The National tribune., 1908-09-17
LADIES OF THE G. A. r..

LADIES OF THE G. A. II.
respondent of the National, Writes of
the Convention in ToledO-Mrs. Long
field mt the Head-Other Omcers.
National Headquarters of the Ladies
of the Grand Army of the Republic
were established at the Secor Hotel,
with all the National officers reporting
"here." Many Past National officers
were also present.
At the Campfire or semi-official meet
ing at the Valentine Theater National
President Mrs. Clara N. Sawyer extend
ed the greetings of the Order In an elo-
quent. forcefui and eminently patriotic
address, which was responded to by
National Junior Vice Commander-in-
Chief Scott, of Atlanta, Ga, who, among
other good things, said he wished we
might have a Circle in every city and
hamlet in our country. On behalf of
the National Organization Mrs. Sawyer
presented Comrade Burton, Command
er-in-Chief, with a beautiful floral flag.
1t was quite five feet long and stood on
an easel. Commander-in-Ch Chief Burton
accepted 1t with a most eloquent and
feeling address Of thanks.
The National President was the recip-
lent of many social courtesies in Toledo
before the opening of the Convention,
the most interesting perhaps being the
reception and Campfire arranged by
Ford Circle in East Toledo, the princi-
pal speaker being Gen. John C. Black,
of Chicago. Mrs. Sawyer made a fine
address, closing with an original toast
to our flag.
On Thursday morning the Convention
was opened in st. PauPs NJ. e. Church,
with about 200 delegates and many Wis
itors. All officers answered to roll call,
md TO- 70 hn Cnv,x ont inn
assembled. At the conclusion of roll
call Mrs. Kate B. Sherwood, of Toledo,
Chairman of Woman's Citizens Com
mittee, was announced and extended
greetings, which were responded to by
our National President. After their
departure greetings were received from
other patriotic Orders assembled in To-
ledo. AT the beginning of the after
noon session Mrs. Sawyer presented and
read her annual report, which was a
most able and exhaustive one, and was
received with enthusiasm, following
which Mrs. Catherine Ross, Treasurer,
presented her with a beautiful jeweIed
badge emblematic of her service.
Mrs. Genevieve Longfeld, National
Inspector, then presented her with a
testimonial of love and appreciation, an
elegant diamond ring, on behalf of the
members at large. She also received
during the sessions many other beauti-
full tokens of love from various personal
friends and Departments. All the Off
GERS were remembered by gifts from
admiring personal friends.
An evening session was held, during
which much important business was dis
patched.
On Friday morning the minutes and
decisions of the National Council were
submitted and acted upon by Conven-
tion, the most interesting being the
resolution to admit to honorary men,
bership the Sons of Veterans, which was
concurred in with great demonstrations
of applause. All of the decisions were
discussed, the work of the Patriotic In
structor being more largely dwelt upon.
Every delegate recognized the great
value of that branch of our work, and
desired full instructions as to the de-
tails to carry home to their several De-
partments. The prize, a stand of colors,
offered by Mrs. Della Henry, of Mis-
souri,, National Patriotic Instructor, was
awarded to the Department of New
York as having accomplished the best
results according to their membership.
At the opening of the afternoon ses-
tsion we were complimented by receive
| ing greetings from the Woman's Relief
Corps, the committee being our beloved
sister, Mrs. Isabel Worrell-Ball, asso-
ciate editor of The National Tribune,
and Miss Henrietta Briscoe, both OF
| Baltimore. Mrs. Ball is a most bril-
| liant newspaper woman, a progressive
thinker, most generous and devoted
| friend, with loving nature and such
an extended acquaintance in both Or
derS as TO n1ake her yyicit to a double
compliment. She is the wisest parlia-
mentarian in the ranks of the w. R. c..
| and her voice in their Conventions is
| always raised against class legislation
| Dl1rinpr this geeciOn W. a vic
from the newly-elected Commander-in-
| Chief, Comrade w. M. Nevius. The
announcement of his presence was re-
| ceived with cheers, and his introduction
by Mrs. Dalton was followed by singing
Marching Thru Georgia." his favorite
war song. the singing led by Mrs. Lane
of New York, at the pipe organ, and
Mrs. Scott, of Illinois, at the piano. He
made most patriotic address, which
was listened to in breathless silence. He
left his campaign badges, which are
very beautiful, to be distributed among
our delegates.
DR.. Hall, Senior Vice of the Depart.
ment of Ohio, at this time presented The
unofficial greetings and good wishes fol
the coming year.
The election of officers resulted a.
follows: President, Mrs. Genevieve Ha.
ger Longfield, Chicago; Senior Vice
Emma Crane, Toledo, O.; Junior Vice
Elizabeth Garvin, Jersey City, N. J.;
Treasurer, Catherine Ross, Denver
Colo. (re-elected; Chaplain, Mary Z
Hancock, Syracuse, N. Y; Counselor
Clara N. Sawyer, So. Portland, Me
Council of observation-disclosures NJ
Wallace, China, Me-; Lulu Alleah Shan.
non, Bremerton, Wash; Josie Slicken
Jeanette, Pa.
The officers were installed in a mos
impressive manner by Mrs. Mary II
Hager, mother of Mrs. Longfield, an6
Mrs. Mary Duddlestone, sister of the
President-elect, was named and In
stalled as Secretary Mrs. Hager wa.
assisted by Mrs. Martha j. Van Duzor
Of Illinois, and Mrs. Edith Brown, o
Pacific Grove, Cal. An informal recep
tion was enjoyed by those who remained
to witness the installation services, ant
the number was greater than at an,
previous year.
Il At the closing benediction was deliv
cred by our new National Chaplain
Il Mary E. Hancock. -,
1 At our headquarters at Hotel Secol
on Saturday morning, witnessed by {
large number of our delegates, the new
ICommander-in-C Chief, Comrade Neviuss
took the obligation of our Order, ant
pledged his official support to the rela
tives of his comrades, and stated tha
he looked to us to serve him. especial.