Evening star., 1902-02-17
THE ANNUAL CONGRESS
Initial Session Of Daughters
of American Revolution.
CHASE'S OPERA HOUSE
MRS. FAIRBANKS, PRESIDENT
GENERAL, READS ADDRESS.
Response by Mrs. Swift Of Chicago
The Playhouse Handsome
ly Decorated.
CHASE'S OPERA HOUSE

Daughters of the American Revolution was
formally convened at Chases Grand Opera
House at 10 o'clock today. It was a rep
resentative gathering Of bright and intelli-
gent women from every state and territory
in the Union, lineal descendants Of men of
noble and sterling qualities, who pledged
their lives and fortunes for the establish
ment Of government of freedom, and who
from Bunker Hill to Yorktown fought for
the principles that are the concrete foun-
dation of the greatest and best country OIL
earth.
The interior of the theater presented an
attractive appearance with profusion or
decorations. The national emblem and the
colors of the order intertwined were dis
played on every hand. The orchestra and
orchestra circle were reserved for the dele
gates, Of which there are more than $50,
and the members of the delegations from
each state and territory were grouped by
themselves. The scene was a gentle re-
minder of national political convention,
with the exception that the seats were
occupied by women with beam'ng counte-
nances rather than by men of affairs VINO
shape the destinies Of great party
Mrs. Charles W. Fairbanks. president
general of the Daughters of the American
Revolution called the convention to order.
She is very popular with the delegates, and
she was loudly applauded when she an
nounced that the time had come to Degin
the work of the convention. The conven-
tion was opened by prayer by Mrs. William
A. Smoot of Virginia, chaplain general OF
the society. who pleaded that Divine power
might continue to aid the present ana sue
ceeding generations in the pious work OF
perpetuatng the memory of the sacrifices
and sufferings and valor of the fathers ana
mothers through whose efforts the priceless
heritage Of freedom was won.
The aSsemblage arose and stood while
singing 1.-THE Star Spangled Banner.
chorus Of 1.5OO female voices is not heard
often Every one entered into the singing
with a will.
President Generals Address.
The address of the president general was
then read. 1t was as follows:
members of the eleventh continental con-
gress:
ut is my most valued pleasure to well
come you to the capital Of your country, to
the national home Of the Daughters Of the
American Revolution. to your great annual
council. I bid you welcome to our homes
and the best therein. and l would that time
and circumstance would permit you each to
join at our fresides. where We might
listen to the story Of your growth and vicis-
situdes as chapters; of your labors already
performed for the attainment of the sig
nificant objects of your organization; the
plans you have made to preserve the spirit
of liberty which animated the men and Wo-
otism. ] welcome you to these halls where,
for brief portion of time. you will con-
slider questions relating to the usefulness
the welfare and honor of your great society.
''Your devotion for your national Organi-
zation is appreciated by all. and did it need
proof, it is shown by your strength of pur-
pose, your indifference to fatigue in ira
versing the distance separating you from
this meeting place of your congress Your
large and enthusiastic numbers, shows the
harmony of sentiment, and the strength of
tie which binds your separate chapters in
one great body-a union which Is a mighty
force for good
1T is most gratifying to look upon this
great and attractive assemblage and to
know it's members brought hither as by
magnetic power. their understanding Of
duty as American wOmen-as Daughters Of
the American Revolution You are moved
by the same holy zeal which animated the
fathers and mothers in 1116 and in the
momentous days of the war of independ-
ence, when though suffering keenest depri-
vations, these patriots. with unyiek1ing de-
termination and dauntless courage builded
nation. 1t is, indeed, high and sacred
mission which has called you. Unhesitat-
ingly and generously, you have responded,
leaving the cares and comforts of your
homes, your many and varied duties, to
Daughters Of the American Revolution may
add to the effective working of their ma
tional organizations: by which they may
best express their devotion to country. their
ress, where they may formulate plans for
the betterment of humanity the broadening
of the zone of freedom.
Duties Of the Congress.
'One of the most apparent Of the many
duties devolving upon congress- and one
feel assured that the eleventh continental
congress regards as most important one,
is to acknowledge the fact that its great
constituency Is anxiously awaiting intelli-
gence Of the work-of the delegates-the
measures they shall enact. This will be the
Keynote OF the society's action during the
ensuing year.
1T is the perogative of our national pa
triOtic society to promote loyal allegiance
to the institutions of the great republic and
inculate principles OF good citizenship. 1t
therefore follows that is is the duty of
every daughter to cultivate in the highest
degree reverence for the laws, devotion
for the flag, untiring interest In the ad-
vancement In the organization and her
native land, remembering always there is
no more fatal sign of decay, for a society
or a nation, than want of zeal in the
inhabitants for the good of their country
The Objects Of This Congress.
''It has often been asked by the unin-
formed, perchance skeptical, why do the
Daughters Of the American Revolution have
this yearly congress? 1t is known to all
that the Daughters of the American Reyo-
luton come mere III OIueT 10 ekcnaH&e tnolr
views on their own government; to formu-
late laws. which shall bring nearer to per-
fection it's working powers In all chapters
making up it's grand union; to receive from
all parts of America adviceS of what is
being accomplished by every chapter, every
member This is done I'm order to increase
the power Of the organization inasmuch as
union of thought and concentration of ac-
ton give certainty of success.
There has grown up strong belief, as
ii is the highest authority, that the contl-
mental congress Is to act as court in
which any daughter in the society may
seek redress; in fact, 1t may be considered
to all intents the present court of appeals
Of the Daughters of the American Revolu-
ton.
Increasing It's Strength.
Another object Of the continental con-
gress is to deepen the interest and exalt
the power OF the society which it repre-
sents These purposes may be aided by
listening to the reading Of the reports
from the different states Of the work they
have already accomplished. that which they
are doing now that which they may hope
to do In the future. Even the stories Of
their failures may be OF some value, may
serve as guard or incentive.
Some OF our daughters, unable to have
the inspiring influence Of personal attend
ance upon the congress, viii have their
enthusiasm revived when they read these
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