Jasper Republican, Volume 2, Number 2, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 September 1875 — Centennial Tea-Party. [ARTICLE]

Centennial Tea-Party.

As there'seems to be some misunderstanding as to the purpose of the ladies of Indiana in organizing a Centennial Tea-Party, we were appointed to make a statement of facts, that the ladies of the State may know the true condition of the work. Under two acts of Congres, two committeeshave been appointed in this State: one called the Auxiliary Board, and the Financial Board. These two State Boards were receommended by the Governor, and their appointment ratified by the National Centennial Board. This latter Board was appointed by the President of ’the United States. The plan of organization, for this State, to work up the interest of Indiana, provides for a Financial Committee, consisting of two members from each Congressional District, and two from Indianapolis; and all the funds raised in the State is subject to the control of this latter Board. So that, in the use to be made of the money raised, Indianapolis has two Votes, while the rest of the State has twenty-eight votes. We expect to raise, by donation from the citizens of Indianapolis alone, aside from what they do for the Tea-Party, $20,000. - ? . - < / We will do our full share in getting up the Tea-Party,, and it is respectfully submitted that, as this is a State TeaParty, the whole State will be disgraced in case of failure, or win applause if successful. The ladies of the different Congressional Districts should take hold of the matter with such will and determination as was displayed by the ladies of 1776, and thus prove to the world that the ladies of 1876 have not degenerated, but are the peers of those who did so nobly in the

early days of the ceatuiy. will represent one of the success or failure. The Districts will represent the Colonies as follows: First District—Virginia. Second District—North Carolina. Third District —South Carolina. Fourth District —Delaware. Fifth District—New York. Sixth Seventh Distrietr—Pennsylvania. Eighth District —New Hampshire. Ninth District —Massachusetts. Tenth District — Rhode Island. Eleventh District —Connecticut. Twelfth District—Georgia. Thirteenth District—New Jersey. The Martha Washington Tea-Party will be held during three days, beginning the 29th of September. Continental Costume, or style, is recommended, though not indispensable. In order to insure the personation of General and Lady Washington, these two characters have been appointed. But ladies and gentlemen all over the State are requested to make choice of, and personate, any Revolutionary character they prefer. These will constitute the “Republican Court,” and will doubtless be a grand feature of the occasion. It is earnestly desired that each District or Colony have a separate table, designated by the coat-of-arms of said Colony, also name and number of the district. AU revolutionary or other relics should be brought out for ornamentation cf tables, and for their intrinsic value as curiosities. Ladies are requested to bring any fancy articles they may have on hand for sale or display. Shells and pictures are very desirable for beautifying walls or tables. If preferred, and because it,.is very practicable, the ladies of Indianapolis will cheerfully furnish all the refreshments, china and glassware; also the tables.— The particular style of furnishing these tablas will, of course, be left to the taste and discretion of the ladies from the different Colonies. A handsome French-China Tea-Set, of 44 pieces, is offered as a prize for the best Centennial Poem. All who desire to do so, are requested to write for the prize—anonymously or not —the poem to oe sent to the care of Mrs. Oliver P. Morton. A gentleman of this city is manufacturing here an extensive variety of fancy china, intended as rare novelties, and as a donation to the Ladies’ Fund. This will be of Indiana clay, which is said to be the finest Kaolin in the world. Programme. Wednesday Evening, Sept. 29. Reception by. General and Lady Washington. Martha Washington Tea-Party. Music and Recitations (Continental.) Thursday. Martha Washington Tea-Party continued, with a Musical and Literary Entertainment in the evening, of which the Prize Poem will be a distinguished feature. Friday Evening. Grand Promenade Soiree. That all may participate in this State enterprise, it is recommended that the ladies of each prominent city and town in each county, give a primary or home Centennial Tea-Party, previously to the one at Indianapolis, and in this way assure a financial success. It is quite necessary that Indianapolis should know as soon as possible to what probable extent your District will be represented. Committees of Reception for each District have been appointed, who will assist in every way desired. Please send your reports to

r The

Mrs. O. P. MORTON,

149 North Pennsylvania street, Indianapolis.