New-York tribune., 1903-02-24
THE ID. Il. X. CONGRESS-.
Session Opens an Woshington-I TO
day Promises TO Be Erclting:
TRY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRrBUNE.I

Washington. Feb. 2S.-The twelfth Continental
Congress of the Daughters OF the American ReVo-
luton was called to order this morning at ~
O'Clock by its president general Mrs. Charles W.
Fairbanks Chase's Opera House which had been
given to the Daughters for the week, was
decorated with bunting and flags. The stage was
set with palms and had large flags draped over a
full length portrait of Washington. in Continental
uniform Mrs Fairbanks in a nlodish black gown
trimmed with crea N lace opened the session WIN
address, Of welcome. In sketching an outline Vi
the work done by the society in the last year she
said that in the New-York State Conference meas
taken to care permanently for the needs
of INDECENT real Daughters and that in Syracuse
there had been dedicated to the soldiers and sailors
of the Revolution buried in Onondaga County an
artistic tablet of bronze.
Mrs Fairbanks must have felt the suppressed
excitement of the houseful of women when she
said Among the proposed amendments Is one
relating to the terms of office in the national SO
ciety placing certain limitations upon the length
of service" The speakers voice could be heard at
the further end of the house. and she made the
announcement calmly though her present
high position did not depend upon the construction
of the amendment. She also called attention to a
proposed change of date of the annual meeting 10
either the week in which the 18th of April falls
or to the first Monday in May" The reason given
is because of the discomfort of winter travel and
that week Of the session is often stormy, ana
injuries and illness have often resulted from eX-
posture a this time. This change, it is understood
will be objected to- especially by those Daughters
who from distance and desire to Visit Con-
gress while in session. It thought that the
amendment relating tenure of office would De
laid before the society to-day, but the congress
adjourned 4 o'clock action on this important
matter was postponed until tomorrow Though
several candidates mentioned available IN
case the congress bars Mrs. Fairbanks from re-
election. there seems to be general opinion Iiidt
Mrs. Donald Mclean will be the most formlQapie
contestant in the field She has said all along
however, that she is in a candidate utlll
the amendment is construed 1t is believed that II
TrS E9jr rb31
nomination but she positively refuses TO make any
statement except that she will not make a contest
the office with Mrs. Fairbanks This afternoon
the society held patriotic exercises at the opera
House. and afterward went to the site OF the future
Continental Hall. where Mrs. Fairbanks with Mrs
Mary 5. Lockwood and Miss Desha. founders OF
the Daughters of the American Revolution, raised
inauguratons of President Mckinley. and the flag
presented to the society by the Sons or the
American Revolution Mrs. Donald Mclean, re
gent OF the New-York chapter, suggested last faIl
that when the ground for Continental Han was
purchased a flag be raised every day above the
ground until the building was erected.
The thousand and more members IN attenqduce
feel that tomorrow will be exciting day Even
those in favor Of Mrs. Fairbanks fear the com
pliCatiOns that her success would entail ApdIt
from bearing other offices. they feel that II
would be antagonisttc to the teaching OF WASH
ington himself, who refused more than two Fresi-
Dental terms Mrs. Fairbanks's popularity Is eVl-
try. and those who will vote against her re,
election will regret the loss of so capable ana
gracious A leader. Tonight the delegates visited
the Library of Congress.