Julia Ward Howe

” We hold the years in our hearts and all that was is yet,” sings the poet.

¶ To have been associated with such women as Julia Ward Howe, Susan B. Anthony, and Frances E. Willard was a rare privilege and one longs to recall the delights and experiences of such friendships and to share them with others. We do not need to write in detail the lives and achievements of women whose names are as household words in our own and other lands,, but the different and personal views may seem worth while.

¶ My first acquaintance with Mrs. Howe began in the early ‘80's when the Association for the Advancement of Women held its ninth Congress in my home city and I served as chairman of the committee to receive the distinguished guest. Such a galaxy of names as crowned the board of the famous organization at that time! Julia Ward Howe, president; Kate Gannett Wells, secretary; Henrietta L. T. Wolcott, treasurer; and among the directors Maria Mitchell, Mary A. Livermore, Abby W. May, 01216Mary f. Eastman, Sophia Curtis Hoffman, Frances E. Willard and Ednah D. Cheney. In those days women needed to be awakened to a sense of their own power and that woman's meeting proved a glorious inspiration. The program was wonderful and the topics were varied. The ideal home, temperature, factory girls, influence of foreign study on American girls, the legal status of women, rescue work, political education and other problems were ably presented and discussed. Mrs. Howe was the perfect presiding officer, ever ready to open or close the debate and unsurpassed in wise and witty epigram.

¶ There was an unusual sense of comradeship about the A. A. W. women, delightful to recognize, each strong in her own convictions, but ever ready to listen and defer; Ms. Howe was the gentlewoman born, the peacemaker when needed, the queen bee of every gathering. For twenty-five years the Association for the Advancement of Women was a power for practical idealism. It went from state to state, north, south, east and west, and the women who came under its vivifying influence were never the same again. 01317“A sower of infinite seed was it.” When it was succeeded by the General Federation of Women's Club its work was not done and the harvest is still plentiful.

¶ Two buffalo women, Miss Ella C. Lapham, a Vassar graduate, and Mrs. Lily Lord Tifft, gave loyal service as secretaries of the Association for the Advancement of Women in later years.

¶ Wherever a congress met, Mrs. Howe was the center of attraction. All paid hornage to the writer of the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” At a meeting held in Chicago a memorable banquet was given at the Palmer House; it was a feast of reason and flow of soul. The Governor of Illinois gave the welcome; Clara Barton was there and responded to a toast; many distinguished authors, artists and musicians honored the occasion. The words of the “Battle Hymn” were printed on the menu cards; and at the close when an unrivaled orchestra struck the opening chords of the hymn, all arose and joined in singing. The effect was marvelous. The negro waiters sang gloriously, the melody of their rich southern voices was plainly heard; they all 01418knew the “Battle Hymn” and gave a triumphant note to the song. “The truth is marching on” was on every tongue and every heart paid tribute to the woman whose patriotism and genius inspired the immortal hymn. Touched to tears. Mrs. Howe told the story of the birth of her hymn and received one of the most remarkable ovations of her eventful life.

¶ As our friendship grew, I had many memorable visits with Mrs. Howe. She came to our city again and again, gave there delightful talks about her friends, Emerson. Longfellow, Lowell, Holmes and Whittier. She was a charming guest; never to weary ti give freely of her wealth of travel and culture, she entertained her hosts with endearing charm of personality hard to portray. Once she played the piano and sang for us songs improvised for her grandchildren. Every visit was like a benediction, “A jewel for the diving bell of memory.”

¶ Many delightful stories were told; one of the New England Women's Club of which Mrs. Howe was long the president. The club had a custom of holding fun 01519days, on which no member of that august body was permitted to speak a sensible word; nothing but nonsense prevailed. Mrs. Howe, the soul of humor, was irresistible on fun days. her wit scintillated and illumined the club. One year she conceived the idea of inviting one man, not telling him that he was to be the only male guest, nor to be made the butt of every joke. Longfellow and Lowell had accepted and never told the secret; Mrs. Howe longed for Mr. Emerson, but how to get him was the question. Our philosopher never attended women's banquets. That part was left with his daughter, who was a member of the club. “Father” she asked one wintry Monday morning, “are you going to Boston today, and will you call for me at the club at 5 o'clock?”

¶ “Yes,” was the welcome answer, “but be near the door, I would not wish to go in.”

¶ At the appointed time Mrs. Howe was at the door and greeted Mr. Emerson with “Yes, your daughter is here, but we are just going to have a cup of tea and want you to join us.” Before he could object Mr. Emerson and Mrs. Howe were seated 01620side by side at the head of a long table, the members of the club into their seats and the banquet began. When it was served Mrs. Howe arose, struck the gavel and there followed one of her charming introductory speeches. She said: “We have with us today as our guest of honor, Mr. Ralph Waldo Emerson; he has unhitched his wagon from a star and is here to instruct and inspire us. Club members, I ask you to do honor in all that you say by a full appreciation of his immortal genius.”

¶ Mrs. Livermore responded with a criticism on the essay, “Nature,” such as never was heard before. Next a club poet parodied “The Rhodora.” Another member commented on the “Over Soul” and as not a serious word was spoken by one of the gifted women one can imagine the hilarious applause that greeted each effort.

¶ Mr. Emerson enjoyed every new hit and laughed heartily at his own expense. When the speaking was over. Mrs. Howe turned to her guest and awaited his response. Mr. Emerson arose and with his most 01721dignified manner made a low bow. Not a word did he say. Good-byes were passed and the fun day was over.

¶ At the next meeting of the club, Miss Emerson was eagerly questioned. She said, “It was late when we hurried to the station; no comments were made. In the evening when my father was seated in his library in front of the fire, he turned to me and said; Mrs. Julia Ward Howe ia a very clever woman.” Mr. Emerson was always equal to the problem.

¶ Mrs. Howe was an ardent suffragist and very strong in her arguments in favor of the ballot for women. I acknowledged that woman has a right to the ballot, but refused to admit that just laws for our sex depended entirely upon it. One day after a mid-year conference of the A.A.W. held in Baltimore, we discussed the topic for an hour. I remarked in a jovial way, “It is though that interest in the suffrage cause is failing.” The same night there was a fine reception given in Washington for the National Woman's Suffrage Association. Struggling in the crowd to reach Mrs. Howe, as I clasped her hand, she said, pointing to the mass of men and women 01822assembled; “Interest in Woman's suffrage is dying out, you see?” I answered, “Interest in Julia Ward Howe and Susan B. Anthony will never die.”

¶ If all the bright saying of Mrs. Howe had been preserved, we would have had a treasure worth while; she held the reputation of being the wittiest woman in America. I once heard someone remark in her hearing on the fine personality of Mary F. Eastman, the noted Massachusetts suffrage orator. As quick as a flash Mrs. Howe responded: “Miss Eastman reminds me of a Doric column with a Corinthian capital.” What more matchless compliment could any woman desire?

¶ Julia Ward Howe lived for nearly a century, giving help to the helpless, cheer to the sorrowing, freedom to the oppressed, raising and broadening womanhood wherever she went. When the warm heart was stilled and the busy hands folded, every good cause and every woman had lost a friend.

Rare gifts had she with power To “witness for the soul;” Thro’ long years, day and hour, Climbing ever to the goal.

SUSAN B. ANTHONY

Susan B. Anthony, the greatest apostle of Woman's rights, was a remarkable character. I remember when a young school-girl that my father, who was a busy lawyer, said to my mother: “There is to be a meeting today in behalf of woman's suffrage, and I want our girls to go.”

¶ My mother, an old-fashioned home woman of Quaker descent, was greatly surprised. “You would not have them wish to vote,” she said.

¶ “I do not know yet, but I want my daughters to be educated on all important questions of the day and to learn to think for themselves, and this bids fair to become a subject of great interest to all women.”

¶ My sister and myself went to hear the first talk on women's rights ever given in our city and there heard Susan B. Anthony and Antoinette Brown in the very beginning of their careers. The stage was entirely bare of decorations. A pine table and two wooden chairs were its only furniture. The young women speaking were dressed in black gowns, relieved by white cuffs and 02226collars. There was no one to welcome or introduce them. They were in full accord with their surroundings; they did their part nobly. The message was like a bugle call for followers. Little applause greeted them, but all who heard were respectful and made to think.

¶ I often contrast this view of Miss Anthony with the last time we met, at a luncheon given by the Women's Union of Rochester. We had been devoted friends then for years. She stood in the receiving line wearing a purple velvet dress trimmed with rare old lace; above her heart was pinned a yellow ribbon badge of the Suffrage Association; with her gray hair and face softened by age, she made a noble picture. The woman in me exclaimed at the beauty of her gown and she smiled and said: “I wore this dress to take tea with Queen Victoria in Buckingham Palace.” It was indeed a far cry from the barren stage and plain attire where I first saw her to the velvet dress and the hospitality of the great queen. It indicated the progress of the years and emphasized the marvelous work of its peerless and pioneer leader.

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¶ There are many interesting stories of Miss Anthony. It was not easy to daunt her. She was always ready to stand for her convictions. Once in a western town, a leading suffragist told me of a recent visit from Miss Anthony. She was on her away to Minnesota to attend a meeting of the National Suffrage Association and arrived on Sunday morning, tired from the long journey. Her host asked at night if she were going to church. “No, I think I will rest tonight.”

¶ “But our pastor is to speak on woman's rights.”

¶ “Give me my bonnet,” said the excited guest, “I will go.”

¶ The young parson was just out of college and divinity school and knew everything; he gave a stirring talk on the evils of the suffrage agitation, and waxing eloquent toward the close he asserted that if it were not for such uneasy old women as Susan B. Anthony and others who are going up and down our land endeavoring to make women discontented with their lot, all interest in the subject would soon die. As soon as the service was over 02428 Miss Anthony's hostess sent for the young minister, who came briskly down the aisle with a most self-satisfied air and was introduced to Miss Anthony. “Oh!” said the young man with infinite embarassment, “What have I said?”

¶Miss Anthony, drawing up to her full height, looked down upon the preacher, and patting him gently on the shoulder, answered; “Never mind, I only want to tell you that last week I was in Washington and heard in the capitol one of the finest arguments in favor of woman suffrage ever given; the congressman who gave it, five years ago knew no more about it than you do now.”

¶When our Women's Union succeeded in securing a guardianship bill giving equal rights to the mother in New York state, Miss Anthony came to see me. To her first question: “How did you do it and not let us know?”

¶I answered, “Because we did not let you know.” and she laughed heartily. Miss Anthony fully understood. She knew what conditions were at the time and that the leaders in both houses of our legislature 02529 were opposed to the ballot for women. I then spoke of my belief that just laws for woman did not entirely depend upon her having the ballot, and ventured the advice that as the suffrage association had such well-organized bands of women in all the states and had so cleared the way, they should give up for one year their difficult struggle to set the laws right (by other methods) wherever unjust to women. She replied: “Go on, I like to hear you talk, but you know it is hard to teach old dogs new tricks.”

¶ Soon after, when a Women's Union was organized in her own city, we met again. Miss Anthony, although giving so much of her time and strength to her own beloved cause, was not narrow; questions of social purity, the boy criminal, in fact, all that worked for the higher life appealed to her. She was always dignified and had a quaint simplicity refreshing to see. On the occasion above mentioned, when asked to sit upon the platform and to speak, she said: “Would that be wise? Some timid woman might be frightened for the fear there would be a suffrage plank in your platform.”

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¶ A luncheon at the old Anthony home, with its rare treasures and traditions, is a valued memory. Susan B. Anthony was a great woman, always tolerant of those who disagreed with her; she respected the individual, she felt that the right must win and she could wait. Her creed held the comforting belief that “the cause of right for which we labor never dies, works in long periods, can afford many checks, gains by our defeats and will know how to compensate our extremest sacrifice.”

¶ There is a bit of old Greek philosophy which proves that history teaches by example. It is well in these days, when many are living thoughtless or trivial lives, to remember and pay tribute to such women as Susan B. Anthony.

Frances E. Willard

Frances E. Willard was an honored member of the Association for the Advancement of Women. She came to a mid-year conference in my home city and was present at the opening service for our Women's Educational and Industrial Union. She spoke there of the need of Police Matrons in every large city and her seed prospered in quick time. She told of the beginning of her temperance work and of the reasons which caused her to dedicate her life to that object. Our acquaintance began with that meeting and lasted to the end of her eventful life.

¶ Perhaps the most vivid memory which I hold of the great woman is of hearing her speak in Washington at the gathering of the International Council of Women. Miss Willard came forward at the call of the president of the Council to give greeting from the National Temperance Union. A great audience of men and women filled the opera house. She was the guest of Mrs. Cleveland, herself a loyal temperance woman and present on this occasion. Members of the Cabinet and of the Senate 03034and the House were there. Miss Willard won instant attention, her exquisite personality was so marked; her marvelous voice— “like a silver trumpet sounding the note of human right”—thrilled every heart. She spoke first of the objects of the council and told an apt story of two little sisters climbing a slippery hill, when the younger, reaching up a hand to the other, said, “Let us take hold of hands, it is easier so.” Then was defined the objects of her own beloved work as none but she could do. As she continued, she seemed to be stirred by a troubled thought to which she must give utterance. Miss Willard was a recent convert to the suffrage cause. Many of her followers, plain home women, had no desire for the ballot. Giving in clear, concise terms her own reasons, she told a story remarkable in its appeal to her audience.

¶ “I was in General Washington's kitchen at Mount Vernon last week and had a delightful visit with Aunt Dinah, the presiding genius of the place. Always seeking for information on the suffrage question, I asked her ‘Aunt Dinah, do you want to vote?’ The old woman stood up at the question with arms akimbo, exclaimed 03135‘Well, honey, you know that Uncle Sam's kitchen needs a cl'aring out once in a while, and when you are going to cl'ar out a kitchen you have got to have a woman to do it!’” The immense audience gave vent to its delight in every way possible. It was not easy to restore quiet for Miss Willard to finish her address. Perhaps the fact that some recent incidents in legislative halls had not met the approval of the best minds gave zest to the ovation.

¶ Frances Willard did not live to be old, but a more fruitful life never existed. No common word could give justice to her personal charm. Her friendship enriched all it encircled. When the Bishop of London was in New York city he repeated the following story:

¶ Someone asked of Emerson, “Why do you go to hear Father Taylor preach? You do not believe as he does.” “No, but I always like to listen to people who know the Lord.”

¶ Frances Willard knew the Lord. “She lived by the inward vision in the soul's native air.”

Maria Mitchell

These are busy days for intelligent women. Life broadens with the years. New interests and personalities attract and divert. We aim to live in the present and are prone to forget even the ones who made the nineteenth Century worth while for our sex.

¶ “Lest we forget” is a pertinent watchword far too little heeded, as we push on to realize what some believe to be new and better ideals of womanhood. High on the list of those who should be remembered and recalled stands the name of Maria Mitchell, our famous astronomer. She was born on the Island of Nantucket, nearly one hundred years ago, and came of Quaker ancestry on both side. When very young her father taught her navigation and astronomy. He was employed by the Government Survey and had a small telescope in his home. Mr. Mitchell was an inspiring teacher and the daughter early developed a remarkable talent for mathematics. She became his most enthusiastic pupil and assisted her father in astronomical observations when only twelve years of age.

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¶ The Mitchells lived a very simple life and were poor in this world's goods. The mother was a practical housekeeper and her daughters were well instructed in all domestic duties. Books were plenty in that Island home. The children lived happy, useful, though simple lives. Maria Mitchell served twenty year as librarian of the Nantucket Library , for which she received a salary of one hundred dollars a year. There she had leisure to become acquainted with the best literature and was able to pursue scientific studies to her heart's content.

¶ In the year 1847, Maria Mitchell discovered a comet, which was named for her. She received a gold medal from the King of Denmark and her fame began.

¶ She made two memorable visits to Europe and became acquainted with Herschel, Humboldt and the woman astronomer, Mary Somerville. During her second trip abroad, she spent much time with the family of the Russian astronomer, Prof. Struve, at the Imperial Observatory in Pulkova. She met many celebrities and was honored whenever she went. It is 03641interesting to read in the life written by her sister, extracts from Maria Mitchell's diary, giving comments on what she saw and heard in her various travels.

¶ She had a keen sense of humor and was always original and her criticisms, though just, were kindly given. Of English women she once said. “They are not curious; I cannot imagine an English woman as a gossip.” Her description of visits to the other great astronomers are especially delightful.

¶ The first woman's college in America was opened in 1865, and soon after that date Maria Mitchell was installed as Professor of Science and Director of the Observatory. Her work at Vassar College is widely known. For thoroughness and results, it has never been surpassed.

¶ In the time of the great meteoric shower (1868) Professor Mitchell and her Vassar pupils traced the paths of four thousands meteors and gave valuable data of their height above the Earth, and this was only a beginning.

¶ Hundreds of young women felt the impress of the strong character of their teacher. Her unconscious, as well as 03742conscious tuition moulded all the lives with which she came in contact. To have been a pupil or friend of Maria Mitchell was a rare privilege. She was the very embodiment of truth; she taught with Browning that “life means learning to abhor the false and love the true.” She made comrades of her girls. Her appreciation of the genuine was never lacking. Many incidents might be given to illustrate this trait of her character. She once told with keen zest the story of a pupil with a vivid conscience, who added to her lesson paper the brief note, “I had some help about this.” On inquiry, it was found that only a slight suggestion had been given by a fellow student, but it had proved the “open sesame” to the solution of the problem. Maria Mitchell gloried in that girl. She gave her pupils odd names and titles. One she called “girl with a good aunt,” because she was the niece of a philanthropist, of whose work Miss Mitchell approved

¶ All Vassar students fortunate enough to be in the astronomy classes remember with delight the famous “Dome parties” given every year by their beloved teacher. Nonsense rhymes were there in order and 03843the hostess could excel in that line. While her wagon was hitched to a star, she could unloose it and revel in fun. If all the quaint verses written for those “Dome parties” had been preserved, they would fill a book. Many pertinent hits were given, but the spirit of kindliness was ever present at those festivities held in Vassar Observatory. They were helpful, if hilarious occasions, never to be forgotten.

¶ Professor Mitchell was the first woman elected to the American Association for the Advancement of Science. It was said of her that “although she was famous as an astronomer and teacher, her mind did not move in a fixed orbit, but swept over broad fields of thought.” She was a suffragist, but never prominent in that work; she was a member of Sorosis and the New England Woman's Club; was one of the early presidents of the famous Association for the Advancement of Women; attended its annual congress and mid-year conferences whenever possible, and was a vital force for its ideals. Women felt it worth while to serve on a Board of Directors with Maria Mitchell. While her mind was so often absorbed in great mathematical 03944problems, her heart was ever open to “the cry of the human.”

¶ In 1902 a Nantucket Memorial Association was organized and the birthplace of Maria Mitchell, No. 1 Vestal street, was purchased and put in excellent order for its educational purposes. There are stored scientific collections of local importance (flora and fauna), Professor Mitchell's manuscripts and notes and many valuable autograph letters which concern herself and her work.

¶ The telescope presented her by “the women of America,” through the efforts of Elizabeth Peabody, has been remounted and placed in Memorial Building for service to students.

¶ A working library of Professor Mitchell's books and many recent books on astronomy have been added. Summer classes are held under the instruction of a competent astronomer. The Association membership includes many friends, scientists and Vassar students, and is increasing. No more appropriate memorial to one of America's most gifted women could be made.

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Maria Mitchell

¶ Maria Mitchell was a vigorous woman, seldom disabled by the common ills of life. As we count years, she lived to be old, but she was ever young in mind, heart and soul.

¶ It would be impossible to overestimate the value of such a life, its seed still prospers and “blossoms as the rose.”

Days with Abby Morton Diaz

One who has ever come under the spell of the quaint personality of Mrs. Abby Morton Diaz will never forget her. It was the writer's privilege to know her intimately and to fully appreciate her unusual life.

¶ Coming recently in touch with a child who was reading for the first time “The William Henry” books, I found him so eager to hear all that I could tell of the author and so enthusiastic over her stories, that I am moved to record my impressions of a woman whose word by tongue or pen was a source of moral uplift always worth while.

¶ Abby Morton Diaz was born in Plymouth, Mass., and was a direct descendant of George Morton, one of the original Pilgrims: her father was by trade a ship-builder; he was a remarkable man for his time, early became a leader in temperance and anti-slavery work, was interested in all the vital questions of the day, and was a co-laborer with the celebrated Horace 04450Mann in promoting free education. Abby grew up in an atmosphere of reform; she was early trained to be interested in great issues and to take as her watch-word the old Greek saying, “It is not life to live for one's self alone, let us help one another.” For a time the father and daughter were members of the Brook Farm Community, but returned to Plymouth when that experiment proved impracticable.

¶ Mrs. Diaz was married young and was left alone with several small children; she was obliged to earn the wherewithal to feed, clothe and educate them, and to that end, developed rare accomplishments; she became an excellent nurse, often in her own town and nearby; she taught singing and dancing to both old and young. The sttory of her village dancing classes is very amusing; the music was usually provided by an old, blind fiddler, to whom Mrs. Diaz sand the directions; if for any reason the musician failed to appear, she sang all the music for the dances, and such rare rollicking roundelays as she could sing all her life, to the delight of the children she met on the way.

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¶ Mrs. Diaz was a born teacher, and her inventive faculties were marvelous. No picnic, festtival or good time in her native town was complete unless she was there to plan and direct she was always the embodiment of good cheer.

¶ When her sons were grown and independent, Mrs. Diaz removed to Boston, where she resided for several years, and later made a home for her grandchildren in Belmont, not far away. With more leisure at her command she became prominent in educational and philanthropic lines, was an early convert to the cause of Woman's Suffrage and gave it loyal service. She was a prominent member of the Association for the Advancement of Women, of which Mrs. Julia Ward Howe was the leading spirit for a quarter of a century. Mrs. Diaz was a disciple of the so-called New Thought in its broadest and most liberal sense.

¶ Mrs. Diaz became a Director of the Boston's Women's Educational and Industrial Union at the time of its organization, and served as its President twelve years, upholding and strengthening in 04652every way its noble endeavor for the educational, social and industrial advancement of women. She organized the Protective Bureau, which has proved such a beneficient agency to women in Boston and other cities.

¶ It was her supremest joy to awaken women to a sense of their own vital needs and to make them realize their power to help each other. She defined and settled values, taught that real wealth is not material, that it does not consist of clothes, nor houses nor social standing, that “poverty of the soul” is the worst of all; she illustrated the thought of Emerson—“It is the fine souls who serve us and not what is called fine society.” In pursuance of her efforts for the welfare of women, Mrs. Diaz went to other cities “a cheerful traveler” both singing and sowing by the way, and the seed took root in many fields and reaped abundant harvest. The key note of her life work was the thought that the elevation of women means the elevation of the race. She taught of the possibilities of women as to the development and moulding of character and that “applied Christianity” means equalization of opportunities, not 04753equal distribution of goods or acquirements, but equal chances for the elevation of all human kind. “Thought centers” were established wherever she went, no earnest soul with whom this rare woman came in contact could resist her appeal to serve and self forego.

¶ Unselfish to a fault, her modesty as to attainments was unusual. Mrs. Diaz was the soul and heart of every good object which she originated or espoused, and she fairly radiated life and sunshine. To enumerate or make note of all the germs of good set free in the hearts of hitherto thoughtless women by this brave “apostle of right living” would be impossible.

¶ Mrs. Diaz was a “practical idealist” in the all meaning sense of the term; she was simplicity itself in dress and manner. I well remember the first time I met her, at the Boston Women's Union, when it had its unassuming quarters in Tremont Street. She was busy with Protective cases and I bided my time; when it came, I heard a cheery voice say “next” and at once our friendship began. The kindly brown eyes, the strong hand extended to greet a new 04854friend, the simple and neat attire so in accord with her principles, all helped to make a rare personality.

¶ This busy earnest life went on giving joy and courage wherever it touched, for a period of four score years and more. Mrs. Diaz never seemed old, and to the last week of her life continued her service to humanity. Courageous and happy, she approached the heavenly life eager to begin her mission there—to her brave soul Heaven was only another name for opportunity where “in tune with the Infinite” no failure nor disappointment could come.

¶ These are days when mothers and teachers are everywhere alert, seeking for literature which shall not only amuse but give to the child a moral impetus. Mrs. Diaz began early to write for publication; her first sttory was accepted by the Atlantic Monthly (she always aimed high) during Mr. Field's editorship, and from him she received generous appreciation. She wielded a brilliant and witty pen, and her contributions to the various periodicals were soon in demand. The author was very modest; from the “Woman's Journal” 04955we learn that she called her first literary effusions “poverty cake” but that they were to become more than “pot boilers” was soon evident. Mrs. Diaz grew mentally and spiritually with every breath she drew. In the few precious moments of leisure possible to her she made herself familiar with the best in literature.

¶ In the late sixties, “The William Henry Letters” appeared, published first in “Our Young Folks, “the juvenile magazine which preceded “St. Nicholas.” The William Henry books are perhaps the most popular of her writings; their quaint philosophy, their bubbling wit and high moral teaching make them classics of their kind. The doings of the “Summer Sweeting” folks became household tales in many homes. “William Henry” around whom the interest centers, when a motherless child of ten years, had to be sent away to boarding school for fear that his grandmother would spoil him; we watch the development of character in the boy, revealed through his letters home and their answers, we become acquainted with the Summer Sweeting Farm family, grandmother, ever loving and anxious for her pet, even willing to sell 05056her gold beads for his benefit; the father, a quiet, solemn man of high moral instinccts; Uncle Jacob, forever jolly and ready for a good time, Aunt Phoebe, the very soul of hospitality; their girls, Hannah Jane, Lucy Maria and Matilda; Little Tommy the baby boy of the family, always in mischief; Georgiana, William Henry's little sister, who wore pink shoes on great occasions; each one a distinct individuality well worth our acquaintance. Later the circle widens as William Henry makes friends; and we come to know “the schoolmaster” of whom Billy writes, “he likes a boy who can run fast if he knows his multiplication table well” (that professor has followers in these days in our large Universities.) Dorry, a rich boy, becomes a chum of William Henry to their mutual benefit. We meet Bobby Short, the boy with a strong sense of humor, and find him always bursting out at the slightest hint of fun. The boys go to dancing school and learn how to toe out and to bow. Billy becomes a favorite with the Two Betseys, “the lame one and the other one” who keep a little shop where the school boys spend their pennies. His description of them in the letters is 05157irresistible, we meet them afterwards and go with them on a surprise visit to grandmother, where they have the jolliest time in their lives. Other interesting characters appear as the story develops and we come to know William Henry and his friends to our hearts’ content.

¶ The Summer Sweeting folks own a “Corry Pond Lot” and so much depends on its sale—oh, the good things that will happen when that lot is sold; among them Aunt Phoebe will have a new black silk dress and Lucy Maria, the would-be teacher and artist, may go to Boston to fit herself for her chosen profession. Alas, we all have our “Corry Pond Lots” and wait for them to be sold!

¶ The third book of the William Henry series takes Lucy Maria to Boston, where she becomes the seamstress in a rich woman's home for the sake of the “main chance;” to Lucy Maria the “main chance” means opportunity for growth in things worth while. William Henry has begun his business career in Boston and through the Lucy Maria letters, we come again in touch with him and the dear home people.

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¶ Mrs. Diaz said once in answer to a dear friend who spoke of her delight in the book “Lucy Maria,” “it must have many faults, for it was written before I had the responsibility in regard to the English language which, in some degree, I have now, but I am sure of the ideas, and remember that in writing that book, I tried to gather up, and express as many as possible, thoughts that would be helpful to young girls.” When urged to have Lucy Maria go west and teach the Indians, she answered, “O, I am too busy now to stop and earn my living.”

¶ There should be a revival of interest in the William Henry books; they will never grow old nor cease to sow seed.

¶ At a Union talk in a distant city, a mother came to Mrs. Diaz, saying “I want to greet you and thank you for help and guidance. I have brought up my boys on your William Henry books, I could not have done without them.”

¶ “The Cats’ Arabian Nights,” written at the request of her publishers, is intensely amusing. It pleased Mrs. Diaz to know 05359that the fun in the story so appealed to the type setters that they stopped to read it through before completing their task.

¶ “Polly Cologne,” a book for small children, details the adventures of a rag doll which got lost and stirred up the whole neighborhood in search for it. The pictures in this little volume are very funny.

¶ Mrs. Diaz was an expert housekeeper, none could excel her; the plea in “Domestic Problems” for simplicity in the home is practical and convincing.

¶ “Bybury to Beacon Street” gives reports of the Bybury gatherings of a village mutual improvement club, and has had a large sale. Readings by the author from this book were always popular; the ideas as to how a woman may enjoy the delights of mind culture and still fulfill her home duties are still pertinent. Need for improvement in the life of our rural communities was anticipated and emphasized by this far-seeing, practical homemaker.

¶ Wherever she went, Mrs. Diaz was the children's friend. One little fellow, whose father was a monument maker, at 05460whose home she visited, expressed his admiration as follows: “Papa, I want you to select the very finest tombstone in your yard and send it to Mrs. Diaz as a present from me.” She always told this story with keen zest and appreciation.

¶ The Woman's Journal has said that Boston should erect a statue to Mrs. Diaz, and the suggestion is made that there should be the new edition of her books which she so much desired to make possible. Far better than any marble statue do they exemplify the life and aspirations of a woman whom it was a rare privilege to know and is a joy to commemorate. For such as she Lowell has spoken the fitting word.

“To write some earnest verse or line Which seeking not the praise of art, Shall make a clearer faith and manhood shine, In the untutored heart.

“He who doth this in verse or prose, May he forgotten in his day. But surely shall be crowned at last with those Who live and speak for aye.”