New-York tribune., 1908-05-31

needed reforms as child labor Civil Service REFORM
pure food, forestry, and the establishment OF a
state refornatory for women The bill providing
for this reformatory has been passed by the
Legislature and the question of a site for the
building IS under consideration.
The New Jersey Federation is nothing II not
practical; its balance wheel is in good working
order. As a rule it takes up no fads or fancies
and withholds action upon doubtful points In the
forcible vernacuar it doesn't butt in where 1t Is
needed One instance of this was its refusal
TO take upon the vexed question of vivisec-
ton. That decision reached in less than half
hours debate.
The federation was organized in 1895 at the IN
stance Mrs. Charles r. Yardey. of East Orange,
who was its first president, and is now honorary
president The idea federation new
that time, but several other state federations
in existence and Mrs. Yardley says that
when she heard of this and such a fedora ton
in working order in Philadelphia she felt ashamed
to think that great little New Jersey did not own
one; so she set to work at its organization. with
prompt success. The six presidents since Mrs.
Yardley's have also been notable women in
the organized work of the state. They Miss
Cecilia Gaines. Mrs. John Holland, OF Cold
Spring. y Y: Mrs. Emily e. Williamson. Mrs.
Stewart Hartshorn. Miss Mary McKeen. Mrs. An
drew J. Newbury and Mrs. Henry II. Dawson. of
Newark. the present incumbent. Mrs Dawson $
presiding Is crisp and decided. Nobody oversteps-
or overtalks-her allotted time, and everything
falls into line with admirable precision This is
needed. with the work of ten departments to be
reported and acted upon. besides that committees
and subcommittee
1t is impossible TO comment fully upon the work
OF these departments. which are those of forestry
town Improvement legislation, education and libra
ries, sociology household economies literature art
reciprocity and organization. The first named de-
psrtment has been known hitherto the Depart
ment Forestry and Preservation of the PaIi-
sades. and its achievement Is the pride and glory
of fba fada aloD Z has beaD abI h
title because of the successful accomplishment of
its work in that direction The Department of For
estry is cooperating with the Palisades Pres
ervaton League in the opening of the Memorial
Park the top of the cliffs and erection of
commemorative statue. Miss S Elizabeth Dema-
rest, Of PassaC. the second vice president of
the federation. is still in charge of this branch Of
its work Three thousand dollars has been raised
for the statue. OF which S56s So raised by the
department.
feature and many local Improvement societies ore
among the federated clubs and have stirred Up
their respective town authorities and co-operat.d
with the mems civic associations Objectionable
posters have lately been a special subject of at
The Department of Education and Libraries calls
attention among other matters. to ethical instruc-
ton IN the schools vacation schools. and the teach
ing OF the blind II has pet project in the raising
Of a fund FOR scholarships IN English univer-
,tv n, mos, successful work has been the estab-
liEhrnent travelling libraries. which OF M
~atinlable benefit to small towns and remote vii
lages The Reciprocity Department collects good
club papers ard lends them to small clubs
The Department of Household Economies has
dared :, ures,le vith the servant question Greater
nroof Of ns irtrepdity could scarcely be. but
far it's victories theoretical. and the discus
,oru have seemed to prove that there prob
I.fns Too vast for tho New Jerscy fed TO
tackle Simpler found in the school
.,I
The legislative work In general has already been
nketched The women have been encouraged 10
keep up agitation on behalf Of good laws. through
letters. petitions and personal influence. by no
less an authority than gherir sommer Of Newark.
an orrcor who IN becoming famous IN the line OF
rs1-A