Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1905-02-18
CHAPTER Y.

CHAPTER X.
1t was liberal education in the size
and impetus of the club movement to be
on the edge of the current that swirled
into the Great Blank theater the morn
ing of the opening exercises. Nine hun
dred and forty-seven earnest, devoted
women delegates were intent on reaching
their seats in the quickest possible time,
while nearly a thousand more, although
mere visitors, We're evidently determined
to secure front seats where they could
see and hear. California locked arms in
the scramble with Maine: Georgia was
determined to get there ahead of New
York; Minnesota iostled Massachusetts,;
even little Rhode Island pushed bravely
ahead of big Texas. while they all rushed
by in a solid phalanx Of silk -petticoated
feminity.
| had come away. in the excitement of
the morning, without my credential card,
and discovered my lack only when / had
been borne INTERESTINGLY on the tide more
than half way up to the big green baize
doors at the end of the foyer.
You'll have to 90 back for it." said
Mrs Parsons. There is no other way;
but I'll save a good seat for you. Hurry,
now"
Hurrying against that mad rush? I'm
possible. | womed my way to the edge
and got out at a snail's pace.
1T reminds me of the rush for seats
at q symphony rehearsal in Boston"
said Denver woman who spent her win
tiers i'll the east I've been taken up
bodily and carried along ten feet in the
old Music hall"
1t reminded me of a stampede of cat
tie in Kansas roundup, but l did not
see fit to say so. So / hattened myself
against the wall while Illinois and In
diana and Ohio and Wyoming and YER
mont and New Jersey and all the other
federated states pushed and scrambled in
the mad procession.
But | finally reached the street and
was hurrying ON when l met Minnie Nor
rison.
Did you see the story" she exulted.
Isn't it great I'll wager n hundred
women have been at me this morning
trying to find out where | got my infor-
nation
You haven't told them ?" | gaspcd
Il reckon not" was the cool reply.
Il shut them up finally by telling them
any one could get the whole story. and
more too, just by standing around in the
hotel with ones ears open-they all chat
ter so freely and so openly They let me
alone after that. And now what's the
prospect for row today? Are the col
ored and polygamous sisters seated?"
l told her l had only dipped into the
edge of the maelstrom as vet, and adj
vised her to wait until the delegates had
gained their seats.
Come late and avoid the rush. is my
motto always at these meetings" she re-
piled I've had my experience in being
half stripped of my outside clothing. /
went to Louisville and to Philadelphia
And I've been to a score of w. c. r. IT,
and w. r. c. and suffrage and several
other conventions. Don't talk to me-
Now, I'm going TO depend on you to keep
me informed she added
"Oh, dear me. no." l answered. Il
know so little of their ways. Go to Mrs.
Parsons. She is hand and glove with the
real leaders"
Miss Morrison went her way with
smile on her face but ! knew she would
eXtort from me every bit of information
! could muster, and that | was power
less against her
When l reached the theater again the
foyer was deserted except for the few
Struggling ones who had dared to be late
big policeman stood at the door and
looked at my credential card as | held
1t up. Inside, group of white gowned
ushers in college caps were trying to find
Il place for every delegate and to put
her in her place. But | waited in vain
for five long minutes, when | discovered
among the state banners the legend "IIli-
nols" well down in front; and, Slipping
deHterously past an usher who was try
ing to convince a woman against her will
that she belonged in the gallery, / hur-
RED down the aisle TO where Mrs. Par
sons sat beside the state president. and
found my seat.
The theater was a bower Of roses and
smilaX and cut flowers Palms screened
the stage Whcreon sat the national Of
ticers in stylish garments. their Paris
gowns and gay headgear giving the right
touch of color TO the scene Bunting was
festoOned back of them and across the
boxes, where sat the distinguished quests
who could not be accommodated on atbe
stage In the center of the platform
were few men, among them the mayor.
the governor and the president Of a noted
college. A flutter Of fans and waving
handkerchiefs, like a flower bed tossed bv
the southwest wind, greeted the presi.
dent, tall, magnificent looking woman
as she came forward and let her gavel
fall three times; and then the Biennial
was open.
TO BE CONTINUED.
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The Choice of a Wife.