The San Francisco call., 1905-02-13

Auditorium to formally open the three
days deliberations.
"A table?" ''Oh, yes; we will try
to get you one. A gavel? Why, yes;
but didn't you bring one with you?"
And thus it was that Mrs. Smith,
saved by her unfailing charm, courtesy
and consideration, smilingly stood on
child's malleO and brass door-plat
upon which to hammer it were pro-
vided.
After that things got under way and
a programme of vital Interest," trifie
too much of detail perhaps-was lis
tened to in triple iIstallments, morn
ing, afternoon and evening.
Assuredly was Mrs. ]. w. Orr, San
Francisco, chairman of the programme
committee, to be congratulated upon
her choice of speakers and their sub
jects, albeit about one-half of the val
liable matter offered would have been
better digested. But, of course, every
district and every club clamors for rec
ognition.
These three sessions a day with
each speaker loaded to the nozzle with
specific information is something of a
hard proposition on the delegates if
they hope to listen intelligently. Many
of us found ourselves jibbering idiots
on the third day out A fourth would
have had US committed" Fortunately
the fourth didn't happen and we are
back in our happy homes to recuper-
ate and reflect.
In this reflection lies the real value
Of State Federation gatherings. Women
from all sections of a big State
como together tell of their ambitions
and their diversified achievements
with the latter considerably in the lead
and the consciousness furnishes an
impetus to further achievement. 1t
spurs on to bigger things and thus
shapes destinies. In this alone lies
the power and the necessity of feder-
alton, which to the woman of door
yard views has no appreciation.
Quite the most significant thing ut
tered by the newly elected State presi-
dent Mrs. Josiah Evans Cowles, in her
Inauguration address was in this state
ment: II am the president Of Califor-
MIA l know no sections save those di-
vided for facility of operation. 1 ex-
pect the loyalty of every section and
look for it's cooperation"
OF this cooperation there is NO room
for doubt.
Mrs. Cowles has in past years shown
herself woman of marked personality,
of tact, of social accomplishment, of
quick intelligence and breadth of view.
And in her almost unanimous election
this appreciation has been manifest.
In truth viii Mrs. Cowles be presi-
dent of California, with the upper part
of the big State as loyal and loving
as the southern section, which is hon.
cred by her residence.
Mrs George Law Smith, who pre-
sided over the deliberations with such
ha xrfGi nc
well as the southern clubwomen. Firm
in her government, she was none the
less charming and feminine in her per-
sonality. There is no suggestion of
the man-woman in either the past pres
ident or the new president, save that
both possess clear and logical minds.
Both are essentially womanly women.
And here's to themi
When the nominations were about to
be made it was pretty tribute that
every district paid to the retiring pres
ident-when every district in the State,
through its chairman, requested her
acceptance of denomination.
While appreciating the pretty COM
pliment, Mrs. George Law Smith de-
clined the honor. stating that the best
interests of the federation were sub
served by rotation in Office and begged
the chairmen TO give their unanimous
support to Mrs. Cowles. which was
thereupon gladly promised.
Among the reports presented Mrs.
MacClouth's was especially interesting
as recording secretary, going into the
history of the federation and reciting
many pleasant incidents en- route in
fine literary fashion.
But IL remained for Mrs Arthur
Cornwall to capture the convention by
her short witty report as correspond-
ing secretary, when she told of having
caused the establishment of a salaried
postoffice at a little mining camp in