Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 105, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 May 1913 — FEDERATED CLUBS IN ANNUAL MEETING [ARTICLE]

FEDERATED CLUBS IN ANNUAL MEETING

Mrs. G. R. Dean Delivers Address of Welcome to Delegates at the ' . Presbyterian Church. A . - ' The annual meeting of the Federated Clubs of the 10th district is being held in the Presbyterian church, which has been tastefully decorated for the occasion with sprays of apple blossoms and cut flowers. The various counties of the district are represented as follows: Newton 5; White 3; Lake 10. Most of the delegates from the southern points came by automobile, while those from the north were' unable to attend the morning session on account of the lateness of the southbound trains. The daughters of the members of the local society, viz. Misses Martha Long, Elizabeth Spitler, Georgia and Mildred Harris, served in the capacity of ushers and pages. Mrs. A. P. Burton had charge of the literature table, which is supplied with printed matter pertaining to the work of the various dubs represented, which includes literary, civic, parent and (teacher, domestic science, social, ete. The meeting was called to order by the district president, Mrs. Ross, of Kentland. After a beautiful organ voluntary by Miss Bel Laßue and an invocation by Rev. J. C. Parrett, Mrs. Delos Thompson gave a piano selection, after which Mr£ Ross Dean, in her usual* pleasing manner, gave the following address of welcome: Members of the Literary Clubs of the 10th District, today witnesses the fulfillment of the prophecy, “Many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be increased.” People are not satisfied with merely earning their daily bread, or with piling up material wealth; they want to know things. People have come to realize not only that knowl-

edge is power, but that in knowledge is the spring of eternal youth. The stream of literature that is flowing incessantly from the press is in response to the thirst of the mind for knowledge. The wisest man of all .times wrote, “Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom, and with all thy getting get understanding.” Were he living today he would certainly be pleased with the confidence that is being placed in his admonition, and the wide respect that is being paid to it. In the opening of this twentieth century, the, field of knowledge is white already to harvest; the sowing of centuries has -ripened into yellow grain, and thousands, with sickle in hand, have entered. Recent years have seen the most marked progress in search for knowledge on the part of women. There have always been women of marked intelligence and culture. We have a heritage in the lives of the good and great women, who compelled the world to stop and think, and did something in blazing humanity’s way upward, of which we ought to be proud. But women have been compelled rather to follow her brothers, than' permitted to lead. The emancipation of women has been slow, and she has broken her own chains, and compelled the gates of freedom and a higher life to be thrown open to her. The opinion prevailed and it had/almost the force of a law, that the home life and its duties bounded the sphere of women’s activities, and that she did not need an advanced education and broad intel-

ligence to perform these duties. Of course, boys should receive a college education, but this was wholly unnecessary for the girls. But this has all been changed. Girlhood and womanhood have come into their educational rights. The doors of our colleges and universities are opening to them. They are winning for their sex, fame and a name in every department of study and learning. We do not object to the home be-

ing designated as. our sphere; it is, and we are proud of it We have no sympathy with women who think home-making is slavery; Who fret and complain under the restraints of family cares. He, who “set the solitary in families,” gave to women the keeping of the home, and she is at her. best, doing the most for the world, and earning for herself the good reward, when her highest ambition is to make the home ideal. But intelligence, breadth of culture, and knowledge are necessary to the best homemaking. A well informed mind, an acquaintance with the best literature, and ability to write literary papers and to discuss living questions not only does not hinder home-building, but is a real help. A well ’ educated woman has the advantage of her illiterate sister in home-building. It is out privilege to 3eel; and to possess ourselves of the best literature and make our own the wealth that is in the standard books of the day; we shall be the better fitted to fill our places in the home, in social, business and in church life, if we make knowledge our bosom friend and companion.

Dear friends, it is my privilege to welcome you to our city and our homes. I bring to you the best we have in restful homes and cheery firesides, in delightful companionship and refreshing fellowship. What we are able to give in kindly ministry and what our homes afford in comforts and conveniences are yours while you- are with us. I greet you and welcome you the more heartily because of the purpose of your coming to us. You come to us bringing, not gold and sijver, but the great and beautiful thoughts of the best men and women, and for the purpose of stimulating and planning for the study of the best literature and the raising of our selves and others.

May you take from our city and homes, when you go, something that will make Your spirits brighter, your character stronger, and your lives more useful, and may we get from you a good measure of the same priceless coin. Again, I welcome you in the name of the Ladies’ Literary Club of Rensselaer. Our whole wish and aim being to make your brief stay with us of priceless value to you. Mrs. White, of Kentland, gave the response in a way that was an inspiration to all who heard her.

Miss Scott, of Indianapolis, representing the State Library Association, spoke on the subject of literature for children. She reviewed the work of the library association of the state of Delaware because of the capable work that was being accomplished there in the way of finding the tastes of children by the books in the homes by means of a house to house canvass. A short outline of the history of children’s literature was given and It was shown that tastes change to suit changed conditions. Miss Scott’s "purpose in speaking to the women’s clubs was to try to show then that at least part of their

study should be along these lines and let them know where and how to obtain the program and material for such a study. It might be well if the mothers would interest themselves in such a program. A report from the presidents of the various clubs in the district was then called for, but was not completed at this time. The afternoon program will be given in tomorrow’s issue.