Two Decades

t soon became apparent that the methods of the crusade could not be continued indefinitely; that in order to strengthen and perpetuate the work already begun organization was necessary. This sentiment prevailed in the State of New York, and many local societies, bearing various names, had already been formed.

The initiatory for a state organization was taken by the Woman's Temperance Union of Syracuse, which, at a meeting held September 10, 1874, decided to call a state convention of all women's temperance organizations, to be held at Syracuse in October, preparatory to the great national convention which was to be held in November. A central committee of five was appointed to make all necessary arrangements, and on September 19th was issued the following:

CALL.

The Syracuse Woman's Temperance Union respectfully invite the working temperance women throughout the state to meet in convention in this city on the 14th day of October, at nine o'clock A. M., at the First Methodist Church, for the purpose of organizing a state temperance league, and to appoint delegates to the national convention to be held in Cleveland, Ohio, November next.

It is hoped that every town and city in the state will be represented. All newspapers are requested to give the above an insertion and a local notice, and all ministers are desired to read it from their desks.

Delegates are requested to notify the secretary of their intention to be present by the both of October, and places of entertainment will be provided. A committee of reception will be in waiting at the rooms of the Young Men's Christian Association, 16 South Salina street, on Tuesday evening, and at the church on Wednesday morning.

MRS. ALLEN BUTLER.

MRS. R.A. ESMOND.

MRS. E.B. STEVENS.

MRS. T.S. TRUAIR.

MRS. SAMUEL THURBER,

Secretary Central Committee.

Pursuant to the above call, at nine o'clock A.M. of October 14, 1874, a large gathering of earnest women from various parts of the state assembled at the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Syracuse, for the purpose of discussing the great interests of the temperance cause and plan for its future advancement.

The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Allen Butler, of Syracuse, who was made temporary chairman, with Mrs. S. Thurber and Miss A.L. Didama as secretaries.

The permanent organization was perfected by the election of the following officers:

President-Mrs. Helen E. Brown, New York City.

Vice-Presidents-Mrs. Allen Butler, Syracuse; Mrs. George Case, Sodus; Mrs. L.B. Ayers, Penn Yan.

Secretary-Mrs. N.B. Foot, Rome.

Assistant Secretaries-Mrs. S. Thurber, Syracuse; Miss A.L. Didama, Syracuse.

The following reported and were registered as delegates, although many others were present and participated in the deliberations:

FIRST CONVENTION.

DELEGATES TO FIRST MEETING.

Allegany County. Mrs. T.B. Stowell, Cortland.

Mrs. B.C. Rude, Wellsville. Mrs. Day, Cortland.

Mrs. Dr. Green, Cortland.

Broome County. Mrs. E.L. Knight, Homer.

Mrs. H.R. Clark, Binghamton. Mrs. P. Barber, Homer.

Mrs. J.H. Parsons, Binghamton.

Mrs. L.C. Phillips, Binghamton. Erie County.

Mrs. L.M. Kenyon, Buffalo.

Cayuga County.

Mrs. Mary T. Burt, Auburn. Herkimer County.

Mrs. George Letchworth, Auburn. Mrs. L. Colton, Ilion.

Mrs. James Seymour, Auburn. Mrs. M.J. Buck, Ilion.

Mrs. C.W. Boyce, Auburn. Mrs. M.E. Perkins, Ilion.

Mrs. B.F. Hall, Auburn. Mrs. Albert Baker, Ilion.

Mrs. Dr. Wilkie, Auburn. Mrs. M.S. Angel, Ilion.

Mrs. Jennie M. Pierson, Auburn.

Mrs. William Donovan, Weedsport. Kings County.

Mrs. T.B. Foote, Weedsport. Mrs. Mary C. Johnson, Brooklyn.

Mrs. J. Gould, Weedsport. Mrs. Mary Richardson, Brooklyn.

Mrs. Susan Fox, Weedsport. Mrs. Geo. W. Thomas, Brooklyn.

Chautauqua County. Lewis County.

Mrs. Esther McNeil, Fredonia. Mrs. M.B. O'Donnell, Lowville.

Mrs. H. C. Lake, Fredonia. Mrs. H.F. Lanfear, Lowville.

Chemung County. Livingston County.

Mrs. Ransom Pratt, Elmira. Mrs. McMahon, Lima.

Mrs. Cleevis, Elmira.

Madison County.

Clinton County. Mrs. Dr. Jarvis, Canastota.

Mrs. George Bixby, Plattsburg.

Monroe County.

Cortland County. Mrs. E.A. Nelson, Rochester.

Mrs. J.S. Squires, Cortland. Miss S.J. Vosburg, Rochester.

* * *

New York County. Mrs. C.W. Allis, Skaneateles.

Mrs. H.E. Brown, New York. Mrs. J.P. Clark, Obisco.

Mrs. R.P. Penfield, New York.

Orleans County.

Oneida County. Mrs. E.G. Gillett, Medina.

Mrs. M.M. Northrup, Utica.

Mrs. George Westcott, Utica. Oswego County.

Mrs. Peter Stryker, Rome. Mrs. E.A. Cooper, Fulton.

Mrs. N.B. Foot, Rome. Mrs. J. Miller, Fulton.

Mrs. O.C. Cole, Clinton. Mrs. George Goodier, Oswego.

Mrs. Francis Brown, Oswego.

Ontario County. Mrs. C.T. Bishop, Oswego.

Mrs. A. Petit, Gorham. Mrs. Elizabeth Clark, Oswego.

Mrs. E.G. Townsend, Geneva.

Mrs. E.W. Herendeen, Geneva. Seneca County.

Mrs. Adaline King, Geneva. Mrs. S.M. Metcalf, Seneca Falls.

Mrs. J.G. Gracey, Clifton Springs. Miss Emma Allen, Seneca Falls.

Mrs. T.J. Bissell, Phelps.

Tioga County.

Onondaga County. Mrs. L. Curtis, Waverly.

Mrs. Alien Butler, Syracuse.

Mrs. R.A. Esmond, Syracuse. Tompkins County.

Mrs. T.S. Truair, Syracuse. Mrs. S. Whitlock, Ithaca.

Mrs. J.L. Bagg, Syracuse. Mrs. C.M. Selkreg, Ithaca.

Mrs. J.P. Griffin, Syracuse.

Mrs. S. Thurber, Syracuse. Wayne County.

Mrs. George Greeley, Syracuse. Mrs. William H. Carkey, Clyde.

Mrs. Dr. Stevens, Syracuse. Mrs. Harris Wilbur, Clyde.

Mrs. J.J. Brown, Syracuse. Mrs. G. Case, Sodus.

Mrs. Beardsley, Syracuse. Mrs. C.P. Mundy, Sodus.

Miss A.L. Didama, Syracuse.

Miss M.E. Armstrong, Fayetteville. Yates County.

Mrs. M. Gage, Fayetteville. Mrs. L.B. Ayers, Penn Yan.

Miss Etta P. Avery, Fayetteville. Mrs. M.J. Lattimer, Penn Yan.

Mrs. Morehouse, Liverpool. Mrs. C.A. Allen, Benton Center.

FRATERNAL DELEGATES.

Mrs. T.K. Church, Washington, D.C.[1]

Mrs. Mary R. Denman, Newark, N.J.[2]

Mrs. J. Dunlap, Newark, N.J.

Miss Mary Dunlap, Newark, N.J.

Of this number thirteen were present at the twentieth convention, held at Syracuse in 1893; among them being the first chairman, Mrs. Butler; the first secretary, Mrs. N.B. Foot; and Mrs. Esther McNeil, our venerable crusader, of Fredonia.

The keynote for the future was struck at the first convention, as will be seen in the report of the committee appointed to recommend topics for discussion. These represented the foundation principles of the organization, and were as follows:

TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION.

How should holly-tree inns or coffee-rooms be managed? What is their history?

Is it a part of woman's work in the temperance cause to attend to the enforcing of the license laws?

How can we arouse the young women to think as they never have upon this subject, and to realize that there is a practical obligation resting upon them?

How can we make professing Christians feel their responsibilities?

What is the most judicious way of awakening the clergy to more zealous effort in the cause of temperance, and securing the cooperation of the church as a body?

How can we work most effectually among the children?

Can domestic wines be made and used consistently by Christian women, or with safety to their families? Is it not encouraging intemperance?

Can we, as temperance women, use wine and cider for culinary purposes with consistency or safety?

Pending these discussions a constitution was drafted. This was adopted, and a state society called "The Christian Woman's State League" was formed.

The following officers were elected for the first year:

President-Mrs. Allen Butler, Syracuse.

Vice-Presidents-Mrs. Mary C. Johnson, Brooklyn; Mrs. Helen E. Brown, New York; Mrs. Dr. Kenyon,

Buffalo; Mrs. L. B. Ayers, Penn Yan; Mrs. B. F. Hall, Auburn.

Corresponding Secretary-Mrs. Dr. Greeley, Syracuse.

Recording Secretary-Mrs. Mary T. Burt, Auburn.

Treasurer-Mrs. T. S. Truair, Syracuse.

During the first year two quarterly meetings were held-one at Brooklyn in February, and one at Buffalo in May. At the Brooklyn meeting the constitution was somewhat modified, and the name changed to the present one-"The Woman's Christian Temperance Union of the State of New York."

The first legislative work of the society was the memorializing of President Grant and Governor Dix. This memorial was prepared by Mrs. B. C. Rude, of Wellsville, Miss M. E. Armstrong, of Fayetteville, and Mrs. M. B. O'Donnell, of Lowville.

FIRST MEMORIAL.

We, temperance women of the State of New York, in convention at Syracuse, deeply sensible that intemperance is a prevailing and corrupting power for evil, affecting the happiness and well-being of multitudes of all classes and conditions impotent to protect themselves from its influences, but citizens, all claiming the natural and lawful protection of our rulers and executors of our laws; that its pernicious influence in the home, by subverting every principle of right, is in the aggregate corrupting the entire national body, subverting the intent of our political institutions; and whereas petitioning is our only resort, we have petitioned our God, the Infinite Ruler, in your behalf, and now petition your excellency, in behalf of the temperance cause, that you appoint to positions in the civil service none but total abstinence men. All of which we most respectfully submit, and for which your petitioners will ever pray.

The memorial to Governor Dix was presented directly by the State League; that to President Grant was referred to the national society soon to be formed.

Twenty-two delegates were appointed to attend the convention called at Cleveland, Ohio, November 18, 19, and 20, 1874, for the purpose of organizing a national society. The State of New York was honored in this convention by the appointment of Mrs. Mary T. Burt as secretary of the organizing convention, and by the election of Mrs. Mary C. Johnson as recording secretary, and Mrs. Dr. Kenyon as one of the vice-presidents for the first year.

The following resolutions were adopted at the first meeting, and must have been drafted with a prophet's ken, as they have been largely fulfilled in the years that have passed:

RESOLUTIONS.

WHEREAS, Intemperance has become so widespread, permeating every class and condition of society, even from the sacred desk to the hovel, we hail with gratitude to God the many indications of the revival in the interest of temperance reform which exists in various portions of our country, and especially do we rejoice that the women have been awakened to the vast evils thereby entailed; and, relying upon divine guidance and support, we feel that the present time is particularly auspicious for that renewal and vigorous action on the part of friends of temperance which the exigencies of all so urgently demand; therefore,

Resolved, That we, the temperance women of the State of New York, do organize a state temperance league, in the belief that we can the better aid, encourage, and fortify each other in the suppression of this growing vice, and in the creation of a universal and moral sentiment for temperance and sobriety; and to this end there should be much earnest prayer for God's wisdom to direct, His power to insure success, linked with persistent personal effort.

Resolved, That it is our duty and privilege to stand firm in our example of total abstinence by abandoning the use of all intoxicants from our tables and from every department of domestic life.

Resolved, That, in the judgment of this convention, one of the great hopes of the ultimate triumph of the temperance reform lies in a thorough training of the youth of the land in such principles and practices of temperance as will show them the fatal danger of drinking and the criminality of selling liquors; and we earnestly entreat the friends of the cause, and especially pastors of churches and superintendents of Sunday-schools throughout the state, to take immediate measures in their respective cities and towns for the formation in perpetual continuance of temperance societies to be composed of youths.

Resolved, That the educational authorities of the state be and are hereby respectfully and earnestly requested to cause to be introduced, as soon as practicable, into all schools, text-books treating of the nature of intoxicating liquors and of the effects upon the human constitution, and that Sunday-schools introduce into their libraries literature inculcating positive principles which will develop wholesome temperance sentiment.

Resolved, That we earnestly ask all good men to cooperate with us in our labor, and also by their votes to complete the work to which all our energies and our prayers are consecrated.

For the accomplishment of these objects we shall religiously employ all the means God has placed within our reach, and constantly invoke His aid and guidance.

This first convention was marked by deep spiritual power. No step was taken without the manifest guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The sweet gale, or Dutch myrtle, grows in moorland fens. It is a humble plant, but fragrant; where it grows abundantly the miasma of the bog is neutralized by its balsamic odors and antiseptic qualities, disease is displaced and health established. So the sweet fragrance of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of the State of New York, planted at Syracuse, has been carried by prayer and faith to all New York, "giving beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness."

[1]Afterward President of District of Columbia W.C.T.U.

[2]Afterward President of New Jersey W.C.T.U.

* * *

Mrs. Allen Butler

MRS. ALLEN BUTLER.

(FIRST PRESIDENT)

Lucy Wood was born in Greenbush, Rensselaer County, New York, in 1820. Her educational advantages were those offered by the public schools of her native county. Having decided musical tastes she improved the opportunities offered at the city of Albany for their cultivation, early dedicating her gift of song to the causes she loved. She became a Christian when thirteen years old, and by a long and useful Christian life has adorned her profession. In 1841 she was united in marriage with Allen Butler, and soon after removed to Syracuse, then a village of about six thousand inhabitants. During her life of more than half a century in Syracuse she has been identified with many of the Christian and benevolent institutions of the city, as well as those of her own church, to which she is devotedly attached.

Frail in health, her interest in a cause often exceeded the strength to work for it. This was the apparent condition of things when the crusade with whirlwind power swept over the land. A life-long advocate of total abstinence, her interest in the cause could not be restrained, and gently her Heavenly Father led her in this work, first to a little gathering of temperance women, at which, after much importunity, she conducted the exercises. Some months later she became the chosen leader of these women. It was from this consecrated band, over the signature of Mrs. Butler with others, that the call for the first state convention of temperance women was made.

Who more appropriately than she could call that convention to order? And when the State League, afterwards the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, was organized, it was no surprise that Mrs. Allen Butler was elected president, a position she retained for five years. These were years of anxiety but of great advancement in temperance. This was due not only to her thorough consecration and marked executive ability, but to a life-long experience in other public enterprises, all of which she brought to the temperance work.

She was present at Cleveland and assisted in organizing the National Woman's Christian Temperance Union. Through feebleness of body she has been laid aside from active public work, but always as a member of a local union has felt the heartbeat of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of New York State. At the "home-coming" in Syracuse in 1893, to celebrate our twentieth anniversary, Mrs. Butler was present. A Chautauqua salute greeted her upon presentation. After looking over the large gathering she solemnly said, "What hath God wrought?"

* * *

he first constitution was adopted at Syracuse in October, 1874, but was somewhat modified at the meeting held at Brooklyn in February, 1875, when the name was changed from the "Christian Woman's State League" to "Woman's Christian Temperance Union of the State of New York."

The first constitution provided for four general officers, five vice-presidents, and an executive committee of seven, all of whom were to be elected in such manner as might be determined from time to time. A financial basis was established at this time by fixing the auxiliary fee at twenty-five cents.

In 1878 a constitutional change was made reducing the number of vice-presidents to three, and making the four general officers and three others elected for that especial purpose the executive committee, these to be nominated in open convention and elected by ballot. The terms of auxiliaryship were changed from the twenty-five cent per member basis to that of voluntary contributions to the state treasury by the local unions.

In 1881 the electing of vice-presidents was discontinued, the presidents of organized counties being made ex-officio vice-presidents of the state union. The basis of representation was fixed at two delegates for each local union. The financial basis of twenty-five cents per member was again established. In 1882 the auxiliary fee was unfortunately reduced to twenty cents per member, which has greatly crippled the work since that time.

In 1883 a radical change was made in the formation of the executive committee. Since 1878 it had been composed of the four general officers and three others elected by the convention. In this year the executive committee was made to consist of the four general officers and the presidents of county unions, who were ex-officio vice-presidents of the state union.

In 1885 the constitution was thoroughly revised. A first vice-president was added to the general officers, and the time for the annual convention was fixed for the last week of September or the first week of October. The manner of election was also changed, the nominations being made by informal ballot. The basis of representation to the state convention was changed as follows One delegate for every local union having fifty or less than fifty paying members, and one for every additional fifty members. The time for election of officers was fixed for the morning of the last day of the convention. A life membership fee of twenty-five dollars and an honorary membership fee of five dollars annually were established, and have added greatly to the financial prosperity of the work. A clause requiring a year's notice of proposed change to the constitution was introduced.

The society was incorporated in 1876 under the first order of electing the executive committee. As this method had been changed, in order to be legally entrenched for business purposes, in 1892 a change was made in the constitution, making the five general officers the managers or trustees, in harmony with the society's articles of incorporation. A basis of representation at the state convention and auxiliaryship for the Loyal Temperance Legion was also established, viz: "One delegate for every thousand members of the Loyal Temperance Legion, such delegates to be chosen from the superintendents of the Loyal Temperance Legion, and to be an adult member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. The basis of this representation shall be the payment into the state treasury of one cent for every member of the legion."

In 1893 the last change was made, which resumed the auxiliary fee of twenty-five cents per member, as established in the first constitution, as the basis of representation.

* * *

MRS. MARIA HYDE HIBBARD.

(SECOND PRESIDENT)

Maria Hyde was born in Oxford, Chenango County, New York, and was educated at the Oxford Academy, now the oldest incorporated academy in this state, having in June last celebrated its centennial. Born and reared in an eminently high spiritual and intellectual atmosphere, she was well qualified for the positions which she filled so acceptably. She was preceptress in the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, at Lima, New York, associate principal of the Seneca Collegiate Institute, also of the Binghamton Academy, and was afterward preceptress of Oxford Academy until her marriage with Rev. F.G. Hibbard, D.D., of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mrs. Hibbard was elected president of the State Woman's Christian Temperance Union at Poughkeepsie in 1879, which office she filled for three years, serving most faithfully and laying down the work only because of the press of home duties. These years were years of peace and harmony, and in giving of self to the cause she was also receiving a blessedness in return. It was during these busy years that she organized temperance work among the Indians on the reservation in Western New York. She has many gifts and graces, and has kept even pace with her husband (who is the author of several theological works of standing authority) in both literary and spiritual attainments, and "her gifts make room for her." She has been obliged to lay aside all public work and devote herself to caring for her husband, whose ill health demands most of her time, but she still gives her sympathies and her prayers to and for the Woman's Christian Temperance Union-the workers and the work.

Mrs. Maria Hyde Hibbard

* * *

"In union there is strength"

t the first annual meeting, held at Ilion, a committee on organization of state was appointed, consisting of Mrs. Dr. Kenyon, of Buffalo; Mrs. Dr. Clary, of Auburn; Mrs. O'Donnell, of Lowville; Mrs. Truair and Miss Noble, of Syracuse. This committee formed plans, and organizers were appointed. Miss Elizabeth Greenwood, of Brooklyn, was the first one who reported work done.

At this time those who did organizing work were called state agents. Miss Greenwood, in her first report, suggested the change from state agent to state organizer, which suggestion was acted upon and the name changed.

For the first few years organization was effected by congressional districts, but later on this was changed to organization by counties, and has remained so up to the present time.

Department work was first taken up in 1878, six departments being considered. Those having the work in charge were known as chairmen of standing committees. In 1880 this was changed to the present name-superintendent of department.

In 1882 the manner of representation to the national convention was changed from congressional districts to grouping of counties.

For a number of years organization was made the leading line of work, and in 1888 only three counties remained unorganized. Many of our county workers did valiant service in the line of organizing in their own localities, but the grand result reached in this year was due largely to the untiring energy and activity of our state organizers. Mrs. Burt, in her annual address for 1888, refers to their work in the following glowing words of commendation:

But if our state excels, as I believe it does, in organization, it is largely due to the fact that our organizers are beyond comparison. Where will you find another Helen L. Bullock, or an E. M. J. Decker, or a Vandelia Varnum, or a Cynthia Jump, or Augusta Goodale, or such a list of county presidents, whom the record shows have made organizing their "chief concern" during the past twelve months? New York points with pride to these her daughters. They have not stopped to reason why, they have not stopped to make reply, but with a courage born of their high calling have gone steadfastly forward, and in many instances have snatched the palm of victory from the jaws of defeat.

While paying this tribute to our organizers we do not forget her who stood at the head of our state work during these years, planning, directing, counseling, and encouraging. In Mary T. Burt we have a living embodiment of "there's no such word as fail." For twelve years she has led the white ribbon host of the Empire State, and if she can point with pride to these her co-workers, saying, "Where will you find their equal?" we can point with pride to our state president, and say, Where will you find her equal? Self has been forgotten, and with a courage born of her convictions she has grandly carried forward the work, standing always for the best interests of the state. And what is the result? In this year of 1894 there is not a county in our state, except one,[3] but what has a branch of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union within its borders.

Owing to various circumstances and conditions, the work in one or two counties has at different periods been suspended for a short time, usually to be taken up again with renewed vigor. Our total membership is more than twenty-two thousand, with an honorary membership of nearly five thousand.

In 1881 annual blanks were sent out for the first time, thus making it easier to secure correct reports of membership and of work done.

At the first annual meeting a form of pledge was appended to the constitution recommended for local societies, which read as follows:

We, the undersigned women of --, severally pledge ourselves in integrity and honor before God to abstain from the use of and from traffic in all intoxicating liquors as a beverage, and that we will not offer the same to others to be so used. And we further solemnly covenant before God henceforth to work and pray for the suppression of intemperance as a sin against God and man, and that in our work we will use such means and forward such measures as God shall direct through the Holy Spirit in answer to our prayer.

This form was used for a few years only, and in 1878 we find it changed to the following:

I hereby solemnly promise, God helping me, to abstain from all distilled, fermented, and malt liquors, including wine and cider, as a beverage, and to employ all proper means to discourage the use of and traffic in the same.

In 1879 the words "as a beverage" were omitted, and the above pledge, with this change, is the one which is recommended to all local unions, and has stood so from 1879 until the present day.

[3] Hamilton County, a lumbering district with small population and few, if any, railroad facilities.

JUVENILE WORK.

"The door of millennial glory has a child's hand on the latch."

MOTTO: "Tremble, King Alcohol! We shall grow up."

At the first meeting of the "State League," in 1874, one of the topics for discussion was, "How can we work most effectually among the children?" showing that in the very beginning they realized the fact that the hope of our final victory rests in the children, and the unions were urged to organize juvenile unions and Bands of Hope. The following year an interesting paper on juvenile work was read by Mrs. Bingham, of Rome, and a resolution adopted, which read:

Resolved, That we urge upon our Sabbath-school superintendents the necessity of forming temperance organizations in every Sabbath-school, that the children be early pledged to total abstinence.

A form of constitution and by-laws for juvenile societies was recommended at this time, such society to be auxiliary to the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. A form of pledge was also recommended, as follows:

We, the undersigned children and youth of --, having been instructed that the continued use of intoxicating liquors injures the body and endangers the soul, believe that it is safest for us never to begin. We do therefore solemnly promise never to use or traffic in any whiskey, brandy, wine, beer, ale, or anything that can intoxicate, as a beverage, nor encourage others to do so; and we will not use it as a medicine, unless prescribed by our parents or our physician. May God help us to keep our pledge.

The pledge of to-day is the triple pledge against alcohol, tobacco, and profanity, and even as early as 1875 we find a mention of this pledge as the one used by the children's society of Ilion, which then numbered two hundred members. In 1875 Syracuse had a juvenile society called Cold Water Templars, which had two thousand members, and Brooklyn reported a Band of Hope with one thousand children pledged.

Carrying out the spirit of the suggestions and recommendations, children were organized under various names-Band of Hope, Band of Blue, Cold Water Temple, Juvenile Union, etc.,-and the work has been kept to the front during all these years, until now all juvenile societies connected with the Woman's Christian Temperance Union are marching under one name-the Loyal Temperance Legion.

In 1891 the president in her annual address referred to "that splendid child of ours, the Loyal Temperance Legion," and suggested a plan whereby it might become auxiliary to the state, thereby giving to the children a feeling of helpfulness and cooperation, and to the state an inspiration which the representatives of twenty-five thousand children would be sure to give.

In accordance with this suggestion, originally made by Mrs. Helen Rice, national superintendent, and Mrs. Harriet A. Metcalf, state superintendent, an organization was formed and called State Loyal Temperance Legion. This is composed of three hundred and eighty-eight companies. The year 1893 marks an era in Loyal Temperance Legion work, this being the year in which they began paying dues to the State Woman's Christian Temperance Union, thereby being entitled to their own delegate to the state convention.

The juvenile work of our state has received the very best thought of those having it in charge. It was taken up as a department first in 1880, with Mrs. Frances D. Hall, of Plattsburg, as superintendent. In 1881 Mrs. Dr. Foster, of Clifton Springs, was appointed, each of these serving one year. In 1882 and 1883 Mrs. H. A. Perrigo, of Brockport, was the superintendent, and she was succeeded by Mrs. Jennie M. Pierson, of Auburn, who held the office for two years. In 1886 Mrs. Perrigo was again appointed, and she has been the superintendent from that time until now, with just a change of name from Perrigo to Metcalf. Two annual meetings have been held since the organization of a State Loyal Temperance Legion-one at Syracuse and one at Cortland. That the children might be rooted and grounded in the total abstinence faith, a thorough course of study in the Lesson Manuals was prepared, and a plan evolved by which members of the legions who passed the examinations should receive diplomas. One hundred and forty have graduated and thirty-eight have won seals.

* * *

YOUNG WOMAN'S WORK.

"That our daughters may be as corner-stones, polished after the similitude of a palace"-Psalm cxliv., 12.

"The future destiny of this nation must depend largely on the moral platform which young women occupy, and the height to which they elevate the standards of purity, temperance, and Christianity."

As an answer to the question asked at the meeting of 1874, "How can we arouse the young women to think as they never have upon this subject?" Miss Willard was secured to address the young women at the following convention, held at Ilion, and so marked was the effect upon her hearers that a Young Ladies' Temperance Union was organized that afternoon, with Miss Jessie Remington, of Ilion, as president.

In 1879 a standing committee for "Young Ladies' Societies" was appointed, with Mrs. Frances Barnes as chairman. In 1880 this was changed to a department, and Mrs. S. R. Gray, of Albany, made the superintendent. In 1882 Miss Mary McClees was made superintendent of this line of work. In 1884 kitchen garden work was added, Miss Emilie Underhill having charge of the department. During her years of service we find an addition to her name, that of Burgess having been added, and as Emilie Underhill Burgess she continued as superintendent of the department until the convention of 1887, kitchen garden work being dropped in the meantime.

She was succeeded by Mrs. C.J.A. Jump, of Albany, who holds the position at this time. The work accomplished by this "faithful few" cannot be estimated, for who can measure the influence of the young women who during all these years have been learning the lessons which should fit them for better service in the Master's vineyard, and who during these years have answered for themselves the question which opens this department of organization work?

In 1892 a change was made, taking this from the regular department work and making it the Young Woman's Branch, with Mrs. Jump as secretary, and about fifteen hundred young women in our state march under our white banner and demand "a white life for two."

* * *

MRS. MARY TOWNE BURT.

(OUR PRESIDENT)

Mrs. Mary Towne Burt, the third president of the New York State Woman's Christian Temperance Union, has occupied that position now for twelve years. If antecedents and previous faithful service are any indication of desert, then indeed she "came to the kingdom" worthily, and we need not wonder that she holds her place easily, nor that the work flourishes abundantly under her administration. Gifted with a fine presence, a pleasing address, and a well-balanced judgment, she is a fitting leader for the largest state delegation in the national convention. It is equally a pleasure to see her preside over our state convention of capable women, which often outnumbers the national organization, if it does not have so wide-reaching an influence. Her ability as a presiding officer has often been complimented by competent judges, and a quiet confidence in the fairness and impartiality of her rulings pervades the atmosphere of the assemblage and greatly aids the transaction of business, while many a pleasant little episode is graciously received and made to facilitate the progress of the programme.

Born of English parentage in the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, she was at the tender age of four years bereft of the care of a cultured father, who had been educated for the clerical ranks of the Church of England. Her mother, with whom she had a rare sympathy, was spared to an advanced age to encourage every good work by her sympathy and prayers. Her youth was spent in Auburn, New York, where she received rare educational advantages at Brown's Institute, and where in 1865 she was married to Edward Burt, of one of the oldest families in the state.

Mrs. Mary Towne Burt

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When her only child was yet a lad the crusade tocsin found her ready to respond, in accordance with her own convictions and her mother's faithful teachings. She gave a public address in the opera house at Auburn, and served for two years as the first president of the local union in that place, and at the first meeting of the national union, at Cleveland, she was one of the secretaries. In 1875 she was first the publisher and then the managing editor of the national paper, Our Union, her home at this time being in Brooklyn. From 1878 to 1880 she was corresponding secretary of the national union, with her office in the Bible House, New York City.

She has been identified with the New York State union since its inception. As its recording secretary for the first seven years of its existence, she had much to do with shaping its aims and its policy. After serving one year as corresponding secretary, she was elected president in 1882, at the convention in Oswego. At that time the state union had a membership of about three thousand, with but thirteen of the sixty counties organized. During the years of her presidency all the remaining counties but one have been organized, and the membership has gone up to twenty-two thousand. In her first annual address she recommended a change in the form of the executive committee, substituting for the three previously elected by ballot, in addition to the general officers, the vice-presidents of the state, who were the presidents of the county unions. This changed the possible numbers of the executive committee from seven to sixty-four. Other measures recommended by her have been the publication of a state paper, the opening of state headquarters in New York City, securing permanent headquarters, putting up a building on the permanent state fair grounds at Syracuse, creating the departments of Non-Alcoholics in Medicine and Rescue Work for Girls, the memorializing of the Democratic and Republican parties in behalf of prohibition and for the enfranchisement of woman, and petitioning the constitutional convention of 1894 for the last two purposes.

For some years she has had charge of the legislative interests. In 1885-87 she was superintendent of the Department of Social Purity, and at once entered upon a vigorous campaign to raise "the age of consent" for young girls. In 1887 this effort was successful, the legislature raising the age from ten years to sixteen years. In 1891-92 she led in the legislative work that resulted in the closing of the New York State exhibit at the World's Fair on the Sabbath, and in the passage of the bill prohibiting the employment of barmaids in saloons. She also led in the protest against the excise bill which resulted in the modification of some of its worst features, and in the protest against the infamous bill to legalize the social evil, preventing its introduction into the legislature.

As an organizer she has been indefatigable. "Heat, cold, and wet and dry" were all equally braved by her in the task of meeting the women of many a locality and explaining the methods of this beneficent work, while her discriminating eye quickly selected those best fitted to lead off to success. On all occasions she has fostered a love for sincere temperance work, which has been of the greatest advantage to the stability and straightforwardness of the organization in all parts of the state. She has presided at the organization of a large proportion of the county unions. The personal acquaintance with the active members thus gained has greatly aided her in the selection of superintendents and committees, so far as it falls to the lot of the president to make such selections.

In other enterprises she has shown similar ability. The erection of a permanent building on the state fair grounds at Syracuse is eminently suitable, in view of the fact that the Woman's Christian Temperance Union had secured the passage in the state legislature of a law prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors on the state and county fair grounds within its jurisdiction, the carrying out of which policy has totally changed the character and conduct of agricultural fairs in the Empire State. For several years Mrs. Burt has taken an active interest in the Woman's Christian Temperance Union work at the state fair grounds at Syracuse, greatly to the detriment of her health by overtaxing her physical strength. This course certainly gives the workers an inspiration to undertakings they would never think of braving but for the courage of their leader.

Of a similar character were the skill and dash that secured the Metropolitan Opera House for the meeting of the national convention in 1888. It was said that "the women did it," but it was done so quietly and literally by such rising betimes in the morning that very few know that the skillful marshaling of the few available forces would after all have ended in failure had it not been for the quick wit and personal responsibility of the head hostess of the occasion, the president of the New York State Union.

For thirteen years Mrs. Burt served the state without salary, giving to its work the best her life afforded freely and without price. With such leaders, under God, and with the true end kept steadily in view, Christian women ought not to fail in their great temperance work. It matters comparatively little with what branch of the evangelical church they are associated, but we are persuaded that none of us will esteem our president less when knowing that she has grown in trust and devoutness in this work while in the communion of the Protestant Episcopal Church.

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