The Republican journal., 1906-11-15
THE NATIONAL W. 6. I. U.

unexpectedly dIteNulug part OF the
National Womens' Christian Temperance
Union convention in Hartford, Conn.,, i'm
| mediately following the Worlds Conven
ton in Boston, the first hint of the great
| gathering was seen in the specially arrang-
ed store windows, with "Greetings to W.
C. T. u" Hereand there on the streets, a
building bears placard saying "Purity
Conferences here at $50 a. M" "Medcal
Temperance Lectures Estate W. c. T. U.
Headquarters" etc. Across from the big
white postoffice, Parsons Theater bore the
letters "W. c. T. u" just within the
outer entrance the literature tables stood,
always surrounded by those buying leaflets
on Purity, Scientific Temperance Instruc-
ton, or the souvenir booklets and nutmegs
put out by the State union. Inside, in
opposite corners, were the Union Signal
table and Information Bureau. The floor
was filled to overlooking with delegates
52S-the largest convention yeti The
tables for the reporters were also filled by
busy writer's. All around were flags and
flowers, banners and bunting. From
either side of the stage hung the Union
Signal Honor List. Maine had a very long
list; almost as long as the entire remaining
list. How many Waldo County unions are
there? One box nearest the stage was oc-
cupied by the foreign visitors, and proml-
nent among them were Mrs. Harrison Lee
of Melbourne, Worlds White Ribbon
Missionary, well known as speaker in
New Zealand, Australia and England. She
is bright, interesting little woman. She
will remain in America about three months
and is to speak in Portland, Augusta, Ban
gor, Rockland and other towns, and we
hope, also, in Belfast.
Many of the English women, with others,
had to leave without going on to Hartford;
but we saw some faces we have learned to
kuow-Miss Royberg of Sweden, Miss Cal
lisperi of Greece, Miss Leroy Broad, repre-
sentng the Fiji Islands, Miss Ellen Stone,
and others. Among the many speakers of
both sexes no voice is so invariably, so
easily, heard as that of Mrs. L. NJ. n. Stew
ems, the presiding officer. AS National Mu-
steal Director. Mrs. Frances Graham, Presi-
dent of the New York ". c. I. u, had
charge of the music. Everyone is glad when
she sings herself, for her voice is peculiarly
sweet and distinct.
Friday night was Welcome and L. 7. L..
Night and the Governor, the Mayor, the
ministers, the schools and the W. c. 7. o..
were all in evidence, as well as the children.
Saturday was Worlds W. C. 7. U. Night
when the foreign visitors occupied the
platform. Sunday morning many pulpits
were filed by W. c. T. L. speakers. The
convention sermon in the afternoon was
given by Rev. Anna H. Shaw; that evening
was given up to the "Y's." Monday even
ing was a Diamond Medal Contest, and a
Connecticut boy was the winner. Tuesday
evening was Demonstration Night" when
many of the departments, grouped under
six general heads, gave illustrations of their
work For instance, Mrs. Benjamin, Nation
al Superintendent of Parliamentary Usage,
held class exhibition, when the motions,
amendments, questions of privilege, etc,
were enough to confuse the average onlook-
er. Wednesday evening was State Jubilee
Night. The president of the State gaining
500 new members Was allowed to speak five
minutes; States gaining 400, 800, 200, 100
new members were allowed four, three, two
or one minute. Mrs. Gertrude Stevens Lea
witt spoke for Maine. Miss Gordon present.
ed the banners to Ohio, largest State gain.
2,O24; to the second-Tennessee Union-for
largest district gain, los; to Chatauqua
county, New York, largest county gain,
161, and to Mitchell, South Dakota, largest
local gain of 90.
Then came the closing exercises, when
every one clasped hands with her neighbor
and ali sang "God be with you till we meet
again" The general officers led in repeat
ing the W. C. I. L. benediction, and the
convention was adjourned.
Invitations for next year were received
from Nashville, Omaha, Denver and Nor
folk the latter seconded by officers of the
jamestown exhibition.
Mrs. Clara hoffman, President of Mis-
ouri, declined reelection as Recording Sec
rotary and Mrs Harriet Preston Anderson
of North Dakota, long Assistant Recording
Secretary, was chosen in her stead. Mrs.
Howard NJ. Hoge, president of Virginia,
fills the place left by Mrs. Anderson. Mrs.
Stevens was reelected National President.
EFF. NJ.