POETRY.

White Ribbon, Volume 3, Issue 36, 1 June 1898, Page 5

POETRY.

Fashionable womon in luxurious hom**a. With men to feed them, clothe them, pay their hills, Bow, doff the hat and fetch th»» handkerchief ; hostess or guefrt, and always so supplied With graceful deference and courtesy ; Surrounded hy their servants, horses, doga These tell ua they have all the rights they want. Sue essful women who have won their way Alone, with strength of their unaided arm, Or helped hy friends, or softly climbing up hy tne sweet aid of “ woman’s influence, ” S'.eeeasful any way, and caring nought For any other woman’s unsuccess. These tell us they have all the rights they want Ignorant women—college-bred sometimes — But ignorant of life’s realities And principles of righteous government. And how the privileges they enjoy Were von with blood and tears by those before — Those they condemn, whose ways they now opj>ose; Saying. “ Why not let well enough alone ? Our world is very pleas»nt hs it is”— These tell ii<* they have all the rights they want. And seliish women—piga in petticoats— Kieh, peor, wise, unsise, top or l»ottoai round But ill sublimely innocent < f thought, And gui tless of ambition, save the one Deep, voiceless aspiration—to l>e fed ! i’n*se have no use for rights or duties more. Duti'*s to day are more than they can meet. And law onsures their right to clothes and food. The*) tell us they have all the rights they want. And more’s the pity, some good women too ; Good con.icien*ions women with ideas ; Who thin or think they think—that woman’s cause Is best advance 1 by letting it alone; That she, somehow, is not a hum in thing. And not to Ik.* heljied on by human means, Jui-t added to humanity—an “ L ” A wing, a bran *h. an extra, not mankind. These tell as they have all the rights they want. And out of these has come a monstrous thing, A stringe down-sucking whirlpool of disgrace. Women uritingagains* womanhood, And using that great name to hide their sin ! Vain are their words as that old king’s (command Who s t h.s will against the rising title. But who s tall measure the historic plmne 1 »f Ihoi-e j oor tiaitors —traitors are they all— To great 1 mooracy and W omanhood ! Charlotte I'erkin* Stetson.

Mrs J. K. Harney.— A right royal welcome was accorded to Mrs Harney on her return to Providence, Rhode Island, after her round-the-world trip. The Heneficent Memorial Church was l»eautifully decorated for the occasion with growing plants, baskets of flowers, pure Faster lilies, and bright azaleas. The \V C T.U. women came in crowds to bid her w’elcome, as well as officers of other associations. Mrs Sawyer, President of the Prisoners’ Aid Association, referred feelingly to the loss sustained by her society through Mrs Barney’s absence The Kev Anna Garlin Spencer, President of the Women’s Council, welcomed Mrs Barney on behalf of thirty-one affiliated societies, which, she said, had for their aim the uplifting of humanity. These organisations represented the humanitarian, philanthropic, and charitable woman’s work ol the State, and constituted an unbroken front against everything which caused a deterioration of spiritual, moral, and ethical forces. Bright hymns were sung, and everything that could be thought 01 to do honour to their guest was gladly d me. We are glad to think of Mrs Harney as being “at home ’* once more.

The Temple Fund. —Miss Willard’s stirring appeal to the Unions throughout the world to assist with the Temple Fund, so that the building may remain in the bands of the W.C.T.U., is fresh in our memories, as well as our chieftain's own resolve that “ That enterprise shall never fail if it takes the last penny at my command to save it. From our N.Z. Treasurer’s letter it will be seen that no funds are available from the N.Z. Treasury, and as so many needful branches of work are pressing on us nearer home, tht N.Z. Kxecutive does not feel that it can make any official recommendation just at present. The Auckland Union, however, asks permission to suggest that all White Ribboners will help that can do so, either individually or through their Unions. It may be that aftei a little, when the immediate pressure is removed, that all will join in claiming a M brick ” in this historic edifice. In the meantime if those who can help will send contributions to Mrs Harriet Garland, Lincoln street, Auckland, that lady will l>e glad to receive them.