National Association of Colored Women.

...Officers... President. Mrs. Mary Church-Terrell, Washington. D.C. Vice Presidents. Mrs. Josephine B. Bruce, Indianapolis, Ind. Mrs. Lucy Thurman, Jackson City, Mich. Corresponding Secretary. Miss Anna V. Thompkins Washington, D.C. Recording Secretary. Mrs. Christine S. Smith, Nashville, Tenn. Treasurer. Mrs. Simone Yates, Kansas City, Mo. National Organizer. Mrs. Jerome Jeffrey, Rochester. N.Y. Chairman Executive Committee. Mrs. Booker T. Washington. Tuskegee. Ala. Chairman Ways and Means Committee. Mrs. Libbie Anthony, Jefferson City, Mo. Local Committee. Arrangements. Mrs. Agnes Moody, Music, Mrs. Albert Hall. Transportation, Mrs. Douglass. Social, Mrs. R.E. Moore, Entertainment, Mrs. M.L. Davenport. Ushers. Mrs. Taylor. Bureau of Information, Mrs. S. J. Evans.

0003

Monday, August 14th. Morning Session, 9:30 o'clock. Prayer. Introductory Remarks by the President, Mrs Mary Church Terrell. Delegates Received. Credentials Recorded. Appointment of Committees. Reports from Officers. Reports from Delegates. Afternoon Session, 1:30 o'clock. Reports from Delegates. The Best Methods of Establishing Schools of Domestic Science. Miss Frances A. Riley, Titusville, Pa General Discussion Open to all Delegates, Led by Mrs Florence Cooper, Memphis, Tenn. and Mrs. S. Lillian Coleman, Omaha, Nebr. Evening Session, 8 o'clock. Address of Welcome. Hon. CARTER. H. HARRISON, Mayor of Chicago. Salutation, Mrs. L.A. Davis, Chicago, ILL. Greeting from the Federation of Colored Women's Clubs of the State of Illinois. Mrs. Connie E. Curl, Chicago, ILL. Response, Mrs. Booker T. Washington, Tuskegee, Ala Music. Address, Mrs. Ellen M. Henrotin, Chicago, ILL. Address by the President, Mrs. Mary Church Terrell, Washington, D.C. Music.

0004

Tuesday, August 15th. Morning Session, 9:30 o'clock. Reports from Delegates. Business Meeting. Discussion of Amendments to the Constitution. Afternoon Session 1:30 o'clock. Why the National Association of Colored Women Should Devise Means for Establishing Kindergartens. Mrs. Haydee Campbell, St. Louis, Mo. General Discussion Open to all Delegates. Led by Mrs. Ida Joyce Jackson, Jefferson City, Mo. and Mrs. Lucy E. Phillips, Jackson, Tenn Evening Session, 8 o'clock. Social Necessity of An Equal Moral Standard for Men and Women. Mrs. Josephine Silone Yates, Kansas City Mo. Music. The Child is Father of the Man, Mrs. Sylvania F. Williams, New Orleans, La, One Phase of the Labor Question, Mrs. Josephine Bruce, Indianapolis, Ind. Music. Convict Lease System as it Affects Child Nature, Miss Josie E. Holmes, Atlanta, Ga. Lynch Law, Mrs. Carrie C. Fortune, New York, N.Y. Prison Work, Mrs. Frances Joseph, New Orleans, La. 0005 Wednesday, August 16th. Morning Session 9:30 o'clock. Business Meeting. Reports of Standing Committees. Election of Officers. Afternoon Session, 1:30 o'clock. Business Meeting _Continued. Discussion of Resolutions. General Discussion of the President's Recommendation Respecting the Outline of Work for the Association. General Discussion on Themes of Reports. Evening Session, 8 o'clock. The Temperance Reform in the Twentieth Century. Miss Mary Lynch, Salisbury, N.C. The Relation of the W.C.T.U. to the Home, Mrs. Lucy Thurman, Jackson, Mich. Music. Practical Club Work. Miss Elizabeth C. Carter, New Bedford, Mass. The Future Club Work of our Women. Mrs. Emma S. Ransom, Chicago, Ill. Jim Crow Car Laws. Mrs. Rosa Bowser Branche, Kansas City Kans. Music. Racial Literature, Mrs. Frances E.W. Harper, Philadelphia, Pa.

0006

General Information. The Second Convention, which is the First Biennial of the National Association of Colored Women, will be held in Quinn Chapel, corner of 24th Street and Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Ill., the 14th, 15th, and 16th of August.

All sessions are free to the public. The center front of the church will be occupied by the members of the Biennial. These are the General Officers, the Delegates, and Members of the organizations belonging to the Association. The remaining seats will be open to the general public. Badges may be worn by all members of organizations belonging to the Association, but by no one else. Badges will be on sale at the Bureau of Information, Quinn Chapel.

It is justly expected that the conferences in which reports are presented, new enterprises proposed, and Association business discussed, will have for each and every member of the organization such a deep interest that no one will be absent from them unless it is absolutely necessary.

The Press Committee will diffuse the proceedings of the Association, if it can be sustained by the participants in the Association Meetings. To this end, all women who submit reports, make addresses, or read papers, are requested to put their extracts in the hands of the President before the close of the Convention. The attention of all participants is called to the time limit.

Every woman attending the Biennial is requested, immediately upon her arrival, to send her Chicago address to the President, directed to Quinn Chapel, corner of 24th Street and Wabash Avenue.

It is earnestly requested that delegates and visitors will be punctual in their attendance at the meetings. If every one will make herself familiar with the contents of the program, the work of the business meetings will be greatly facilitated, and the enjoyment of the other sessions will be greatly enhanced.

Do not fail to have your certificates signed during the Convention, otherwise the reduction of a fare and a third cannot be secured, when you purchase your ticket home.

A reception to the Officers, Delegates, and Members of the Association will be given by the Federation of Colored Women's Clubs of the State of Illinois, Thursday evening, August 17th.

A Business meeting will be held Thursday morning, August 17th and will last during the entire afternoon.

N.B.—An address on Harriet Beecher Stowe will be delivered by the President, Mrs. Mary Church Terrell, in Bethel A.M.E. Church, Dearborn and 30th Streets, at 7:30 o'clock, Sunday evening, August 13th.

0007 7

MINUTES OF THE National Association of Colored Women, 1899. MONDAY MORNING SESSION. Chicago, Ill., august 14, 1899. A large number of women assembled in Quinn Chapel, corner of 24th St. and Wabash Ave., to be present at the opening of the First Biennial Convention of the National Association of Colored Women. The meeting was called to order by the President, Mrs. Mary Church-Terrell. After singing, “Praise God from whom All Blessings Flow.” Prayer was offered by 2nd Vice-President, Mrs. Lucy Thurman. Appropriate introductory remarks were made by the President. The Recording Secretary being absent-detained by illness, the first thing in order was the election of the same. Several names were placed in nomination, but as the Committee on Credentials had not reported, the President stated that nominations and voting were not in order. Mrs. C.A. Curl of Chicago was appointed with Mrs. Carrie Williams Clifford of Cleveland, Ohio, and Miss Lizzie C.C. Carter of New Bedford, Mass., as assistants.

The arrangement of seats by States was next in order. Mrs. Ruffin of Boston asked what action should be taken concerning delegates who had not received their credentials and others who thought it not necessary to have credentials. The President decided that State organizers and members of the National Association needed no other credentials. All others must have their credentials before they could be recognized. A short discussion concerning the matter developed the fact that the body could not be properly recognized until the Committee on Credentials had reported. The President 0008 8would thus be obliged to make all decisions and appointments until the Association was opened in proper form. While the credentials were being prepared, Mrs. B. K. Bruce asked if persons who were officers of the Association and also sent as Delegates would be allowed to cast a vote both as an officer and delegates. The President informed the women that but one vote would be cast by each woman, no matter how many positions she might hold. A telegram was read by Mrs. S. Lillian Coleman of Omaha, Nebraska, from the Rev. C. C. Owens of said city sending greetings and wishing for the Association a harmonious and prosperous session. Reports from the following Clubs were read by the following persons:

I.B.W. Club of Chicago, Mrs. S. Taylor; Woman's Civic League, Chicago, Mrs. Minnie Roach; Ideal Club, Chicago, Mrs. Ophelia Clark; Women's Era Club, Boston, Mrs. J. St. P. Ruffin; Phyllis Wheatly Club, New Orleans, Mrs. Sylvania F. Williams; Commercial Reciprocity Club, Indianapolis, Ind., Mrs. Lillian Thomas-Fox; Peoria Woman's Aid, Peoria, Ill., Mrs. Sydney Wagoner; Woman's Home Improvement Club, Louisville, Ky., Mrs. Fannie B. Williams; Woman's Loyal Unions, N. Y. City, Mrs Imogene Howard; Colterie Migratory Assembly, Memphis, Tenn., Mrs. Annie Whitlow; Sojourner Truth Club, Memphis, Tenn., Mrs. Robert Freeman.

Telegrams of greeting and good wishes were read from Mrs. Mary C. Turner of New Orleans and Mrs. M. F. Pitts of E. St. Louis, Ill. Mrs. S. G. Snelson, of Athens, Georgia, made a report from the Woman's Club of that city. All the reports were respectfully listened to and well applauded. At the hour of 12:45 P. M. the Association adjourned to lunch, which had been prepared by the ladies of the church, to reassemble promptly at 1:30 P. M.

0009 9

MONDAY AFTERNOON SESSION. The Association reassembled at the appointed time. The meeting was called to order by the President. Mrs. Frances Jackson of Kansas City read the report of the Committee on Credentials. One hundred and forty-four (144) delegates were reported. On motion of Mrs. Thurman the delegates were allowed five minutes each in which to read their reports. Mrs. Harvey of Memphis, Tenn., reported for the Orphan's Home of said city, stating that twenty-five acres of land had been purchased. Others reported as follows:

Minerva Club of Cleveland, Ohio, Mrs. W. H. Clifford; St. Louis Club of St. Louis, Mo., Miss Helen Abbott; F. E. Harper League of Pittsburg, Pa., Mrs. Mattie Sutton who also read greetings from the King's Daughters of the same city, and an invitation inviting the Association to hold its next Convention in Pittsburg.

Reports from the Woman's Home and Foreign Mission and Educational Club of Mo., read by Mrs. Alice Sumner; Self Culture Club, St. Louis, Mo., Mrs. Nellie Gibson; Wednesday Afternoon Club, St. Louis, Mo., Mrs. S. B. Ferrier; Ten Times One Club, Montgomery, Ala., Mrs. Dungee; Woman's Federation of Clubs, Ann Arbor, Mich., Miss Anna H. Jones.

Greetings from the Gentlemen's Afro-American Club of Bay City, Mich., were presented and read by Mrs Lottie Jackson of said city. Greetings from the Woman's Improvement Club of Detroit, Mich., were received through Miss Fannie Preston. The discussion of the “Best Methods of Establishing Schools of Domestic Science,” was next in order. Mrs. Florence Cooper of Memphis, Tenn., who was to lead the discussion being absent, the President continued to hear reports of clubs. The report from the W. C. T. U. Club, was read by Mrs. M. V. Lynch of Jackson, Tenn. A verbal report was made by Mrs. George Barrier of Detroit, Mich., for the Willing Workers. After the report Mrs. Josephine Bruce stated an incident of a little hunch-back boy living in the state of Indiana, who had been admitted into the art school, Flay Wagner by name, who had by his skill and industry, won a much coveted prize. Mrs. Lucy Thurman asked 0010 10the President to state the honors which had come to Roscoe Bruce, son of Mrs. B. K. Bruce, and the President said in part: that while in the school at Exeter he had won all the honors, and so he had gone on winning one prize after another in all the schools he has attended. He had lately won at Harvard a medal worth one hundred ($100.00) dollars, called the Pasteur Prize.

A report was then made from the Julia Gaskin Club of Evanston, Ill., by Mrs. L. Butler. The President instructed the delegates to give the actual amount of monies collected and expended by their clubs in making up the final extracts to be handed the Chairman of the Press Committee. The report from the Woman's Improvement Club of Knoxville, Tenn. was read by Mrs. Jones.

Mrs. Corine Brown, a woman of great worth who is noted for her success as a worker in the city of Chicago, was invited forward to be introduced to the Association. Mrs. Brown in her usual agreeable and winning way made some very choice remarks. Among other things she said: that she believed that ability depended neither upon race nor upon sex. She advised work for legislation, saying the time would soon be when the two races would work together, as one of us cannot get along without the other. She warned those of the Southland to keep their children out of the factories before they are 14 years of age.

Mrs. McDowell who lives in the University of Chicago settlements was then presented to the Association. She claimed to be a member of the N. A. C. W., as it was she who organized the Julia Gaskins Club of Evanston, Ill. She advised all to work for the common needs. Miss Farson, one of the Superintendents of Chicago schools said: that she was a delegate on the grounds that the thing you long for you are. Her subject was heredity, her remarks were logical and interesting. The remarks of all the visiting ladies were highly appreciated. Mrs. M. L. Harrison of St. Louis, Mo., who is President of the Orphans' Home, made an interesting report. Mrs Lillian Coleman of Omaha, Nebraska, was called upon (she being the only one present who had been placed upon the program), 0011 11to open the discussion of “Best Methods of Establishing Schools of Domestic Science.” Mrs. Coleman read a beautiful and instructive paper, which was listened to with profound silence. The inspiring paper had its effect and many of the delegates took part in the discussion. Mrs. L. Anthony read the names of the Ways and Means Committee and requested them to meet immediately after adjournment. On motion of Mrs. L. A. Davis the Convention adjourned until 8 o'clock P. M., when they were entertained at a reception given under the leadership of Mrs. Dr. Carey. Business Session to begin Tuesday morning at the usual hour.

TUESDAY MORNING, AUGUST 15th, 1899. The First Biennial Convention of the N. A. of C. W. was called to order by the President at 10 o'clock A. M. The names of the following committees were announced on courtesies:

Resolutions and minutes read and approved; after which prayer was offered by Mrs. Lucy Thurman, and the Convention was declared open for the regular business. The minutes of the first day's session were read and approved after adding the name of Miss Carter of New Bedford to those of the Committee on Resolutions. The reports of the club were called for in the following order: Waymen Circle, Mrs. Nora Taylor, Chicago, Ill.; Phyllis Wheatley, Mrs. M. B. Jackson, Chicago. The printed address on “The Progress of Colored Women,” delivered at the Fiftieth Anniversary of the National American Woman's Suffrage, delivered by Mrs. Terrell was offered for sale at 10 cents each. Mrs. Terrell offered to donate the proceeds to the Association, provided the money should be used only for the support of Kindergartens and Day Nurseries. Quite a number were disposed of.

Mrs. Lucy Thurman moved that Wednesday morning, at 11 o'clock, the election of officers take place. Motion carried. The reports of clubs were then continued as follows: North Omaha Woman's Club, Miss Gamble; Phyllis Wheatley Club, Nashville, Tenn., Mrs. Shelton; Progressive Circle of King's Daughters, Chicago, Ill., Mrs. Birdie Evans. The amendments to the constitution were next considered. On motion 0012 12of the Secretary it was decided to limit the time of each speaker to three minutes, and no one should be allowed to speak twice on the same article until all who desired to speak had spoken. Article 3, section 3, to read a per capita tax, to be fixed by the Convention. Mrs. Thurman moved the amendment that a per capita tax of 10 cents annually should be paid by each member of the several clubs; after many had spoken and all in favor of the per capita tax, the motion prevailed.

Article 4 was amended so as to read: a National Organizer, who shall compose the Executive Board. After much discussion both pro and con, Mrs. Thurman moved the previous question; motion carried. A vote was then taken with the result that the amendment was unanimously lost. Article 4, Section 2, be changed to read after the words written ballot: a majority of votes shall be necessary to a choice; the motion was lost. Article 5, Section 2, be amended to read as it is written with the omission of the last three lines. Mrs. Washington moved its adoption; after much disscusion Mrs. Anthony moved the previous question; motion carried. The Article was then re-read as amended and unanimously carried. An amendment to the Constitution was then read as follows: the Recording Secretary shall perform such duties as are usual to her office and receive and receipt for all funds received by her office and receive and receipt for all funds received by her and promptly turn the same over to the Treasurer. Mrs. Williams of New Orleans moved this Article be adopted; motion carried. It was found necessary to change Section 3, Article 3, to read: through the Recording Secretary, and thus do away with the new amendment. Mrs. Thurman moved the new amendment be stricken out; motion carried. Miss Carter of New Bedford, Mass., moved that Section 1, Article 5, be so amended as to cover the ground; motion carried. Mrs. Williams moved we expunge Section 2, Article 5, from the Constitution; motion carried, (as it was needed). Section 3, Article 5, strike out Corresponding Secretary; on motion of Mrs. Williams of New Orleans it was carried. Article 5, Section 5, was amended to read after the words, at a time: she shall hold her office for an unlimited time; yeas 66, nays 50; motion to amend lost. Section 3, Article 5, amended to read: all past officers of the National 0013 13Association shall be entitled to membership; motion lost. Association adjourned at 2:55 P. M., to reassemble at 3 P. M.

TUESDAY AFTERNOON SESSION. At 3:45 P. M. the Convention reassembled. Prayer was offered by Mrs. Barber, National Treasurer of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. Mrs. Ruffin reported that one of the delegates had lost her pocket-book which contained her ticket and all her money; she was also sick and had to incur doctor's expenses since her misfortune. A small donation was asked for her and the President allowed a collection to be lifted. The name of said delegate was held in reserve. Ten ($10.00) dollars was donated. Mrs. Haydee Campbell of St. Louis, Mo. was called and introduced to the Association. Her subject was: “Why the National Association should devise means to establish Kindergartens.” Too much cannot be said of the paper. To say it was carefully prepared and well read, are feeble words. Mrs. Ida J. Jackson of Jefferson City, Mo., was introduced and opened the discussion by reading a paper. It was a masterly production, and, like others, was heartily applauded. Mrs. Lucy E. Phillips of Jackson, Tenn., came next and her paper was equal to the others. The subject was then open to all the delegates for general discussion. A recess was taken while the R. R. Agent. attended to signing certificates. The woman were instructed to have their certificates at the Bethel A.M.E. Church to be signed. The Committees were instructed to meet at 8 o'clock sharp, Wednesday morning. Mrs. Will was present and spoke in the interest of the Kindergarten. She advised working through the Legislatures of States and in that way have Kindergartens established. A motion to adjourn was carried, and the Association adjourned to reassemble at 8 o'clock P. M. Wednesday.

TUESDAY EVENING. At nine o'clock the Convention was called to order. Prayer was offered by Rev. Richard Cole of St. Louis, Mo., after which the regular programme of the evening was begun. 0014 14The church was packed to its utmost capacity, and the programme throughout was respectfully listened to. Several distinguished guests were present and were invited by the President to seats upon the platform. Among whom were Bishop Turner, Booker T. Washington and Edward Brown of Boston, Mass. With few exceptions the programme was carried out as arranged. Mrs. Carrie C. Fortune of New York and Mrs. Frances Joseph of New Orleans, being absent, Mrs. Ruffin read a paper and Mr. Brown of Boston made stirring remarks concerning the Lynch Law, and read resolutions which he asked all to endorse. The Convention then adjourned to reassemble at the usual time and place Wednesday morning. Mrs. Mary Church-Terrell, President. Mrs. Connie C. Curl, ,Secretary.

WEDNESDAY MORNING, AUGUST 16th, 1899. The Convention was called to order at 9:30 by the President; prayer was offered by Mrs. Brown of Ohio and the meeting declared open for the regular business. Minutes of the previous day were read and approved. On motion of Mrs. Thurman the report of officers was called for while the Association was waiting. In the absence of Mrs. J. S. Yates, Miss Carter of New Bedford, Mass., made a verbal report for the N. E. Federation of Women's Clubs of New England and New York States; 27 clubs were reported by her. Next was a report from the Woman's Conference read by Mrs. Fannie B. Williams of Chicago. Mrs. Ida B. Barnett, being in the house, was invited to a seat upon the platform. Her time being limited, she requested to make two announcement as follows: that the Afro-American Council would convene in Chicago, Thursday morning, at Bethel A. M. E. Church, to which all were invited. She then extended an invitation from Miss Jane Adams of the Hull House to have the officers of the Association visit her home and have luncheon with her. The invitations were graciously accepted. Mrs. Barnett then retired on private business. Greetings were read by the Secretary from the Lend-a-Hand Circle of Boston. Report from Atlanta Woman's Club was read by Mrs. Josie E. Holmes. On motion of Mrs. F. Jackson the Association then went into 0015 15Executive Session and all visitors were excused from the room. The reports of officers were deferred until the afternoon session. Before going into the election it was suggested to better fit us for the ordeal and solemnize our hearts, five prayers be offered in five minutes, which was accordingly done and while a feeling of solemnity prevaded the house, the following names were placed in nomination for President: Mesdames Bruce, Washington, Ruffin, Yates, Thurman and Terrell. It had been fully understood that as the present President had served but one term since the law of two terms had gone into effect, she was eligible to a re-election. Much discussion was indulged in on all subjects pertaining to balloting, and after much time had been consumed, on motion of Mrs. Anthony those who desired to do so were told they might withdraw their names. After more thought and discussion their names were continued and the balloting begun. Mrs. Ruffin moved that as the name of each delegate was called, she should come forward and deposit her vote on the table in front of the Convention. Motion carried. The balloting was quietly conducted and resulted in the re-election of Mrs. Mary Church Terrell as President for the ensuing term, she receiving 106 votes of the 144 cast on the first ballot. The hour being far past noon Mrs. Bruce moved that we adjourn to lunch and rest until 2 P. M. Motion was unanimously carried. Lunch had been prepared by the ladies of the church as usual.

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON. At 2.30 P. M., the President sounded the gravel and the Convention was reassembled. Mrs. Bruce read greetings from Mrs. Rosetta E. Lawson, of Washington, D.C. A telegram from Mrs. Julia Hooks concerning little Lucy Russell, of Memphis, Tenn, was read. She sent greetings and dues. The balloting was then resumed. Mrs. Anna Jones, of Kansas City moved that the rules be suspended and the officers be elected as they then stood. The motion was lost and the regular way of voting was the order. The following names were placed in nomination for First Vice President: Mesdames 0016 16Ruffin, Anthony and Bruce. Mesdames Ruffin and Anthony withdrew. Mrs. Moody moved the rules be suspended an Mrs. Bruce be elected by acclamation. Motion carried. Second Vice Presidents were nominated as follows: Mesdames Coleman of Nebraska, Thurman and Mrs. Lucy Phillips. After the first ballot the name of Mrs. Coleman was dropped, she having the least number of votes, and on the second ballot which stood 69 and 70 for the candidates Mrs. Thurman withdrew and Mrs. Lucy E. Phillips, of Jackson, Tenn., was declared elected. The following names were placed in nomination for Corresponding Secretary: Miss Mary Lynch, of N. C., Mrs. Fannie B. Williams, of Chicago, Miss Anna V. Thompkins of Washington, D. C. Miss Mary Lynch was elected. Most of the afternoon was spent in electing a Recording Secretary. Since it is always necessary to appoint two assistants to the Recording Secretary, it was deemed wise to elect three recording secretaries instead of one. The following names were balloted upon with the following result: Mrs. C. A. Curl of Chicago, Miss L. C. Carter of New Bedford, Mass., Mrs. Sutton of Pittsburg. First elected was Mrs. C. A. Curl, who received 100 votes, second, Mrs. Coleman of Nebraska was elected by acclamation, and third, Mrs. Carrie Will Clifford of Cleveland was elected. On motion of Mrs. Anthony the rules were suspended and Mrs. Silone Yates was unanimously re-elected Treasurer. By acclamation and on motion of Mrs. L. A. Davis, Mrs. Jeffries, National Organizer was re-elected in the same way. Mrs. Bruce nominated Mrs. Booker T, Washington as Chairman of the Executive Committee. She was also elected unanimously by acclamation. During the afternoon Mrs. Lottie Jackson Bay City took every opportunity to impress upon all the necessity of subscribing for the official organ of the necessity of subscribing for the official organ of the Association. The notes $18.00 in subscription was secured. Many of the books offered by Mrs. Terrell for sale in interest of a Kindergarten were sold; $38 was realized. Rev. and Mrs. Carey were called for to come forward that they might receive the thanks of the Association for their many kindnesses in allowing the use of so beautiful a church for the Convention; its conveniences and 0017 17splendid ventilation added much to the comfort of the Association. Rev. Carey responded, and after being thanked by the President in behalf of the Association made some beautiful remarks, complimenting women's work and women in general. The Association then adjourned until 8 o'clock when the regular program was carried out. After the first hour, which was given the W. C. T. U., led by Mrs. Lucy Thurman, Mrs. Amanda Smith, Bishop Turner and other noted persons took part.

THURSDAY MORNING, AUGUST 17th, 1899. The Convention was called to order at 10:45 A. M., and was opened by singing and prayer. Minutes of the last session read and adopted. Mrs.J. S. Yates, Treasurer of the Association, made her report, (Seeing special reports). Report from Committee on Ways and Means was also read by Mrs.J. S Yates. (See reports). On motion of Mrs. Aldrich the report was approved. The Corresponding Secretary, Miss A. V. Thompkins read her report; on motion of Mrs. Moody it was approved. Mrs. Agnes Moody then introduced to the Convention Miss Mattie Johnson, a young colored woman, clerk in Siegel and Cooper's large department store of Chicago. She was cordially greeted by the Association. Mrs. Lyles of Minnesota, made an earnest plea in behalf of the proposed John Brown Monument for which the sum five thousand nine hundred($5,900) dollars has been raised already. Mrs. Jones of St. Louis, Mo. read the report of the committee on Resolutions (See report), which was adopted singly as follows: Resolution No. 1, adopted on motion of Mrs. Aldridge. “ “ 2, “ “ “ “ Mrs. Hatton. “ “ 3, “ “ “ “ Mrs. M. J. Jackson. [standing vote.] “ 4, “ “ “ “ “ Mrs. J. Q. Grant. “ 5, “ “ “ “ “ Mrs. Bowser, [Standing vote.] “ 6, “ “ “ “ “ Mrs. Williams of [North Carolina.] “ 7, “ “ “ “ Mrs. A. Douglas. “ 8, “ “ “ “ Mrs. Aldridge. “ 9, “ “ “ “ Mrs. B. A. Townsend.

0018 18

Section 10 comprised 4 sections, which on motion was indorsed. Mrs. Fannie Preston suggested that the resolution presented by Mr. Brown of Boston be inserted as Afro-American Council resolution. (See resolutions.) Mrs. Cooper suggested that a stronger resolution be drawn up by the Association. Mrs. McCoy moved the resolution of Mr. Brown be adopted as resolution No. 11. Motion carried. Resolution No. 12 adopted on motion of Mrs. Fannie Preston. Mrs. Smith of the Ideal Club moved that No. 13 be laid on the table but withdrew the motion.

THURSDAY AFTERNOON SESSION. Mrs. B. K. Bruce offered the following resolution which took the precedence of the former: “That the N. A. C. W. now assembled extend greetings to the A. A. C. and express our sympathies with, and indorsement of the purposes of the organization.” On motion of Mrs. McCoy it was adopted with the amendment that a Committee of five be appointed to bear the same to the Council then in session.

Resolution No. 14 was, on motion of Miss Fannie Preston adopted. Resolution No. 15, extending thanks to Chicago was adopted with amendments of Mrs. Bruce and Mrs. Thurman: 1st-that special thanks be extended the Pastor and wife; 2nd-to include the janitor with a donation; the latter received a standing vote and a voluntary collection was taken.

Mrs. Cooper said Convention should not adjourn until some action was taken upon the action of Mrs. Harris. It was decided to ignore her.

On motion of Mrs. Agnes Moody thanks were extended the press.

On motion of Mrs. Day of Kansas City the resolutions as a whole with few corrections offered, were adopted.

The Convention then adjourned to reassemble in Executive Session Friday morning to finish up the business.

The officers had been invited by Miss Jane Addams of the Hull House to visit and to lunch. Led by Mrs. Ida B. Wells Barnett, they accordingly went forth at 12:30 P.M.

For final, see Minutes of Executive Session. Mrs. Mary Church Terrell president. Mrs. C. A. Curl, Rec. Sec. Pro tem.

0019

Officers 1899=1901. President. Mrs. Mary Church-Terrell, 326 T St., N.W., Washington, D. C. First Vice President. Mrs. Josephine B. Bruce, Tuskegee, Ala. Second Vice President. Mrs. Lucy E. Phillips, Jackson, Tenn. Recording Secretaries. Mrs. C. A. Curl., 2935 Armour Ave., Chicago, Ill. Mrs. S. Lillian Coleman, Omaha, Nebr. Mrs. Carrie W. Clifford, Cleveland, Ohio. Treasurer. Mrs. Josephine Silone Yates, 2122 Tracy Ave., Kansas City, Mo. National Organizer. Mrs. Jerome Jeffries, Rochester, N. Y. Chairman Executive Committee. Mrs. Booker T. Washington, Tuskegee, Ala. Chairman Ways and Means Committee. Mrs. Lubbie Anthony, Jefferson City, Mo. Corresponding Secretary. Miss M. A. Lynch, Livingstone College, Salisbury, N. C.

0020 20

EXECUTIVE SESSION.

MONDAY, AUGUST 14TH. The Executive Committee called to order at Quinn Chapel at 8.30 A:M., Mrs. B.T. Washington in the chair.

It was moved and seconded that the Executive hold daily meetings (subject to the call of the chairman) for the consideration of business. Carried. It was moved and seconded we recommend that the month of July be the time of the National Meeting subject to change if necessary. Carried.

It was moved and seconded that Mrs. Thurman be made chairman of the symposium, to be allowed the time given by the temperance women. Carried.

Mrs. Ruffin to be given the time allotted on the program to Mrs. Francis Joseph.

It was moved and seconded that the clubs in the National send the name and address of their respective presidents to the Chairman of the Executive Committee immediately upon their election. Carried.

An improvement on the balloting was discussed but nothing decided. To be taken up later.

The question of furnishing transportation for the National and State Organizers was discussed. The deficiency in the financial plan of our organization discussed. Equal representation discussed, Delegates according to numbers recommended.

The plan of being recognized in the National body by State organization rather than by individual clubs as at present decided.

Adjourned.

THURSDAY, AUGUST, 17TH. (Executive Committee Meeting). Meeting opened. Mrs. Washington in chair.

The question of re-organizing the executive committee was discussed. It was decided that in case of a crisis, the President take the initiative and make the decision by which the body abide.

0021 21

It was moved and seconded that all state organizers be retained as at present, if satisfactory to the delegation. Carried

It was moved and seconded by Mrs. Thurman that the organization allow their National Organizer the sum of One Hundred ($100.00) with which to carry on her work for two years to be paid quarterly. This precipitated a general discussion. Motion carried.

It was moved and seconded that the sum of $53.85 that went over from the old Federation before the Union was effected, be applied to the printing of the minutes of the meeting held at Washington. Carried.

A letter from Mrs. Handy bearing on the monies turned over by her to the Association was read and discussed.

It was moved and seconded that the N.A.C.W. join the National Council of Women. Carried.

The plan of raising money necessary to become members of the Council was discussed.

It was moved and seconded that we appoint from the Executive Board 20 members to make themselves responsible for $5 each to be turned over to the Treasurer before January 1st, 1900. Carried.

The Executive Board left that matter to the Chairman of the Executive Board.

It was moved and seconded that the minutes of this Convention be printed. Carried.

It was moved and seconded that Mrs. Ruffin be appointed Chairman on Printing, three in number whom she shall select. Carried.

Mrs. Florence J. Hunt mentioned by Miss Lynch as State Organizer for North Carolina.

Mrs. Bruce suggested Mrs. Lillian Thomas Fox for Indiana. Mrs. Washington—Mrs. Dungee for Alabama. Mrs. Jackson—Mrs. L. Harrison of Missouri. Mrs. Charlotte J Hunt, Biddell University, Charlotte, N.C. Mrs. Lillian Coleman—the name of Anna E. Boler, Nebraska. Mrs. Jeffries suggested Miss Garner for New York. Mrs. C.W. Clifford suggested Mrs. Harriet K. Price of Ohio. Mrs. Phillips offered Mrs. A.S. Jones—Tennessee.

Meeting adjourned to meet Friday morning, at 9 o'clock in the parlors of the Bethel Church.

0022 22

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18TH. Meeting called to order Mr. Thurman in the chair. It was moved and seconded that State Presidents become members of the National Executive. Carried.

Mrs. Lottie Wilson Jackson spoke on the action taken in reference to the separate coach law and mentioned the attitude taken by Elizabeth Cady Stanton in the National Convention of Woman Suffragists. She also read a letter written by her to the Woman's Journal. It was moved and seconded that we endorse the work by Mrs. Jackson in connection with the separate coach law and that we give her our hearty support. Carried.

It was decided that all the money orders be made payable to the Treasurer but mailed to the Recording Secretary, who shall receipt to the club sending the order, and the Treasurer shall receipt to the Recording Secretary.

All persons holding bills against the Association were requested to hand them in so that the Treasurer could settle all claims and begin the new term with a clean record.

It was moved and seconded that the N.A.C.W. should accept with thanks the 25 acres of land donated by Harriet Tubman, if they were unencumbered. Withdrawn.

It was moved and seconded that a Committee on Incorporation be appointed. Motion carried.

It was moved and seconded that N.A.C.W. send a printed appeal to the School Boards throughout the States to introduce kindergartens and manual training schools into the public school system, where they do not now exist; said petition to be signed by the President and Secretary. Motion carried. It was moved and seconded that a Committee of three be appointed by the Chairman-Presiding of the House to frame this appeal.

Committee.—Mrs. Mary Church-Terrell, Chairman; Miss Thompkins and Mrs. Silvania Williams.

It was suggested that the ladies in their respective localities impress upon their young women the possibilities opening before them in the field of becoming trained nurses.

It was moved and seconded that the matter of time and place for the next Biennial be not decided at this time. Motion carried.

0023 23

An invitation extended to come to St. Louis. Mo. withdrawn.

An invitation extended to come to Atlanta, Ga.

An invitation extended to come to Indianapolis, Ind.

An invitation extended to come to Minnesota.

An invitation extended by the North Eastern Federation to meet in New York.

An invitation extended to come to Michigan.

Mrs. McCoy of Detroit was introduced as the woman who was the mother of the idea of organizing into a National body.

There was a general discussion about the place of meeting.

It was suggested that the Executive Board meet in 1900 when the program for 1901 be made out.

It was moved and seconded that a regular Program committee be today appointed to make out our next Program. Motion carried.

The reading of the Minutes of the Executive Session in Washington in 1898 was called for. Read by Miss Thompkins.

It was moved and seconded that with the necessary corrections they be adopted. Motion carried. Here followed a long discussion.

It was moved and seconded that the Program Committee be nominated from the floor and elected. Motion carried.

Candidates: Mrs. Washington, Chairman; Mrs. Terrell, Miss Carter, Mrs. E.P. Ensley, Secretary; and Mrs. Aldridge Pitts.

Mrs. Terrell requested that it be the sense of this meeting that she see the minutes of this meeting, before they go into the hands of the Printing Committee.

Mrs. St. P. Ruffin demanded that the minutes be sent direct to her from the Recording Secretary.

It was moved and seconded that the three Secretaries and the President of the Executive Board get together and confer and correct them before the Recording Secretary send them to the Printing Committee. Motion carried.

It was decided that we incorporate in the minutes of the N.A.C.W. such part of these minutes as shall be of interest to the public.

0024 24

It was decided that whenever the Executive Committee met the body could appoint its own Secretary as they came together.

It has been moved that this body appropriate $10.00 to be given into the Treasury of the Quinn Chapel in which our meeting were held. Motion carried.

It was suggested that at every Session on the Convention the baskets be passed hereafter.