The Washington times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1901-1902, 1902-02-26

hearts are full and so let us look into
each others faces and simply say, 1t is
good TO be here Many of US have
journeyed far and wide since our first
meeting was held in this same church
just FIVE years ago. and varied have been
our experiences, but | hope and believe
that in our souls we have carried alive
the inspiration of that first National
Congress of Mothers, and that it has en-
riched and blessed our own homes and
| lives and those of many others who have
since become interested in this movement.
Since last assembling in the National
Capital the congress has been the guest
| of two of the greatest States in this great
| country of ours. In May Of 1900 we held
| our fourth congress in Des Moines. Iowa,
and in May 1901, the fifth congress con-
vened in Columbus. Ohio.
In both instances we were received
| with truly royal hospitality, the highest
! officials in the State welcoming our dele
gates with eloquent addresses, while the
! women's clubs of these two cities proved
Incompatible hostesses and nothing could
! exceed the perfection of the local ar
| rangements. Indeed. it seemed TO me as
| though every face in Des Moines and Col
/ umbus smiled q welcome upon US.
| incidents of the Congresses.
, Among the many delightful incidents
/ connected with these two congresses, /
/ will mention that the present Secretary
| of the Treasury, who was at the time of
/ our visit to Des Moires. Governor of
| Iowa. made the journey from Chicago to
| Des Mcines in order that he might well
/ come our congress in person, although he
| had to return to Chicago within a few
hours after greeting us.
| To me this seemed significant Of the
! great enlightened educational interest
| which vitalzes the West and which is
! giving official recognition to the fact that
/ parcnthCod is a vocation, and that men
/ and women can convene for no more i'm
/ portant purpose than to devise ways and
means for the destruction of ignorance in
its most fatal stronghold-tbe home. That
! which is most needed to effect improve
meat along any of the many lines where
| reform is essential is the systematic agi-
| tation whereby public opinion is cniight-
| cned as to existing conditions and the
methods for lettering them.
Factor in Education.
"The Mothers Congress. in its State
and national assemblages. is one of the
vital factors in the education Of public
| opinion.
I'm view of the fact that the congress
| is but five years old Though this is its
| sixth birthday its growth and progress
| have been such that its workers can re-
gard with great satisfaction the results
already accomplished and look hopefully
toward the future My views upon the
Mothers Congress, and its mission, are
such an old story that | will spare you
a repetition of them at this time when
/ am here to welcome you.
Yesterday we fattered ourselves that
We should have sunny skies to greet you
but the woman movement is evidently in
high disfavor with the CLERK of the
weather this year, judging by our OWL
| prospects and the experiences of our sis
ter organizations during the past few
weeks.
UnseIHsh WOmanhoOd.
'Let us be true, however, to the pro-
verbal reputation Of unselfshness in wo
manhood and rejoice that the sun smiled
so glorious welcome yesterday upon The
nations distinguished guest from acros!
the water. Our local committees have
been unfagging in their efforts on YOU
behalf and it is the earnest desire of al
that your stay with us may be fraugh
with happiness and profit.
: The chairman Of the programme com,
mitteo, who is also CUP hoaored vic.
president. in addition to the Inspiring
programme she has arranged. has wisel!
made opportunity for the delegates t.
visit some of the many beautiful and IL
teresting features which render Dur Ma
tional Capital SUCH favoflte convention
city.
Again. bid you welcome to this. ow