Temperance Column

The seventeenth annual convention of the Woman'8 State Christian Tem per anee Union of Michigan was beid in the city of Grand Rapids, June 2, '.), 4 and 5. A lengthy, but most excellent program had been prepared and ivas carried out enthusiastically. The state offlcs were all reelected and are Mrs. Mary T. Lathrop, Jackson, president; Mrs. Emma A. Wheeler, Grand Rapids, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Lizzle M. Johnson, Flint, recording secretary; Mrs. Emma H. May, Clio, treasurer. The convention opened on Tuesday mom ing at 11 o'clock. The mornings and afternoons were spent in business meetings, reports from all departments of work, discussions, symposiums and addresses, all of which were both entertaining and instructive. If we may be allowedto particularize wewouldnotice especially the discussions on the questions " why we work " and the relation oftheeducational department, or scientific temperance, to the ultímate triumph of temperance reform. The parliamentary drill, by Mrs. A. S. Benjamin, delsarte gymnastics by Mias Lydia E. Newcomband the mock school board by Mrs. Mary H. Hunt were made features of special interest. On Tuesday evening the president, Mrs. Mary T. Lathrap, delivered her annual address; it was a inasterly production, delivered in her usual attractive manner. It dealt with every subject connected with the cause of temperance. We will endeavor to give the principal parts next week. Wednesday evening was devoted to the Young Woman's Christian Temperance Union. The large platform was a scène of beauty. Theelegantbannersofrnany local and county unions, bannera of theflower missions.the handsome banner of the state Y's nearly covered the massive curtains at the back and sides of the platform, while the tables were covered with choicest flowers. The Misletoe Y. Quartette furnished the music, and there were brief bnt comprehensive addressesby Mrs. Lillian Hollister, state superintendent Y. W. C. T. U., and Miss Jessie Morgan, national organizer Y. W. C. T. U. On Thursday night we had the privilege of listening to Mrs. Mary II. Hunt, of Boston, national superintendent scientific temperance instruction. To those who have heard Miss Hunt it is not necessary to sound her praises; to those who have not, I would say,do not fail to hearheratyour firstopportunity. The last lecture was delivered on Friday night, by Mrs. L. S. Rounds, president Illinois W. C. T. U., on "Social Purity." Mis. Rounds is a portly, fine appearing woman, intelligent, a fine orator, wilty and an enthusiastic advocate of the department of social purity. The mayor of the city, who was to have delivered the address of welcome in behalf of the city, on the first night of the convention, was prevented from being present, on account of the streetnulwayp, which required bis constant attent! on, but he made a few remarks on Friday night previous to the lecture by Mrs. Round. He expressed himself in perfect sy mpathy with the W. C. T. U. and said he feit it a great honor to have the state convention held in their city. He expressed a great desire lor our success in this grand undertaking and emphasized hia good wishes by giving his check tor fit', when the collection to pay expenses was taken. The convention closed by singing "God be with US 'till we meet again," and the benediction.