The Wahpeton times. [volume] (Wahpeton, Richland County, Dakota [N.D.]) 1879-1919, 1907-12-05

Sally pSIlOu VI LH6 country history,
all desire for such patriotic organiza-
lions seemed to die, until, as has been
said, the celebration of the one hun
dredth anniversary of the Declaration
of independence animated the seed of
patriotic growth which has since flow
cred at this end of the new century
into full and luxuriant bloom. Within
the last few years well-nigh a count
less number of organizations, bearing
titles significant of historic associa-
ton, have sprung into being.
Of these "The Sons" and "Daugh-
tiers of the American Revolution" are
the most prominent and numerous in
membership. In connecting the title
"Sons and Daughters" the writer does
that which the "Sons" themselves de-
clined to do, the latter thus exhibiting
lack of that seeing vision" which
Du Maurier proclaims a priceless gift.
In other words, the "Sons" did not
foresee that a declination to receive
the feminine descendants of revolu-
tionary sires would deprive the society
Sons of the American Revolution of
an able, ardent and achieving element.
Therefore 1t came about that the So
ciety Sons of the American Revolu-
ton, organized in 1889, exists as one
organization and the Daughters of the
American Revolution as another.
With the true, clinging nature of
women's hearts, the feminine descend
ants of the revolutionary patriots ap-
pealed to the Sons of the American
Revolution to be taken within the
protecting fold of the masculine So
ciety! The latter, however, displayed
no embracive inclination and threw
the women back upon their own pride
and their own resources.
The result was that in October. 1890.
there was organized the national so
ciety of the Daughters of the Amer.
lean Revolution. The growth and
activity of the latter body would seem
almost fncOmprehensible were 1t not
to be remembered that the spirits of
the men who made and preserved us
nation" inspire the souls of their de-
scendants; and woman's enthusiasm,
when awakened, outstrips all other
and reaches. on flying feet, the 4gox
OF high endeavor. The Sons of the
American Revolution number several
thousand-probably under 10000. The
Daughters of the American Revolu.
ton over 10000.
These revolutionary daughters, hav.
ing made clear to erring man his mis-.
take In refusing their gentle compan.
ionship. now entertain the most ami
able feeling toward their brother 80.
ciety. The latter apparently recfpro.
Gates, and the two organizations be.
Ing In perfect harmony, although un-
der separate governments, have be-
come leaven of patriotism for the
entire country. They are represented
in every state, city and hamlet All
institutions of learning know them.
from the public schools to the univer-
sites. All rostrums have welcomed
them, from the old-time town meeting
to the great assemblages in fashion.
able halls. Historic spots no longer
lie neglected. but are crowned with
lasting granite and immutable bronze.
The heroes who spilled their blood
upon the soil, then consecrated by that
red libation. no longer sleep in un.
known or forgotten graves. Their
children rise up and call them bless.
ed" and their country is rejuyenated
by the proud memories of their mar.
velous prowess.
Eligibility in either of the above.
mentioned organizations rests upon
lineal descent from one who served
his or her country during the revolu-
ton. whether in the army or on the
high seas or in giving material aid"
to the infant government Descent
from an officer does not necessarily
figure in either society. Descent from
private. unknown save by his shame
and record Of unflinching service
to his country, entities one to the
same regard as though descended from
captain, colonel or brigadier general.
Thus a truly American spirit is con.
served.
Besides the Sons of the American
| povo1ntfon on6 thu no,,uhto,. - A.