The San Francisco call., 1907-03-11
News of the Women's
Clubs in the Cities
Across the Bay


OAKLAND, March 1o-The Home
Club in throwing open its clubhouse
on Saturday afternoon to those who
were interested in the work of the
George Junior Republic were amply re-
paid in the enthusiasm which the ad-
dress of William r. George, founder of
the modern State. provoked. Nearly
hundred women went to hear of the
plan which had proved such a practical
use In the training of boys and girls
For twelve years the republic has ex-
listed in the suburbs of New York It's
citizens, ranging in age from Is to 21
years, make their own laws and gov
ern themselves, filing public offices
and carrying on the work of a minia-
ture state. The child is given the full
responsibility OF man or woman He
must work or starve, receive much or
little, according to his energy or am
bition. For all that he does he Is
paid. The laws of the State of New
York govern the ninety boys and sew
enty girls who claim citizenship, plus
the laws which they frame for them
selves. To use tobacco they make a
misdemeanor; to gamble is a felony.
The prison-house and hard labor Is
punishment George takes no hand in
the making of the laws which are en-
forced. but the President and Legisla-
ture, which is elected by vote of the
citizens from themselves OF these
lads and lassfes many of them come
from the worst phase of East Side life.
The wisdom which they display in
putting aside evil is worthy of COM
ment.
One of the cleverest stories which
George told was the beginning of a
labor agitation. The citizens were
obliged to work FIVE hours daily and
to attend school five hours, making
ten hour day. One of the boys decided
that this was not just Eight hours
was enough for one day. He called
lne boys together, and by speedy agree
ment the Legislature passed the bill
ordering an eight hour day. When the
boys went down to the field that day
they took with them their bats and
balls for an extra game. In the mean
time the girls heard + the passage of
the new bill. BY simple sum in
arithmetic they found that their eight
hour day ended at o'clock. At that
hour they set out for picnic in the
woods. The boys returned at 6 o'clock
ready for their dinner. The feminine
part of the republic was not to be
found. Neither was there any dinner
Soon they learned the cause of the
absence and the youthful citizens i'm
mediately repealed the hasty legisla-
ton.
Plans are being made to establish
suoh republic in the southern part of
California. Illinois and Massachusetts
also have determined to have within
their borders some such work where
children may be sent to be educated
along lines Of general citizenship, and
where they may learn to meet the
world, asking no favors.
An important meeting of the 800
clubwomen who are planning the club
house for the working girls of the city
will be held in Pythian Castle Monday
afternoon at o'clock Already a gem
erous response has been made to the
appeal for $4,000 with which to pur-
chase the Playter residence at Four
teenth and Castro streets.
Now that their handsome new club
house has been completed and the work
of furnishing and decorating is going
forward rapidly the members of Ebell
are on the qui vive in anticipation of
the elaborate housewarming with
which they will open their quarters on
the evening of April 2. Representative
women are busily engaged In arrang-
ing the programme, which promises
to surpass the most brilliant function
Ebell has yet presided over. Coming
as 1T does. SO closely after Easter, the
opening will be the forerunner of a
long series of interesting dates.
The clubrooms are perfectly appoint
ed, and after the long siege with ar
chitects, builders and decorators the
women who have had the active man
agement of affairs may well feel proud
of the completion of their task. The
Ebell clubhouse Is one of the most
delightful homes of women's clubs in
this part of the State, and when in
next May they entertain the meeting
of the state Federation 1t will be in
comfortable and commodious quarters
that they will dispense their hospital
ity
Considerable interest il being mani
tested in the election which will take
place on the afternoon of Tuesday.
April 2. Although the nominating
committee has not made any state
ments as to whom the honors will fall,
several names are being suggested for
important positions, any of which will
meet with the approval of the mem
bership.
Philip M. Walsh will address the
members and guests of the Oakland
Club Wednesday afternoon next and
tell about the workings of the State
Legislature as he saw them. The after
noon Is planned to be of exceptional
interest to the women, who are not
ignorant of the affairs OF state. Mrs
Philip NJ Walsh will preside as chair
man of the day, assisted in her duties
by large party of clubwomen. The
musical programme of the hour Will
be given by Mrs. A. B. Nash. soprano,
accompanied by Mrs l.. r. We'll.
Last Wednesday afternoon was de-
voted to the business interests of the
club. Preparations for the coming an
nual meeting wereemade and the nonli-
nees for the board of directors named.