The Irish standard., 1915-10-09

The twentieth century, aptly called
the EZRA of woman" is notable for the
vast development of women's powers
and influence and the opening up for
her of almost limitless possibilities in
the various occupations and profess
sions.
There is scarcely an avenue now
closed to her that she may not enter,
in fact, has not entered and worked
side by side with her brother workers.
While until recent years woman has
not had voice in the making of laws
or the election of officers to carry out
: the laws that were made, who will
gainsay they have not done their part
in the home and outside of the home,
by teaching and example in making
the history of our land.
The great influence of women has
always been recognized even before
"Votes for Women" was talked of and
it is a question at this time which can
only be decided in the years to come
whether this will work any great ma
terial gain or great loss to woman
kind.
Women are naturally interested in
and proud of the accomplishments and
achievements of their sex. They like
to see them at the head of great and
noble pursuits and enjoy reading the
life sketches of successful women
but we women here tonight as de.
scendants of the Irish race do natu-
rally take special pride in doing honor
to our own race, our own women, who
have gained prominence by their hard
work and study.
My paper tonight was to be on this
particular class of women-"Irish
Women in America-Their Position
and Influence" What have they done
What are they doing to help make
up the history of today to be handed
down to future generations?
When the subject was given to me
l said it was pretty broad one and
when l began to look up facts and
data l found l was not mistaken, SO
many distinguished names stand forth
that special mention Of each would be
impossible; for to Ireland, The Isle of
Faith, is America indebted for some of
its most noted orders of women.
Some today bear honored names in
the literary world and in this great
work influence the lives of thousands
by leaving their best and noblest
thoughts to be handed down from gen.
GRAFTON to generation.
Others are artists, musicians, teach
ers, philanthropists, etc.
Many preside over palatial homes
and adorn the highest social circles in
their respective localities. Multitudes
are Just simple. happy wives and
mothers and their influence for good
Is perhaps the greatest of all since it
affects the largest number of people;
and still great many have chosen the
better part and consecrated their lives
to the Master.
In no other field, whether profess
sional, scientific or commercial, can
nobler womanhood be shown than in
the work of Catholic religious orders.
The mission of these women began
with the holy Veronica and ends only
in eternity.
The lives of utter self sacrifice in
the service Of others, led by thousands
and thousands of these women, teach
fitting example to the spirit of our
times. No one questions the good that
they do or the influence they yield and
we are proud to be able to say that
Irish women are we'll represented in
all Catholic orders.
But whether in public life, maid,
nun, wife or widow. each life in its
own development is the bearer of a
special message and while shaping it's
own directs others.
Persons who have made a study of