The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-06-25

those first biennials the social feature
was especially prominent There were
junketings, pretty receptions and flow
ers and feathers and fizz and fuss. The
social feature first, then the mild ex-
citement of electings officers. constitut-
ed the main part of the programme at
the early federation meetings. Women
were, oh, so afraid, they would touch
some live wire of question and burn
their fingers. So they thrashed over the
dead ashes of questions cold and can
ned. The directors of the organization
managed to steer it quite away from
the great sociological and political top
les of the day, and especially away from
discussion of the legal and civil disa-
bilities of women, lest perchance they
should be mistaken for some of those
horrid woman's Fighters.
The programme of proceedings at
this last federation meeting tends to
make the believer in human progress
thank God and take courage.
At this meeting the burning ques-
lions of today were boldly launched
and oftentimes discussed in a mastery
way by the federated ladies. To begin,
the ladies first changed their own cleo
ton rules and chose their officers I'M
der the complicated Australian ballot
system, originally evolved, by the way,
by one of their own sex, Miss Catherine
Spence of Australia. What is more,
the federation members voted under
the new system with perfect under
standing and success.
The federation women put themselves
on record in favor of uniform divorce
law throughout the United States and
emphaticaDy against armitting Nor
monism to rear its head unrebuked and
UNPUBLISHED. A member of the women's
federation, Mrs. Frederick Sehoff, pres
ident of the National Council of Moth
ers, was one of the chief instigators of
the Mormon investigation in the Unit
ed States senate.
other topics, discussed were house
hold economies, sanitation. forestry, ir-
rigation, civil service reform, child Ia
Dor and woman in outdoor art. In ev-
cry one of these departments of human
affairs noble women experts dealt with
the respective themes
There was even a discussion of the
question. Us the ballot of real value
to working women ?" and here the new
president of the federation, Mrs. Sarah
Plat Decker of Denver. came out
strong. Hers was the first woman suf-
frage speech ever given at a biennial
meeting. and it awakened the sleepers.
Mrs. Decker exercises a powerful as
we'll as a most fascinating influence,
and she has chosen to throw it all on
the sue OF uAiIlau pIOSLSSS anu the
emancipation of woman. Wherever
she appears in public this remarkable
woman is greeted with cheers and hand
clapping. When she speaks she moves
her audience to tears or laughter at
will. She seems to be so well beloved
| because she is one who. above most of
her sex, has been able to sink her own
uneasy, haunting. self conscious per-
sonaIity out of sight.
of her Dublic work much is known.
particularly in Colorado, where she is
called "the uncrowned queen" of her
quiet home life little is known Her
first husband was Mr.. Plat. After his
death she was married to Judge Decker
of Colorado. Of the women of Denver
who have achieved splendid results in
municipal affairs Mrs Decker is one of
the leaders. Her lack of the self seek
ing spirit is shown in the fact that