The Washington times., 1909-04-19

AiIllQ pdlIlOuC SCltllS OF IliuSlCy
flags, and flowers, in the presence
of distinguished women and prom
inent men, with the atmosphere in
Continental Hall typical Of the joy
business of the spring season and yet
surcharged with the expectancy of
the impending factional fight, the
eighteenth annual convention Of the
Daughters Of the American Reyolu-
ton was formally opened today
shortly after II O'Clock.
It's Significance.
Especially significant TO every Daugh-
ter present was the opening Of this con-
vention because it celebrated the pracsi-
cal completion Of Continental Hall.
which has been the one great project
OF the society since the laying Of the
cornerstone and its dedication in 1919
A fanfare Of trumpezs heralded the
approach of Mrs. Donald Mclean,
president general of the society, who
at the end of this convention. after four
years Of signal service TO the order
will turn over the reins Of government
either to Mrs. Matthew 7. Scott, OF
Illinois or Mrs. William Cummings
story, of New York Instantly the hum
of conversation in the gayly decorated
han ceased, simultaneously every one
arose to honor the presence Of the ap-
preaching presiding officer, and all eyes
were riveted upon the doorway. Lead BY
the daintily gowned pages Of the con-
vention and escorted by the charter
members of the organization. formed
into a bodyguard of honor. Mrs Me-
Lean entered the hall amid the ap-
plause OF every Daughter.
Differences Forgotten
As she proceeded slowly down the
aisle to her place on the rOstrum. where
a number of distinguished guests were
already waiting, the Ciferences over
administration policies were forgotten,
the thought of insurgency fed. politics
gave way to patriotism, and every
member, from founder to the youngest
Daughter there, entered into the true
spirit Of welcome and feIicitation that
the all-important annual event was az
last under way.
Never before did a convention Of Con-
tinentaI Congress meet under more IA
voraAle and more brilliant circum-
creased membership and influence of
the then insignificant society founded
eighteen years ago more plainly n evil
deuce. II was a wonderful testimonial
to the neYer-dytag love OF country, the
admiration OF younger generations Tor
the bravery of fOrbeq rs the determina-
ton TO inStil in those who live today
the spirit exemplified by those whose
m emories are kept fresh by such gath
erings as this.
Scene Of Beauty.
From the platform, where the Ma
tional officers. the guests Of honor. and
the representatives of the press sat.
the scene upon the floor was one Of
picturesque beauty-One that charmed
as it thrilled, one that delighted both
the eye and the heart. From every
State of the Union, their faces radiant.
the eyes flashing with enthusiasm and
admiration. handsomely gOwned women.
young and old, each bearing the insignia
that told Of illuStriOus ancestry. played
each her part IN the historic gathering.
The galleries, crowded to oVerfOWiEs
with delegates assigned TO that section,
and interested spectators presented
equally as attractive an appearance.
Every color of the rainbow, every
triumph OF the art or the mOdiSte and
the milliner, was there In appearance,
were il not for the evidence on every
hEnd Of the serious work TO be under
TAKEN the dSSculDldEe was Iyplcaf or a
social function at which had gathered
the nations fairest WomanhoOd. To
the rear, above. on each side, hung
American flags, bunting, mementos OF
famous Colonial bat.es. the spirit of
Americanism over II all In and out
the dehsely crowded aisle, the frOcks of
pure white. with a touch Of color here
and there, moved buSy pages, young
women selected because of their beauty.
their social position, and their fntesast
in the work of the older heads about
them.
There were the contrasts, too. adding