The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1914-11-20

"a A better knowledge of parlia-
mentary procedure.
(2) Greater care in the selection OF
officers. and delegates.
(3) Promptness in answering let
ters.
The answers are given in the order
| of emphasis A goodly number sug-
gested the first, much larger num-
| Der the second and far greater num-
Der the third. So we must accept the
voice of those who realize that in
these three directions there is need
of improvement.
The first criticism we may pass as
practically axomatiic, since 1t is
/ obvious that women, if they are to
conduct or take part in procedure,
| must know something of orderly pro-
| cedure. We, as a body and as indi-
viduals, are fast learning this lesson
and it is no longer so common as
formerly to see poorly conducted
meeting. But we are progressing as
rapidly along the lines indicated by
the other points of criticism? Some
times | fear not. 1t is to be feared
that these criticisms are in a very
great degree just, for it is well known
to all workers in the state and gen.
eral declarations as we'll as in individ-
ual clubs that even officers and com
mittee members are sometimes chos-
en-, not wholly because they are
especially we'll qualified, but also
sometimes simply because they are
| mice women" or because they hap
pen to be warm personal friends of
some members of the nominating
committee.
When selecting a president only
one thing should be considered, and
| that stiffness. All other minor mat
tiers of location, bank account and
social position can be disregarded,
but a president must be fitted for the
work. Having elected president of
this caliber the club must stand
with solid loyalty behind her. The
election of minor officers and dele
gates does not seem to be matter OF
so much importance. 1t is rarely rea-
lized, especially in the case of dele
gates, that matters of really great
| Importance will come up for delibera-
ton at conventions and that each
club should send it, best minds to
! help in the solution of these ques-
lions.
The same truths apply to the selec-
ton of members of departments and
working committees. The commit
tees have been called the backbone
of the federation, and in the anatomy
of a club, as well as of an individual,
it is important that the backbone be
strong and equal to the task imposed
upon it.
Choose officers, delegates and de-
partment workers, then, with view
to the needs of the club and the fed
Grafton. Choose not mice" women,
but women who are good and wise,
| women who will hasten and not re-
tard progress.
And now the third criticism-that
club women do not answer letters
promptly. Some do not answer them
at all. I wish there were not de-
served criticism upon all classes of
women, but particularly do | wish it
| were not true of club women, for
| dislike to see this first principle of
business ethics desregarded.
But it is true and my own expert
ence proves it. One of my official
duties includes the collection of i'm
portant data from about two thousand
women each month. Letters are sent
out, each containing a data sheet to
be filled out, and stamped, addressed
envelope for it's return. There letters
go to the finest flower of the club
l
cause of fitness. They are allowed
six weeks in which to reply. But at
the end of that time there are fully
one-third from whom no word has
been received. A second letter is
sent and sometimes even a third,
under registered cover, before the re-
ply comes. Sometimes it happens
that letter reaches me six months
later containing the data for book
already in circulation.
This fault is due in a very large de-
gree to carelessness. A woman re-
ceiving a letter lays it aside for a
more convenient season which, as we
all know, never comes. The letter
once laid aside is forgotten and the
few moments which would have heen