New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-05-06
+" FEDS " NEW REGIME.
Sociology Instead of Bouquets
Miss Drcjer's Startling Statements.

The first meeting Of tie New-Tork City Fed
grafton OF Women's Clubs 10 be held since the
election Of Mrs. Belle de Rivera as president
,ook place yesterday at the Hotel Astor, In an
atmosphere markedly differen: from that which
characterized the former regime Instead OF
snending the afternoon in bouquet throwing. as
had usually been done heretofore the federation
devoted the time TO business, and instead of the
customary elaborate luncheon a buffet repast
was served, which took less time and pre-
surnably cost less.
The particular subject to which the afternoon
uss devoted was philanthropy, so that the
trast was made still greater by the changes from
complimentary addresses to the woes of Little
Mothers and the trials of women wage earners.
Miss Margaret Dreier, president OF the
Women's Trade Union League, was introduced
nv the new Industrial committee and told the
federation some startling things.
DO you know" she asked. that there are
restaurants in this city where the mattresses
are expected TO attend a prayer meeting at Z
o'clock in the morning, and are fined % cents
=. they are not there? I think you will agree
with ne that that is commercializing religion
with a vengeance. Do you know that there
are hundreds OF women in this city who work
eighteen hours a day for seven days a week
for 81 o. for the whole week? Do you know
that during the rush season millners' hands
work from 80 o'clock IN the morning TO 10 or
Il o'clock at night in order that We may have
cheap hats? Do you know that when girls
wages appear as 81 a week on the payroll OF
factory you must deduct from that 81 which
she pays for thread, so cents for the of the
electric power. besides various fines and rebates?
And do you know that the girl also has to buy
her own machine, which costs about S45?
Il DO not think any woman here wants these
things TO continue. and I appeal TO you to study
this question and see II your prejudices against
the trade union are not unfounded. II there
Is any other way that will lead US out Of this
chaos Of darkness and misery"
In pleading for the Little Mothers. Mrs Clar-
Burns told OF little girl whose health
falled under her burdens. and who, as she lay
upon her deathbed, said:
Il never had very much time 20 pray. Won
der what Will say 10 GOD when see Him7'
Mrs Burns told also how the little girls are
learning laundry work under the instruction Of
one Of the managers OF the Little Mothers Aid
Association who took course at Teachers Col
1ege IN order to be able TO teach them, and how
two other managers are defraying the expenses
of a sewing class for the older girls who have
not o-ly learned 10 make their own shirt waist
suits but ready to take orders They Will
make shirt waists for 81. and rebind skirts for
50 cents.
The cause Of the cripples was presented by
Mrs Arthur Elliott Fish and Mrs. A. l. Brlan-
ger. an9 Mrs. Edwin Arden told OF the work Of
The subjects OF the morning Education
and Public Safety" with addresses by DR.. Ed
gar Dubo Simmer, District Superintendent OF
Schools. and Thomas T. c. Grain. Tenement
House Commissioner.
The afternoon closed with the adoption Of a
set Of resolutions. the most important of which
was one erbodying a recommendation that in
case q divorce commission should be appointed
by the President. women should be appointed
upon If II equal numbers with men. The reso-
luton suggested that these women be physt-
Clans and biologists.
Another resolution called on clubs and club
women to write 10 the members OF the Senate
asking them to use their influence TO unseat
Reed Srnoot There Were few noes" when
this resolution was put. and some one on the
floor asked. Indignantly:
Are there any MorInons here?"
The movement to erect a bronze statue in
memory of Mrs G. Fl. Gilbert was Endorsed. and
the clubs were asked 10 disseminate information
about the dangers OF crowded fire escapes. 1t
was voted to petition the Mayor 10 bring about
legislation looking to the better enforcement OF
automobile laws and also TO appoint women
school commissioners.
The Board of Education will be asked to
make better provisions for the industrial and
business training of girls.