[NINTH SESSION.]
The Congress reconvened at 8 o’clock p. m., in the Palm Room of the Claypool Hotel, and was called to order by President White.
President White—This is the evening session of the National Conservation Congress. I foresaw what was coming a long time ago when we began to prepare a program. I knew there would be a large number of ladies here, because they were getting very enthusiastic. I knew they would want section meetings for themselves to talk over matters of vital interest and plan how they were going to work for Conservation in all its departments, vital, social and political.
I felt that I was not capable and I did not know of any man who was capable of presiding over a large number of women, who sweetly and persistently know what they want and are bound to get it. (Laughter and applause.)
I was invited by the lady who is going to take charge of this meeting to attend the convention of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs at San Francisco, and right there I decided that Mrs. Moore should preside at this Congress at some one of its meetings, and I politely told her so at that time. I did it in justification of her rare ability displayed upon that occasion, and, selfishly, because I knew I was too timid to rule on points of order where there were so many women. (Laughter.)
I take pleasure in introducing Mrs. Philip N. Moore, of St. Louis, former President of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, and a member of the Executive Committee of this Congress. She needs no introduction, as you all have met her many times. I now turn the meeting over to her good graces and good will.
Remarks, Mrs. Philip N. Moore
Mrs. Moore—Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen: During the year that I have had the pleasure of working with the presiding officer of this Congress, it has been his gracious courtesy during the whole time to the woman who was on the Executive Committee that has induced me to accept the position he has given me tonight.
Many of you will remember that four years ago, when the Governors were called to the White House in Washington, to discuss the natural resources of our country, the only woman’s organization that was represented at that time was the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, through its President. From that time to this, the Conservation Congress has recognized this organization as being very much interested in the conservation of the natural resources of the country as well as in the conservation of human life through its public health department, through its industrial and social conditions and through its home economics, four of the strongest departments of the General Federation. I am, therefore, very proud tonight to accept the courtesy of the presiding officer of the Congress.
While we are waiting slightly for the first speaker of the evening, I have asked the next one upon the program to take her place. I am sure it will be just as much of a pleasure to you, and I am sure it will be a pleasure to her, to take the earlier place upon the program.