The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1909-04-23
From Tuesdays Daily.
IT, N n GnnxrAnksosa

Inc ID. A. n. CONVENTION.
This week bids fair to be a most
important one in the history of the
patriotic organization known as the
Daughters of the American Revolution,
it being the occasion of the annual
Continental congress which is held
each year at Washington, beginning
with the date of the anniversary OF
the Battle of Lexington. Especial in
terest centers at the session this year
in the election of q president general.
Mrs. Donald Mclean cannot succeed
serself because of the statute of limi-
tation, the law being that the presi-
dent general cannot serve more than
| two terms. The candidates for these
high positions are not numerous, as
the duties are exacting and require
fine executive ability. Heretofore it
has been the custom to elect to the
position of president general only
women whose husbands held high posi-
tions, but the limitations came when
! it was realized that few women were
eligible to the office under those con-
/
ident general that has been elected
who did not comply with this GUS
tom. The first president general that
the organization elected was Mrs.
Caroline Scott Harrison, wife of the
late Benjamin Harrison; other promi-
nent women who have held positions
of president general are Mrs. John
Foster, wife of former secretary OF
state, Mrs. Letitia Green Stevenson
wife of one of the vice presidents
also Mrs. Daniel Manning and Mrs
Charles Fairbanks, both wives of noted
statesmen.
The ID. A. r. was first organized in
Washington, ID. c., in 1890 and since
then has grown to a membership OF
over 10000, divided into several hun
dred chapters. There are also chap
tiers in Canada, Hawaiian Islands and
Europe.
The organization mas for its objects
the perpetuation of the memory OF
those who achieved American independ
ence. the collection of relics of early
American days, the erection of mon
nments on historical sites, the encour
agement of historical research in re-
lation to the Revolution, the publica
ton of documents of results, the pres
ervation of documents and relics, pro
motion of celebrations of all patriotic
anniversaries, also TO carry out thu
injunction of Washington, "To pro
i inc t,Itsn tha
fusion of knowledge" and to cherish
maintain and extend the institutions
of American freedom, to foster trit
patriotism and to aid in securing fol
mankind all the blessings of liberty
The society has collected many his
| torical relics which have been deposited
in the United States National Museum
at Washington and it has also valu
able historical and genealogical library
at its headquarters in Washington
During the Spanish American war i
aided the government by securing
nurses of proper character and quail
fications, and the society now pub
fishes patriotic magazine. the Gamer
lean Monthly" The society is also do
/ ing a great deal towards preservation
of historic places and objects
Any woman is eligible for member
ship who is of the age of eighteen ant
is descended from patriot man Of
woman who aided in establishing
American independence, provided tn,
applicant is acceptable to the society
but family tradition alone in reeart
to the services of an ancestor unless
accompanied by proof is not consd
cred. All Of the work done by TIT
ID. A. r. is progressive to degree
conspicuous in their praiseworthy worl
is the chair of American history a.
Barnard college, the educational an
; mex of Columbia, the old Kings col
leee of Revolutionary times. This i,
probably one of the most important
services to the cause of education We,
rendered by any of the patriotic or
ders. The Chicago chapter is the old
est, being one month the senior of tn,
New York chapter and also the larg
, est.
Perhaps the greatest achievement
that the organization has accomplished
lis the erection and completion of tn,
. Memorial Continental Hall at Wash
ington, which has cost 100000, and i
being dedicated this week at the Ma
tional Congress.
The building has been in constrnc
, ton for a number of years, and tn,
F chapters in the different states have eacl
finished a certain portion, the Mime
sofa having contributed its share to
wards the bronze stairway. The names
of Eugenia Washington, a great CRANE
. niece of George Washington, Mar,
Desha and Mrs. Ellen Hardin Wal
worth should be mentioned as founder
of the Daughters of the Revolution
The organization has an official sea
that is both pretty and appropriate
it being affixed to all society docu
ments. The design is Revolutionar,
dame at her spinning wheel with thir
teen stars surrounding her, also tn
inscription, 3D. of the A. r., 1915
1890" and the motto which espresso
in two words the vital objects of tn