The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1902-10-23

Mrs. Kate Waller Bsrrett's Work In Behalf Of
Mexican Women.

Mrs. Kate Waller Barrett has lust rc
turned To this city from Mexico. where. in
Mexico City, she was instrumental in
having started the first Florence Critten.
ton Home for Women. along the same
hnes as the institution in this city and
those throughout the country. and hinder
the same general control. Mrs Barrett.
VINO Is well known bere and elsewhere for
her interest and work in sociological
lines, spent four months in Mexico stndv y
ing the condition of women of that coun.
try. W bile there she received every nos
slble assistance and courtesy at the hands
"i the Mexican government and its reD-
resentatives- She is especially enthusiast
ne over the interest shown and the mart
taken by President Diaz
Mrs barrett was appointed by the Ma
tional Council of Women to investigate
the conditions Of women in the Latin
American countries, and in her tour she
visited every large city of Mexico and
many oi the less known localities She
found great need of help for the women
OF that country. where recent wears have
brought so many great changes. With
these changes, however has come little
tending TO aid women to adjust them
selves 70 the new conditions making the
Held there for all work OF this kind a
large one
There Is an especial call. Mrs Barrett
says, Tor the education of women in the
Industrial pursuits, heretofore practically
neglected. The women up to this time
nave led very secluded lives, knowing al.
most nothing of the outside world. Con
ditlons have changed and il has become
necessary that these women be fitted to
cope with the problems of life.
MRS. DIAz's WARM INTEREST.
great assistance in Mrs Diaz. wife of the
PRESIDENT ot the republic, whom she de-
scribes as n remarkable woman. broad
minded, progressive, and admirably fitted
to be the companion of such a great man
as II the history maker of his country
Mrs. Diaz, as wellas Mr.. Diaz. is awak
ened to the needs of the women of thar
country She is largely interested in char
ity, day nursery conducted under her
direction being among her charities.
The new Florence Crittenton Industrial
Home. Just organized in Mexico City. has
on its governing board representatives OF
the best clement OF the American. Span-
lsh. and English residents of that citv
hrs Diaz Is the honorary president and
Mrs. Sepulvada, wife OF Judge Sepulvada
formerly associated with the Mexican
Embassy in this city, is the active nres.
ident- The President and the govern
ment showed their interest by allowing
large public meeting, under government
patronage, to be held in the great Con
serVatory OF Music, the property of the
government, in the interest of the pro-
posed new home At this meeting about
$4,000 was pledged. Mr.. Crittenton. the
founder OF the homes, gave 81 900. IL j.
intended to open the school at once and
to conduct the institution along the same
lines as those in this country and other
countries
MIR. CRirrENToN's LOCAL GIFT.
Mr. Crittenton has presented the Wash
ington Home with two pieces of property
IN Alexandria. One Of these is a fine old
colonial house ofaboutforty rooms. This
VIII be used as "a home for little children
The other house will illaccommodate unfor.
tunate colored girls, for whom accommo-
cations were lacking in this city Here
tofore these have been cared for in New
York City Washington Post
Mrs. Barrett, is the daughter of Mrs
Waller of Widewater.