Omaha daily bee., 1902-10-12
NEBRASKA WOMEN'S CLUBS
Work of the State Federation at 1tS Oslum-
bus Session Briefly Reviewed.
CHANGES OF MOMENT IN CONSTITUTION
working Of the Organization
Changed to Give Better Results
and New Plans Laid for
Coming Sessions.

The announcement that the eighth an
nual meeting of the Nebraska Federation
OF Women's Clubs, which convened last
week in Columbus, was the largest meet
ing OF that organization yet held is most
gratifying to the club women OF the state
and those who have given their efforts
during the last year to this end. One
hundred and eighteen delegates, represent
ing forty-seven towns and hfty-eight
clubs" was the report Of the credentials
committee and in addition to these there
were about 125 visitors. Among these
we're Governor Savage. State Superin-
tendent OF Instruction Fowler, Miss Edna
Bullock, secretary Of the State Travelling
Library commission; Charles A. Robbins of
Lincoln and a number Of other men and
women prominent In the state. The in
ability Of Mrs. Condo Hamlin OF st. Paul,
Mimi. vice president of the American
League OF Civic Improvement, to attend,
who was to have spoken on The Eco
nomic Value OF Civic Beauty" was a dis
appointment to all and, though e. G.
Routzahn, secretary of the league. was
secured in her place, his address fell far
short of what had been expected and failed
to stimulate the interest in the work
Of the new civic committee that II had
been hoped would result from this session.
Suffered some.
The feeling seemed general that the
program was hardly up to the standard
OF previous years. but this was due to
the absence OF so many of those who had
been engaged to speak rather than any
fault Of the program committee. AS a
matter Of fact, the committee deserves
much credit considering the money with
which 1t had to work, the expense Of the
meeting being only SIS. as compared with
$1I7.s5 for the meeting last year. The
changes occasioned by the disappointment
in speakers gave one entire day to pro-
grams and another entirely to business,
with the result that the women failed
to get the full benefit OF either session
as they would had there been a variation.
The mistake OF crowding the business to
the last day Is becoming more and more
apparent. for, while this plan admits of
more committee work being done. It also
prevents many Of the women from partici-
pating in the transaction Of the business;
for, coming at the last of the week. as II
does, many are compelled to leave in the
morning that they may reach their homes
to meet the weeks end emands there.
II the business were set for the second
day this difficulty would be largely over
come.
The substitution OF the half-hour social
every afternoon for the one formal recep-
ton that has previously been given wal
an innovation that met commentator and
criticism alike. AS the facilities Of tbs
average auditorium Of the state are
scarcely adapted to the moving about de-
sirable for social occasions. not even th'
p~rettily trimmed punch tables and thu
handsome gowns OF the women presiding
could supply the social element that II
/ considered essential to the state meeting
On the other hand, not q few appreciated
being relieved Of the baggage that tn
reception makes necessary and feel tina
the permanent elimination Of this ~funetioi
will tend 10 encourage the attendance o
women who have ideas rather than gown
TO compare with their sisters.
Condition of the Federation.
Reports Of officers show the federation
TO be in q most satisfactory condition