Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-09-29
WAR OF THE LADIES.
Comic Opera Affair Going on UP at
New Haven.

NEW HAVEN, Conn.,, September %
The preliminary skirmish between the
belligerent ladies of the National Auxiliary,
Spanish War Veterans, and those of the
District of Columbia Auxiliary over their
ordinations and recriminations was COM
menced late yesterday afternoon at the
troductory meeting of the national body,
held in the parlors of the New Haven
House. The contesting delegation, COM
prsing Mrs. Isabel Worrell Ball, Miss Har-
riet Hawley, Miss Cornelia Clay, Mrs Har-
riet Scribner, president of the Mary Sher-
man Miles Auxiliary, and Mrs. Fanny Par
ker, all of Washington, were at the meet
ing, but did not attempt to present their
side of the controversy at that time. as it
understood the meeting would be de-
voted to receiving the reports of the ma
tional officers.
Yelled Accusations.
Mrs. Flora A. Lewis, president general,
presented in a lengthy document her annual
address and report. The only allusion the
paper contained bearing upon the contro-
versy was a reference to certain letters she
had received making grave accusations
against officers and members of the asso-
citation. The nature of the accusations she
did not divulge.
Mrs. Lewis made several important rec
concentrations to the national assembly.
iliaries and that of the District of Column
bia be abolished until the organiza ton
grows to greater proportions. These state
and District bodies she stated cause COM
plications and additional expense in per
capita taxes to the subordinate bodies In
their place she recommended the appoint
ment of state and District officers. one for
each Jurisdiction. to perform the duties
hitherto performed by the existent bodies.
Another recommendation was for Increased
representation in the national auxiliary
from subordinate bodies by giving them adj
ditional delegates and allowing presidents
and past presidents to vote at national
meetings.
Membership Clause.
Mrs. Lewis strongly opposed the move
ment to restrict membership in the Spanish
War Veterans auxiliaries to the wives,
mothers, daughters and sisters of veterans
of the war with Spain, army nurses and
those women who were engaged in actual
relief work In the field, camps or hospitals.
She paid a glowing tribute to the relief
workers who remained at home and sent
necessities in food and clothing to the
troops in camp or at the front, and pro-
vided relief for the families of soldiers
who were destitute. She, therefore, recon-
mended that the eligibility for membership
clause which admits such women work
ers to the auXiliaries be allowed to remain
as 1t now stands.
In conclusion Mrs. Lewis praised the work
OF Mrs. 1SaDe11e ALEXANDER OF SleNelanu,
Ohio, and urged her election as president
general. She also said the work of Miss
Agnes l. Little oe Washington. recording
secretary general, had been highly salts
factory and of the highest order. Adjourn
ment was taken after the response of Mrs
Bailey of Cleveland to the president gener-
ais address.
Hot Time in the Old Town.
Prior to this meeting a rather exciting
scene is alleged to have taken place in the
parlors where the national officers and dele
gates were assembled. 1t is said Miss Cor
nelia Clay of Washington, the suspended
treasurer general, who has preferred
charges of conduct unbecoming officer
against Mrs Lewis. entered headquarters
and took an official badge from the table
and was p.nning it on her dress, when Mrs.
Lewis approached her quickly, and, accord
ing to Miss Clay, said:
BY what right do you enter these apart
ments?"
by my right member of this organ
iZaton," responded Miss Clay.
You are suspended and have no rights
here replied Mrs. Lewis holly at the same
time reaching her hand to seize the badge
Miss Clay had pinned to the bosom of her
gown, adding, Give me that badge" The
badge was taken from Miss Clay who in
dlgnantly withdrew from the apartments.
The fact that Miss Harriet E. Hawley has
taken sides with Mrs. Ball and the other
contestants is regarded as great gain for
them. Miss Hawley is president of the ma
uonal council of administration and the
organizer of the first auxiliary to the Span
ish War Veterans. the Mary A. Babcock of
Washington.
Ladies' Headquarters.
Prior to the meeting the parlors of the
New Haven House where the ladies have
established their headquarters, presented
an animated appearance after the arrival
about noon of the Ohio and Michigan dele
gates, the former being headed by Mrs.
Isabelle Alexander of Cleveland, whose
name is prominently mentioned as the new
preSident-general to succeed Mrs. Lewis
There was suppressed excitement in the
parlors which at times dubbed over the
surface of the troubled pool.
One of the Ohio delegates made the face
tious remark last night that 1.-The council
of administration sit on the grievances of
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