Year: 1875



 We take it for granted that ev- ny woman in our country knows ',,at there is to be a celebration of .he ono hundrcdth anniversary of our national independence.

 But, perhaps some may not un- icrstand what is expected of the women.

 Having been selected by your commissioners to undertake the organization, in our state, l will explain the matter as 1 under stand it.

 On March 3d, 1871, Congress passed resolution for an inter- lational exhibition, to be held in Philadelphia, in 1876, to com memorate the one hundredth birthday of our nation. A bill vas introduced asking for an ap- oropriation from Congress, and ,hough warmly and eloquently ad ,ocatcd, was defeated. It there ore became necessary for each ;tate and territory to lend q help Ing hand to make the celebration success.

 In October last, the board of finance asked the women of the country to help them by using heir influence to excite an inter- sst in the success of the celebra- ion. The women of Philadelphia were the first to organize in com ollance with this wish, and they now appeal to every patriotic wo- nan drought the nation to help .hem.

 In most of the states tic -iauies

 

 Ire working with the view to as- sist in building what is to be strictly the "Women's Depart nent." But our commissioners have expressed desire to me, that what ever money is raised by our endeavors, should go into the general funds of the state, and be used Tn bearing the necessary cx- penses Tn packing and transport ing articles to and from our state to the exhibition, or in any other way they may see fit.

 Inasmuce as we have such poor prospect of securing funds by pub lie appropriation, and the relief which we expect from our legis- lature will come late the commits sioners consider it important that the ladies concentrate their efforts in assisting the state advisory board; and this view is sustained by the secretary of our national centennial commission.

 We feel the utmost confidence in appealing to the women of Arr kansas for their cordial co-opera- tion in this work. Although many of the other states have the start of us, let us now be up and doing, and work the harder to make up for lost time. l am met on all sides with the question "What can we dol" l answer, many things. We do not know what we can do till we try. Per haps some latent talent may be developed now hardly suspected.

 I would suggest to the women in the different towns and villages throughout the state to meet and organize centennial societies as soon as practicable.

 Let our social entertainments for the coming winter, be such as to recall the times and customs of our forefathers. Organize sccia- bles, or interest your neighbors to help in getting up centennial or Martha Washington tea parties, in which the ladies can appear in the simple and tasteful costume of the time of the revolution.

 Let every town and neighbor- hood in the state do in their own way whatever they can. Thus, while the women are not asked for large sums of money, let every one add her mite, however small, together with her influence, and whatever article of beauty or utility she may be able to furnish. We will thus be doing our best to make the exhibition a success.

 There are other inducements apart from the direct and lmme- diate results, which are aimed at Ill furthering our interest in the exposition. It is hoped that from the interchange of thought and labor our animosities may be for gotten.

 Let us bury the past. We now have the opportunity to do much good, and it must rest on our con sciences to improve it. United