The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1903-10-16

third, Miss Alice Mott, Faribault; fourth,
Miss C. NJ. Beaumont, st. Paul; fifth,
Mrs. w. B. McLain, Minneapolis; sixth,
Mrs. E. I. Lewis, Sank Center; sew
enth, Mrs. Louis N. Winery, Marshall;
eighth, Mrs. John L. Washburn, Duluth ;
ninth, Mrs. G. O. WEIGH, Fergus Falls.
Last Evenings Session.
The evening session last evening open
ed at eight o'clock. The church was
filled to the doors and there was scarce
ly an available seat left on the floor or
in the gallery. The Normal Glee club
sang two numbers, which were very
well handled and enthusiastically receiv-
ed. Miss Alice Grannis then read three
scenes from Stephen PHILLIPS "Paola
and francesca Criticism on Miss
Grannis' work here is superfuous. She
delighted everyone in the audience with
her vivid portrayal of the. unfortunate
characters in this beautiful little drama,
and expressions of admiration were heard
on every hand. The Glee club then sang
Last Night, by Kierulf. The audience
was ready for more, but time would not
permit.
Mrs lie Penotiere then introduced Mrs.
Dimies I. S. Dennison, president of the
National Federation of Women's clubs.
Mrs. Dennison is woman of charming
personality, and was warmly greeted as
she rose to speak "The Needs of the
Hour was her topic. She first paid a
tribute to some of Minnesota's leading
club women, particularly Margaret j..
Evans and Mrs. LYDIA P. Williams. She
spoke of the development of woman's
sphere, from the earlier ages when she
present-of the growth of her power in
the home, and as a result, in the world
outside of the home. Half century ago
the pioneers of the club movement de-
clared The world was made for women
Also" and the first clubs were organized.
The tendency toward concentration and
combination in later years has develop
ed the Federation. The Federation is
only a logical result, for the club princi-
pie is that of interchange and this is
perfected and carried sout thoroughly,
only through the Federation.
The motto set up before the members
of the Federation is ''Work-and for hui
manity." The work against the etils
of child labor has unified the National
Federation and bound it more closely
together. Mrs. Dennison pointed out the
good work done by the federation in this
line, and noted briefly the reforms that
have been drafted into the laws in a
number of states. She recommended the
study of civic and political economy as
necessary to combat the spoils system
and the prevalent municipal corruption
in the larger cities.
Danger signals" was her next topic.
She cautioned the club women against
too much ambition ''There is power in
repose as well as in activity. Do not
scatter your energies among twenty
vineyards, when one would occupy you
fully" She declared for sentiment in
woman. 1t is quality of the sex, and
does much to beautify and glorify the
world. Woman's mission in all time has
been to comfort, to inspire, to beautify.
Her provence today is only enlarged by
opportunity.
Owing to some of the regular business
of the previous sessions having been de-
layed, Mrs. L. P. Williams presented the
report of the committee on forest reserve
last evening. This has been one of the
great works of the Minnesota Federation,
and it is largely through its efforts that
the Morris bill was passed Mrs. Will
liams spoke of the Importance of this
bill-"The first attempt to create for
est reserve under government supervis-
IOu dlUuS SClcuIIiC ouC
advocated roadside tree-planting as a
feature of good roads work. She point
ed out the location of the Minnesota
forest reserves, both present and con-
templated on two large maps, and spoke
of the efforts of the enemies of forestry
to bring the Morris bill into disrepute by
circulating false rumors among the In
dams. In conclusion the committee Of
fered three resolutions: That the Fedora
ton spare no effort to see that the Morris
law is carried out in good faith; that
the Federation committee on forestry be
made separate committee, and that the
Federation express its approval of the
movement for the repeal of the present
stone and timber act.