History of Dakota Territory, volume III, Part 108

Author: Kingsbury, George Washington, 1837-; Smith, George Martin, 1847-1920
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : S.J. Clarke Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1146

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In 1894 Mrs. Helen M. Barker was elected treasurer of the National Woman's Christian Temperance Union. This was an honor that was well deserved, and the election met the approval of the women of South Dakota. She had done a vast amount of work to advance the cause of the union at a period in the his- tory of the territory and the state when truth, justice and proper conduct meant much to the people of South Dakota. She was one of the hardest workers, one of the ablest speakers, and one of the most conscientious promoters of the cause of the union in the West. She was a member of the board of lady managers of the world's fair in 1893, and much of the splendid success of the women's exhibit was due to her earnest efforts and broad intelligence. Often in the past she had been called upon to leave South Dakota to aid the cause of women in other states. Vol. III-49

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In December, 1894, Mrs. Phoebe A. Hearst, of California, presented to the City of Lead a fine English library. She was the mother of William Randolph Hearst of newspaper fame.

At the legislative session of 1893, in response to many imperative demands from all parts of the state except from Sioux Falls, the divorce law was so amended that it required six months' residence instead of three months to become a citizen in order to secure a divorce.

Marietta M. Bones was formerly an ardent supporter of the woman's suf- frage movement. What caused her to change her mind is probably lost to his- tory. She said in the Sioux Falls Press in March, 1895, "We rejoice that South Dakota legislators had the wisdom to defeat the woman suffrage bill, for in our opinion a greater calamity can never befall the nation than the enfranchisement of women." This statement followed her review of the work which had been undertaken and partly commenced by Susan B. Anthony and Frances E. Wil- lard, and referred particularly to South Dakota, as well as generally to the whole country. When she took this position she was in open hostility to these two ladies, both of whom were compelled to notice and to deny with much emphasis her attacks upon them through the state press. She continued her hostility to suffrage as the years passed, and remained the enemy of the movement until the day of her death in July, 1901, at Washington, D. C. During the campaign of November, 1898, in this state she openly opposed the woman's suffrage move- ment and probably contributed much to the defeat of the measure at the polls. In any event, when the returns were all in and it was known that the measure had been defeated, she expressed great satisfaction over the result, and declared that South Dakota had been saved from serious humiliation and suffering. During the campaign of 1898 Mrs. W. W. Crannel of Albany, N. Y., like- wise assisted to fight the woman's suffrage movement in this state. She. delivered several strong, sarcastic and critical addresses in different parts of the state and unquestionably did much to defeat the measure at this time. During the cam- paign of 1900 Mrs. Bones likewise fought every step taken to advance the tem- perance and equal suffrage movements in this state. Previously she had been a strong temperance supporter as well as an advocate of equal suffrage; but later had repudiated both movements, and not only waged war against both, but also fought hard against the popularity and prominence of Miss Willard and Miss Anthony.

In September, 1895, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of South Dakota assembled in annual session at Pierre. There was a large and distin- guished attendance. This was one of the most interesting meetings the union ever enjoyed. They discussed all phases of the numerous questions which were then of great and paramount interest to the union. Particularly did they con- sider and decide to act upon the resubmission act which was passed by the last Legislature. They saw that it was their duty to take up arms and battle against the resubmission proposition. At the same time the State Equal Suffrage Asso- ciation was in session at Pierre. The two organizations fraternized, because their objects were largely identical and because each could help the other with work and encouragement. The new officers elected for the Woman's Christian Temperance Union were as follows: Mrs. Lulu Ramsey, of Woonsocket, presi- dent ; Mrs. Anna Simmons, of Huron, vice president; Mrs. Kalder, of Woon-

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socket, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Carrie Smart, of Sioux Falls, recording secretary. The new officers elected for the State Equal Suffrage Association were the following: Mrs. Anna Simmons, of Huron, president; Mrs. Eva C. Myers, of Canastota, vice president. The suffrage association prepared for a stringent campaign in order to secure a constitutional amendment allowing women to vote. The last Legislature had defeated the suffrage bill.

In October, 1897, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union assembled in annual convention at Vermillion. At the opening meeting in the Methodist Church on the evening of the first day, Miss Kara Smart responded to the lighter word, "Welcome," which was shown in the darkened church. Her remarks were beautiful and inspiring. Mrs. E. J. Beach followed with a strong business address which showed the financial wants and accomplishments of the union. She succeeded in securing an unusually large collection. She showed in detail the financial condition of the union. The total membership in the state at this time was about one thousand two hundred and fifty. It had decreased seventy-five since the previous year. The total receipts were about six hundred and fifty dollars and the total expenses about the same. Four district presidents attended this meeting. All of the general officers were likewise present. The report of Mrs. M. I. Kalder, corresponding secretary, was listened to with great interest. Perhaps the reports of the various state superintendents elicited the greatest praise and kindled the most eloquent remarks. The following district superintendents were present : Mesdames R. B. Hager, C. M. Spears, M. K. Pat- ten, Alice Hanson, C. O. Norris, and L. A. Ramsay. There were introduced to the convention Mrs. Hyde, of Beresford, Mrs. Hart, of Vermillion, and Mrs. Beach, of Britton, all three of whom had been members of the old time temperance crusade in this territory. Miss Swartz had been a member of one of the eastern temperance crusades in 1873. Rev. R. E. Carhart delivered an interesting address on the "Development of the Temperance Movement in South Dakota." Mrs. E. A. Cranmer conducted an interesting preliminary drill. In the evening four of the six district presidents delivered enlivening addresses on subjects of gen- eral interest to the convention. Among the speakers were Mrs. Conklin, of Canton; Mrs. Gossage, of Rapid City; Mrs. McDonald, of Highmore; and Mrs. Irwin, of Salem. President Ramsay spoke to a large audience that evening. Alice Hanson brightened the occasion with a brilliant and unique address aimed to secure a large collection. Her efforts were successful. On the second day the proposed repeal of the prohibition law by its resubmission was discussed in detail and with intense spirit by the convention. On the same day the Anti-Saloon League, a branch of the organization, held a notable session and was addressed at length by Mr. Carhart. At this time Mrs. Alice Gossage was editor of the White Ribbon Journal. She was present and was cordially and formally thanked by the entire convention for her splendid efforts on behalf of temperance. On Saturday Miss Clara McDonald conducted the exercise called "devotionals," and the subject of "Model Officers" was discussed from all angles by many. Miss Elizabeth U. Yates, of Maine, delivered an instructive address at the "Y con- ference." A special suffrage convention was held with a large attendance, and the informal but elaborate proceedings were led by Mrs. Simmons and partici- pated in by many of the ablest speakers. Mesdames Spears, Hager and Swartz were appointed a select committee to write a history of the union in this state.

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Miss Yates lectured on the subject, "Fashion in Thinking." It was one of the most brilliant addresses of the convention, the language being exceptionally beau- tiful and elegant. On Sunday all pulpits in the city were filled by the able ladies of this convention. Alice Gossage conducted a "children's hour," which proved an exercise of great interest to all who participated. On Monday the election of officers for the coming year took place. Mrs. Luella A. Ramsay was reelected president ; Mrs. Anna R. Simmons, vice president ; Mrs. Matilda I. Kalder, cor- responding secretary ; Miss Kara Smart, recording secretary ; and Mrs. J. Beach, treasurer. Mrs. L. A. Ramsay was appointed delegate to the world's convention at Toronto, Canada, with Mrs. E. A. Cranmer as alternate. Mrs. R. B. Hager, Mrs. Anna Simmons and Mrs. E. A. Cranmer were elected delegates to the national convention at Buffalo. On Monday the reports of the numerous com- mittees were received and considered. The whole convention upon adjournment united in repeating the words, "God be with you till we meet again." Many recommendations for the good of the union were proposed at this unusual meet- ing. The resolutions adopted urged a more diligent study of the word of God; asked all branches to subscribe for the union paper organs; declared that the hope of the future was in the right education of the young; announced that the study of hygiene and heredity would show the evil effects of the drink habit; and asked all branches to work diligently for the suffrage amendment that was to be submitted to the voters in November, 1898.

In February, 1898, the death of Miss Frances E. Willard occasioned great regret and grief throughout the entire world and particularly among all circles of Woman's Christian Temperance unions and Woman's Suffrage clubs every- where. In this state the grief was genuine and pronounced. Meetings were held in almost every county to give emphasis and publicity to the regret and sorrow which prevailed in every community where the uplift of women and children was active and paramount.

The state convention of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union for 1898 assembled at Mitchell in September. There were present many prominent ladies interested in the advancement of the union. Mrs. Luella Ramsay, president of the union; Mrs. Anna Simmons, of Huron; Mrs. J. A. Pickler, of Faulkton; Mrs. Smart, of Chicago; Mrs. Ellen Beach, of Britton; Miss Kara Smart, of Sioux Falls; Mrs. M. J. Kalder, of Woonsocket; Mrs. Alice R. Gossage, of Rapid City; and others equally prominent were present. This session was one of the most interesting thus far held in the history of the union. Many elo- quent speeches were made and many strong papers were read. The opening exercises were patterned in accordance with the program of the twenty-fifth annual celebration of the women's crusade against saloons organized, started and conducted in 1873. Mrs. Beach, present on this occasion, was the only one who had been connected with the inspiring movement in 1873.

In June, 1900, the South Dakota Federation of Woman's Clubs assembled at Aberdeen. Every club in the state except one was represented, there being in attendance more than fifty club women who were notably prominent in the social and home life of the state. Mrs. W. H. Lyon was present at this time and called the convention to order. The proceedings from the start were ani- mating and intensely interesting. Brilliant speeches were made by able women from all parts of the state. There were present only fifteen accredited delegates,

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but others were admitted when they had shown that they were members of the clubs and in good standing. While in session at Aberdeen the ladies were given a splendid reception at the residence of Mrs. A. H. Olwin. This reception, the local press declared, was the most brilliant and cordial social gathering ever held in that city. Numerous questions concerning the property of the clubs and the improvement of home life were elaborated and discussed. An important question duly considered was the social problem involving the colored race. There was much diversity of opinion, but the consensus of opinion was that the two races should seek their uplift along separate lines and in different fields.

In September, 1901, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union held their annual session at Watertown. There was present a large delegation from all parts of the state. At this time Mrs. Ramsey was president. In her address she said that she had delivered about five hundred addresses throughout the state during the year 1901. It was stated by more than one delegate that these ad- dresses had accomplished untold good in South Dakota for the cause of the union and the measures and principles which the union represented.

At the convention held by the woman's clubs at Hot Springs early in 1901 several important resolutions were passed. One asked for a home somewhere in the state for feeble and indigent old ladies who had no means of support and who by their birth and education, deserved more tender care and pleasant environments than could be obtained in the state charitable institutions. An- other favored a traveling library to be owned by the state and operated by a board of commissioners appointed by the governor. A bill to this effect was introduced in the Legislature of 1901 but it failed to become a law. The federa- tion was now determined to take up the matter in earnest. Another resolution which brought out much discussion, declared that the National Federation of Women's Clubs be composed of white women only. The discussion was very heated and the resolution was finally adopted. The liquor law passed by the Legislature in 1901 did not materially change the regulations of the business so far as saloons were concerned but it did strike a death blow at what had come to be called drug store saloons. Under this law the maintenance of a bar behind the prescription case was effectually wiped out. The dispensing of beer in bot- tles could no longer be carried on with impunity and the sale of beer by drug- gists except for medical purposes was positively prohibited.

In 1901 the Woman's Christian Temperance Union requested all local unions throughout the state to raise the annual dues of their members from 60 cents to $1. The state union has for some time realized that the dues were too low to provide adequate means for the success of the movement. In many unions the annual fee was but 50 cents, ten of which went to the county organization and ten to the district and thirty to the state, leaving nothing in the local treasury. Thus local work was forced to depend upon funds raised by socials, entertain- ments and such other methods as women devise. The working force of the union was small compared with the membership. Much of the financial burden was placed upon the shoulders of a few. It was now sought to remedy these defects. The state union reported that work had suffered through the lack of necessary funds. The yearly expense account of the state union had thus far been two and one-half times that of the annual income. The extra amount had to be raised by local unions each of which was asked to pledge from $5 to $25

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cach year. As these sums were often slow in coming in, the work of the state union was retarded. The state union therefore pleaded for a raise in the annual dues. The state union said: "Sisters of the local unions will you consider this matter prayerfully and unselfishly. We are attempting to do more than any other organization and have the poorest support of any from membership dues, yet the aim and the scope of our great work is not exceeded even by the church. It is hoped that everyone of our members will realize the necessity of this change and respond willingly when our treasurer calls sometime during next month."

In 1903 the South Dakota Federation of Woman's Clubs assembled in Rapid City, there being present a large assemblage in addition to the usual delegation. At this time Miss Clara D. Coe was president. In her opening address she ably reviewed what had been accomplished by the combined clubs of the state during the past few years. Many interesting papers and many instructing discussions were listened to at this important meeting. Every branch of club life was laid bare, reviewed, criticised, and numerous improvements were suggested. Dele- gates to the National Convention of Woman's Clubs were appointed as follows : Mrs. C. B. Clark, Deadwood; Mrs. Anna E. Lumberg, Pierre; Mrs. W. W. Stewart, Hot Springs ; Mrs. J. A. Bates, Huron ; Miss Clara D. Coe, Deadwood.

In 1893 the law provided that the age of consent of women should be sixteen years, but in 1903 this law was changed, and the age was fixed at fourteen years. This change was not satisfactory to the women of the state. As a matter of fact the age of fourteen was arbitrarily fixed by the code commission of 1903, and the report of the commission after due discussion by the Legislature was accepted by that body. It was claimed at the time that the code commission had made a mistake, or its clerk or secretary had intentionally and arbitrarily inserted the figures "14" instead of "16," because it was shown that the commission had not considered changing the age from sixteen years to fourteen years. However, the acceptance of the age of fourteen by the Legislature established that age as the lawful age of consent.

In September, 1903, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union held their annual convention at Redfield. It was the largest attendance for three years. Much interest was shown in the questions of temperance, suffrage and civics which were then stirring and convulsing the whole state. The railways gave one and one-third fare, which in part occasioned the large attendance. The local union at Redfield exerted itself to entertain the crowd. They served meals to all in the Masonic Hall. Many farmers in that vicinity donated butter, cream, etc., and merchants and grocers furnished free various products to meet the demand. Numerous questions of much interest were considered; child welfare was one of the most important. At this meeting Miss Carwin, of Mitchell, who was secretary of the Young Woman's Christian Association for North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska, was present. She later held a meeting at Huron and secured twenty-one new members for the local organization there.

The tenth annual convention of the Young Woman's Christian Association opened November 7, 1903, at Brookings. Miss Starr, of Mitchell, state chair- man, called the meeting to order in the University Chapel and introduced Miss Simms, general city secretary of the American Committee, as leader of the Bible hour. She used for the central thought of her remarks "Faith." Succeeding her interesting address, Doctor Chalmers, president of the Agricultural College,

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delivered a forceful and scholarly address on the "Impregnable Rock of Scrip- tures." He said that the storm of unbelief and infidelity for a thousand years had swept over the foundation stone of the Christian Church yet it still stood strong and firm, the fortress of God. He ended his address by extending a cor- dial welcome to the convention. To this welcome, response was made by Miss Van Orsdale, of Huron. Miss Lapham, of Vermillion, was appointed chairman of the convention. Her able manner of presenting the programs added much to the spirit, celerity and success with which the proceedings were conducted. The missionary phases of the work of the association were shown by Miss Milhan, state secretary of Minnesota. She emphasized the fact that the criticisms of the missions were really a criticism of the church, the Bible and even of Christ him- self. She declared that everyone of whatever name or nation should be fur- nished a knowledge of the way of salvation. Her address was one of much depth and brilliancy. Later a college conference, led by Miss Gold Corwin, sec- retary of the Dakotas and Nebraska, was held in the presence of a large audi- ence. Instructive papers were read by representatives of several colleges all having the object of stimulating an increase in membership and the encourage- ment of Bible study. In the evening a delightful reception was held at the armory where many beautiful papers were read, music was rendered and socia- bility ruled the hour. On Sunday a meeting called the Quiet Hour was pre- sided over by Miss Avery, dean of women, Redfield College. This was one of the most fervent and impressive sessions of the convention. Dr. Thomas Nichol- son, president of Dakota University, delivered the convention sermon in an eloquent and forcible manner from the text "Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." He declared that it was the bounden duty of all to provide for temporal wants but that humanity should not live alone for sensual things. Man should shape his life according to principles as high as Heaven and as broad as the truth of God. All enjoyed this splendid discourse. On Sunday afternoon, Miss Simms held a woman's meeting, which was well attended. In the evening three addresses were delivered at the Presbyterian Church, one by Doctor Nicholson on "What the association should seek to do for the college woman," one by Miss Milhan on "Student and missionary phase of the work" and one by Miss Simms on "The work of the association." The proceedings at the convention were a great delight and inspiration to all who attended. Mitchell was fixed for the next place of meet- ing. The enrollment showed that eight schools were represented at the con- vention as follows : Brookings, 20; Huron, 17; Mitchell, 12; Redfield, 9; Ver- million, 5; Yankton, 4; Sioux Falls, I; Aberdeen, I. The convention adjourned after thanking the people of Brookings for their courtesy and welcome.

In November, 1903, Elizabeth O. Hiller, principal of the Chicago Domestic Science Training School, delivered a course of lectures at Pierre. Her sub- jects were as follows: An Ideal Kitchen; Some Home Beginnings; Soup and Soup Garnishings; Meat and Fish Sauces; Eggs and Incidentally Omelets ; Souffles ; Custards and Entrees ; Fish, Shellfish and Crustaceans ; Meats-Roasts, Boils, Fries, Fricassees and Suets ; Sauce ; Batter and Dough; Breads and Salad Cakes; Salads and Sandwiches; Hot Desserts and Sauces; Frozen Desserts; Beverages; and Dining Room Service.

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In 1904 the Woman's Christian Temperance Union held their state conven- tion at Beresford. There was a large attendance and much interest was shown in the proceedings. Full reports from all the departments and committees were received, commented upon, and improvements were offered and suggested. The new officers elected were as follows: Mrs. Luella Ramsey, president; Mrs. Lulu Davidson, corresponding secretary; Mrs. D. E. Jones, recording secretary ; Mrs. Lizzie Tidwell, treasurer; secretary of the national branch Miss Grace Van Vliet. The delegates chosen for the national convention were: Elizabeth Parkin- son ; Mrs. Marshall; Esther Sinclaire; and Mrs. King, of Scotland.

In June, 1905, Governor LaFollette, of Wisconsin, lectured before the Chau- tauqua assembly at Aberdeen on the subject of "Representative Government." It was one of the ablest, most logical, most cogent and most illustrative lectures ever delivered in the state. He exposed many of the shams of government and the devious ways of the politicians.

In February, 1906, the second South Dakota District Convention of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union met at Springfield with Mrs. Dollard, of Scotland, in the chair. Her annual address contained many valuable suggestions and recommendations. Reports from nearly all the branches in the state were received. The exercises consisted in drills, discussions, papers and music.

In 1908, the official organ of the South Dakota Federation of Woman's Clubs was the Courant. In it were published the proceedings of the conventions, com- mittee reports, and special messages from committees and officers. The paper was published at St. Paul. Miss Hall of the South Dakota Federation was official correspondent for the Courant. At this time the officers of the state federation were as follows: President, Mrs. Julius H. Johnson, Fort Pierre ; vice president, Mrs. Levi McGee, Rapid City; recording secretary, Mrs. B. S. Hoover, Gettysburg; corresponding secretary, Miss Emma C. Hall, Milbank; treasurer, Mrs. Frank Anderson, Webster; auditor, Mrs. H. E. Hendricks, Sioux Falls. There were standing committees on these subjects : Art, Mrs. Lizzie W. Truran, Pierre, chairman; Civics, Mrs. Mayme Sharward, Bridgewater, chairman; Civil Service Reform, Mrs. Maud C. Rix, Milbank, chairman ; Edu- cation, Mrs. Albert Morse, Faulkton, chairman; Forestry, Mrs. Jennie M. Poste, Fort Pierre, chairman; Household Economics and Pure Food, Mrs. Anna S. Pot- ter, Dell Rapids, chairman; Industrial and Child Labor, Miss Belle Pettigrew, Sioux Falls, chairman ; Library Extension, Miss Ella M. Laurson, Mitchell, chair- man; Literature, Miss Nina Nash, Aberdeen, chairman; Legislation, Mrs. A. H. Oleson, Deadwood, chairman; Reciprocity, Mrs. Hannah Joyce Smith, Webster, chairman; Health and Hygiene, Mrs. H. R. Pease, Watertown, chairman; Ad- visory Committee, Mrs. Anna A. Lumley and Mrs. G. F. Stebbins.

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History of Dakota Territory, volume III, Part 108

Author: Kingsbury, George Washington, 1837-; Smith, George Martin, 1847-1920 Publication date: 1915 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : S.J. Clarke Publishing Company Number of Pages: 1146

Author: Kingsbury, George Washington, 1837-; Smith, George Martin, 1847-1920
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : S.J. Clarke Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1146