The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-10-04
RIBBQh[R
Under Nd |. ON 4 FLAG |. A.
The VS. Will Not Secede from.
Parent Organization.
FINAL SESSION LAST NIGHT \. Cit
There Was Pretty Scene Yesterday
When Announcement Was Made
That US Would Not Secede. but
Continue Under5White Flag.

With hearts. and hands united under
the peaceful folds Of their pure white
banner, flung anew to the breeze, the
Woman's Christian Temperance Union.
closed its sessions last night. Those who
had predicted secession of that pretty
and noble regiment in the ranks of this
grand army Of righteousness, known as
the 'Y's." saw their prophecies all fail,
for an event occurred in the afternoon
session which was surprisingly beautiful
and gave added evidence OF the bravery
and devotion to duty of these noble
young women This scene will be for
ever remembered by those who were so
fortunate as to witness 1t. and may
mark an era of yet grander achieve
ments In the history Of the great and
good Virginia w. C. T. U.
During the early afternoon there was
a conference Of the US in regard to
their future action It was natural that
they should feel mortified at their de-
feat. Should they remain in the organi-
cation or. not having secured what they
conceived to be exact justice, withdraw?
But what Of the cause they loved so
well. and the dear old banner! The
spirit of Christ won, and, after full
and free interchange of opinion, it was
decided with almost unanlmlty that the
announcement be made to the conven-
ton that they would, while not yielding
their conviction as to what they had
commended for, remain and work in the
organization they loved SO dearly. Now,
be it remembered, that this conference
represented about 600 Us, and the ac-
ton was of Importance. Miss EVE
Johnakn, of Anna Gordon I. OF Nor
folk (thes third Z In numbers IN the
United States and yet only three years
old), was delegated to make the an
nouncement to the convention. ans
bright little lady accepted the response
BILE and trying position.
When she arose in the convention and
sked to be heard there was an air OF
suppressed excitement. and the situation
was tense. Would they secede? Every
eve was fastened upon her-aH ears
strained to catch every syllable she Ut
tered The brave young lady stood ordeai
we'll and fulfilled her mission IN a most
admirable manner. In clear ana sweet
voice, the cadences of which rang Win
evident sincerit, she stated that while
the protesting Y's had not changed their
opinion and, while, therefore they were
not on a penitential stool nor intended to
engage in object service, yet as they had
been defeated and as they loved the cause
devotedly, they would remain In the Or
ganization and strive earnestly for the
Union principles.
4 Then the tear flood-gates of the noble
band Of WIS broke down and someone
struck up Praise God From Whom Ali
Blessings Flow and there was a grand
scene as the banner Of reconciliation and
unity was flung out. Everybody was
happy! The gloomy forebordings We're
dispelled by the sunburst of pease and
unity. 'It is so much better said 4 rep
resentative worker ethan that there
should have been separation. The
Us have done nobly!. It required courage.
but loyalty to the cause has won and
believe there will be future Of great
peace, unity and prosperity"