France. Hungary. China, Japan. India,
Australia, Brazil, Chile, Peru and the
Hawaiian Islands.
The sixth National Congress of Moth
ers will be held in Washington, d. c.,
the last week in February, beginning at
$3.50 a. m. Tuesday, the 18th, the sessions
continuing thru and including till Fri
day. the 2Sth. A very efficient commit
tee will be in charge of the local ar
The incoming trains on
Monday and Tuesday will be met by
members of the reception committee
Delegates and visitors who are planning
10 attend the congress should write for
full particulars to Mrs. Robert Gotten,
correspondent secretary N. c. M, THE
Cairo Washington, d. c.
RUMBLE FATHERS A BILL.