Omaha daily bee., 1906-02-02

The following communication from the
president of the General Federation Of
Women's Clubs to the club women. which
includes a suggestion. several of them in
fact, to which the members must eventu-
ally give their consideration
Many letters are received of this order
81 po t you approve up OF the Bay View course
opinion of the Chautauqua course?' or
The university extension" etc. II is a
hard matter for the president OF the general
federation to answer these questions with
out distinct pang of jealousy and regret.
Fine courses of study and much to be COM
mended are they. each and every one, but
General Federation course of study fur
nished without charge to every club upon
application to the bureau of information.
How to bring this about? May We have
suggestions? The chairman of each stand
ing committee is ready at all times to fur
nish study programs for clubs and fedora
tons upon her special work. but to relate
and correlate their eleven subjects into a
systematic course of study is an important
next step in our progress and work.
Many. many letters are received from
declarations, national societies, clubs and
even individuals, asking that the General
Federation take up new or special course.
The preservation of some historical spot. OF
Niagara Falls. abolishing foot ball, con-
demnins hazing the divorce evil vege-
tarianisn. giving up Christmas trees, Vari-
Gus bills before congress, etc, are some Of
the causes mentioned desirable and even
neGessary and it is asked that IT., the fedora,
club be notified of its action and asked TO
assist. So NJ
Let us. for a moment consider what an
Endorsement by the General Fedora ton
means-for example the investigation OF
industrial conditions which will be asked of
congress by the industrial and industrial
advisory committee during this session.
First. the careful preparation of the circu-
lar which must be submitted to the mem
bers of the committee and to the executive
committee of the federation; the sending
out of three printed forms to each club be-
longing directly to the General Federation,
about 100 in number. and to the state
clubs about 1900, not in direct membership,
| a letter setting forth the plan and object
OF the committee, return postal card for
| many hours of work, much expense and
the time OF every club taken frequently
! from an arranged program. II Is evident
that though there are splendid causes,
! which are near 10 the hearts of every one.
| yet. to do efficient. careful, scientific work
/ there must be selection and loyal support
! of our own committee plans. Then. too. II
/ is TO be questioned If IL is wise to bring
! too many pleas for help to the average club
member. 1t is sometimes discouraging and
confusing. In attending the meetings OF
/ the state declarations it has been ques-
| ton whether il is wise 10 present the causes
| of other national organizations TO the as
sembly. AT convention there were
| three other national societies exploited, and
/ club women were asked 10 subscribe for
/ their respective papers or publications and
| to enlist in work for these causes. Perhaps
! this is selsh view to take of the matter
! but II is caused by the desire 10 bring a
/ greater loyalty ana obligation TO our own
/ The General Federation and women's clubs
are. not for advertising purposes: they have
high, and even holy, purpose, and we
must build solidly on our own lines-not
/ distracting or dissipating our energies-ii
/ we expect to reach our ideals.
SARAH S. PLATT DECKER.