GIFT OF of . UNI THE ETERNAL FEMININE. u? of fllluh of IVritarotau flliuh BY MARIE R. GARESCHE (With apologies to Mr. Percy Mackaye.) WRITTEN IN HONOR. OF THE TWENTY^FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE CLUB 1890-1915. First Presented at the Twenty-fifth Annual Meeting of the Wednesday Club in the Club Auditorium, corner of Westminster Place and Taylor Avenue, Saint Louis, Mo., on May Twelfth, teen Hundred and Fifteen, at Three o'clock , P. M. MRS. W. W. BOYD. JFirat Prmtott an& ifflttnrarg Utr*- MRS. E. C STERLING. EV. E. CAERERAS PRINTING COMPANY ST, LOUIS jforeworb When I was asked by the Chairman of the Special Pro- gram Committee for the year 1914-15, Mrs. E. W. Pattison, to write a Masque of the Wednesday Club in honor of our twenty-fifth anniversary, she suggested that I follow the general plan and structure of the Masque of Saint Louis by Mr. Percy Mackaye, which was given at Forest Park, Saint Louis, in May, 1914, thus linking our modest effort with that great civic celebration to which Saint Louisans can point with pride as the most ambitious and success- ful achievement in the line of pageantry that this country has hitherto witnessed. In pursuance of the same plan, the music of the Masque of Saint Louis, written by Mr. Fred- erick Converse and Mr. Ernest Kroeger, was also drawn upon for the accompaniments and the songs. Personally, as well as in the name of the Club, I wish to express my acknowledgments to these gentlemen and to thank them for a part at least of the success that attended our undertaking. 323446 {production Committee Director Miss Marie R. Garesche Finance and General Management Mrs. E. W. Pattison Cast Miss Virginia E. Stevenson Stage Setting, Lighting and Designing of Properties Miss Antoinette Taylor Properties Mrs. Henry S. Butler Mrs. Chas. B. McCormack Dancing Mrs. Albert H. Brueggeman Music Mrs. Robert Atkinson Persons and Presences in the Masque in order of entrance : Part L Time Mrs. William A. Hardaway Civilization Miss Jennie M. A. Jones Justice Miss Jennie R. Lippman Progress Mrs. Halsey C. Ives Gavel Bearer Dorothy Garesche Spirit of the Age Mrs. Archer O'Reilly Infant Wednesday Club Jane Butler THE HOURS. Hours ( Miss Mimi Garesche, Mrs. Orthwein, Mrs. Hill of Day I Miss Wham, Mrs. Sam. Goddard, Miss Skinker Hours ( Mrs. Boeckeler, Mrs. Hornbrook, Mi&s Watt of Night I Mrs. Munger, Miss Semple, Mrs. Otho Ball Conventionality Mrs. Harvey G. Mudd Brute Man Mrs. Ella H. Goodrich Traditional Woman Mrs. Willard Bartlett Antiquated Man - Miss Mildred McCluney The Eternal Feminine - Mrs. William K. Stanard SOULS OF FUTURE WOMEN. Alice Brown, Frances Caulfield, Rebecca Chase, Martha Gelhorn, Wilhelmina Howard, Beatrice Kroeger, Helen Langsdorf, Annabel Lombard, Minerva Nichols, Grace and Vera Oberschelp, Marian Stoner. part II. Wednesday Club Mrs. George O. Carpenter, Jr. WOMEN OF SAINT LOUIS. First Woman Mrs. Henry Boeckeler Second Woman Mrs. John Hornbrook Mrs. Denison, Miss Denton, Mrs. Ducorran, Miss Flickinger, Mrs. Fuqua, Mrs. Gayler, Mrs. S. God- dard, Miss Hays, Mrs. McFarland, Mrs. Moll, Mrs. Munger, Mrs. O'Reilly, Mrs. Orthwein, Miss G. Semple, Miss Stewart, Miss Sturgeon, Mrs. B. J. Taussig, Miss Watt, Mrs. Seward. Art Section Miss Mary Wham History and Literature Section - Miss Mimi Garesche Science Section Mrs. Otho Ball Education Section Miss Bertha Skinker Current Topics Section Mrs. Ewing Hill, Jr. Captain Parliamentary Law Miss Heltzell Standard Bearer - Eleanor Richards Under Age Kindergarten - Mary Taussig Smoke Abatement Organization Rufus Taylor Vacation Playgrounds - Kathleen Sheldon Drama League Betty Ball MALIGNANT SPIRITS. Mrs. Edmund Brown, Mrs. W. J. Harris, Mrs. Howes, Mrs. H. C. Johnston, Mrs. Richard Jones, Miss Kendall, Mrs. Lubbock, Mrs. Mateer, Miss McCormack, Mrs. Schade, Mrs. Wuerpel. Saint Louis Mrs. George M. Tuttle Business Men's League Mrs. Rufus L. Taylor Civic League Mrs. Stephen B. Sheldon Art League - Mrs. George T. Moore Board of Education - - Mrs. Robert Funkhouser CIVILIZATION. " 'Tis the voice Of Father Time! What would'st thou, Father? Background of old grey zvall curving toward^ wings with vines hanging from top. Above is a blue sky shading into very deep blue at top. Colossal figure of Civilisation occupies 1 middle of stage seated on a high rocky platform with an ascent to top on R. and L. Behind her is a temple door surmounted by a simple curving pediment. Higher up in sky is form of hour glass made of elec- tric bulbs which lights up whenever TIME speaks. Voice of TIME comes from this direction. On either side of stage, at the end of^ the curving wall, is a tall tower with semblance of a figure projecting from top. These are the Spirit of Justice and the Spirit of Progress. They glow with a mild radiance during whole performance and glow bril- liantly when Spirits speak. Time's part is to be chanted or sung. The others to be given in stately monotone. TIME Hello-a Civilization! Hello-a! CIVILIZATION 'Tis the voice Of Father Time! What would'st them, Father? TIME In the fullness of my days I call On thee, my daughter. Render now an account Of the task I entrusted to thee. CIVILIZATION Sprung from thy loins, my mother was a star ; In the haunts of the cave men I first saw the light. By the banks of the Nile my infant days were spent. I grew to adolescence in the fair vales of Greece; She bestowed on me the witchery of art. Rome added sterner lines to my laurel-crowned brow; 'Twas she taught me to judge, to govern and obey. The law of love, of service, yea, of pain, I learned from Him Whose star came out of Nazareth to light a waiting world. With these great aids I've striven hard and hoped to make Of this our little sphere a better living place ; To realize what seer and saint have dreamed might be The high destiny in store for the children of earth. But, as I look around, so much is yet undone, Evil and injustice hold so large a place, I often sigh and wonder if my hope is vain. PROGRESS Hush! craven Sister, say not so! Thou lack'st the courage to lead the way. Take me for guide and never fear That ever onward will be thy way. JUSTICE Nay, Brother Progress, alone thou'rt apt to fail, For well our Sister Civilization knows By past experience, often dearly bought, Mere movement forward can lead to worse than naught. But, if our sister here lets me guide thee, Together we will lead her to a spot Where her very soul will sing for joy. CIVILIZATION What say'st thou now, Brother Justice? Have not I always called on thee? 'Twas in thy name I struck the fetters From the slave and bade the serf go free. Why speakest thou now as though I had Neglected and despised thee? JUSTICE Thou hast done much, but not yet all, As long as thou deniest one-half the race The blessings thou showerest on the other. CIVILIZATION What say'st thou? Pray make thy thought more clear. JUSTICE So long as thou deniest to woman The opportunities thou grantest man, So long like a poor one-legged cripple Thou 'It go halting on thy way. PROGRESS Come, come, old uncompromising brother, Thy reproach is undeserved. Dost thou forget How we induced our sister here not long Ago to teach the girls to read and write? Look now abroad and see the schools innumerable That cover this fair land, open alike To men and women. What would'st thou more? JUSTICE Speak not so loud, my brother! Remember I am thy senior, and that if thou hast movement ? Tis I have sight. It becomes thee to be silent. CIVILIZATION Alack! Alack! Ah! woe is me! If strife Arise between you, what's to become of me? PROGRESS It is not my fault. JUSTICE I'm never wrong. TIME Children three, begot by me, Attune your souls as one, Else ne'er can be the great career. I have in store for man. JUSTICE For man, for man there 'tis again. Why not For woman and man? PROGRESS 'Tis but his way of speech. Know'st thou not he means them both? Thou'rt cross again, CIVILIZATION Hush! Brother Progress, I have ever found My highest good lay in our elder's way. Speak! Brother Justice, what would'st thou I do For woman? 13 JUSTICE Give her the boon thou long ago Conferred on man. CIVILIZATION What boon is that? JUSTICE The Guild 'Twas named of old, the Club 'tis called today. CIVILIZATION AND PROGRESS The Club! JUSTICE Ay ! The Club ! whose magic circle Binds like souls in one harmonious whole. Where each one to the other gives and grows By giving richer. PROGRESS A Woman's Club? That suits me well. 'Tis change. That's all I want. CIVILIZATION And what say'st thou, dear Father Time? Find'st thou Aught of this within thy magic scroll? TIME 'Tis there, indeed, my daughter, And close at hand, borne by the Hours she comes, My youngest child she of perpetual youth The Spirit of the Age. By the hand she leads A tender child and fair, her youngest born, The Infant Woman's Club. Spirit of the Age advances slowly down L. aisle. Her robe is iridescent in general effect. She leads by the hand a little girl dressed in pure white with a gold circlet around her head. The long train of the Spirit of the Age is carried by the Hours, twelve in number. They are dressed in pearl grey and ivear veils of colors symbolic of the day and night, viz. : indigo, purple, mauve, rose, orange and yellow. Preceding Spirit of the Age walks a page dressed in light blue and gold, and carrying a cushion upon which rests an enormous gavel. As the procession comes down the aisle, the Hours sing : 14 SONG OF THE HOURS Awwa, lawwa, anamoona. Little child, little child, Where shall we bear'thee? Slippa, wippa, akaloosa, Where wilt them rest? Child of sunrise, Born of the Age Spirit, Here shall thy home be, By the Father of Waters, 'Neath the Star of Saint Louis. Awwa, lawwa, anamoona. Little child, little child, Bright is thy wonder. Slippa, wippa, akaloosa, Infant Club, Infant Club, Here be thy quest. The procession, led by the Page, ascends to stage. Page takes position on right of mound. Spirit of the Age, Infant Club and Hours group themselves on left. SPIRIT OF THE AGE Hello-a Civilization ! Hello-a ! CIVILIZATION Hello-a ! Spirit of the Age ! Igreetthee! SPIRIT OF THE AGE Though I was present at the dawn Of every year that's past, I'm ever young, I'm ever new, I dazzle great and small. I've always something fresh to give, Now good, now bad, now neither ; It matters not, mankind e'er greets With joy all that I bring. This time, howe'er, I truly swear My gift is unalloyed. 15 CIVILIZATION My heart is glad to hear thy words, And fain I would believe thee, Though often in the past thy gifts Have hindered more than helped me. SPIRIT OF THE AGE Thy reproach I know is well-deserved. Oft have I worn a flippant face. Oft carried poisoned stings. This time, howe'er, I do repeat, I bring a royal gift. Look on the face of this fair child, 'Tis true as it is fair. CIVILIZATION 'Tis fair and true, indeed. 'Tis as fresh water unto parch 'd lips. SPIRIT OF THE AGE Here for her hand I bring this gavel. Forged in man's councils 'Tis too heavy yet For her tiny hand to hold. Yet on the morrow It shall avail her. So spoke the voice of Time. CIVILIZATION Yes ! Father Time's Tongue has foretold How she shall wield it For Freedom and Sisterhood. By what name shall I call her? SPIRIT OF THE AGE She was christened in a fragrant grove By Shelley's muse inspired, The sacred name there given her, She shall, herself, reveal. 16 INFANT CLUB. 1 How pretty ! How pretty ! ' ' INFANT CLUB My name is Wednesday Club. CIVILIZATION Sweet Wednesday Club, thou'rt welcome To my tired and hoary age ; Thou'lt prove a help, a mighty prop. Old, old am I, so old. But thou art young and strong. Thou'rt strong and shalt restore me. At her exultant cry Justice and Progress glow brightly in approval. SPIRIT OF THE AGE Here then I leave her; Cherish the Child, Guard well her token. She conducts the child to foot of steps leading to top of mound and motions to her to ascend. The Page, bearing the gavel, ascends from the opposite side. Civilization stretches out her arms toward the child, who nestles against her. Page places gavel beside child and descends from mound. Spirit of the Age addresses Hours. SPIRIT OF THE AGE And now, my daughters, Dark hours of night, And ye, bright hours of day, Join hands and dance in rhythm gay A greeting to the child. The Hours dance, and then forming in line as when approach- ing, and bearing the train of the Spirit of Age they go back by aisle on right, singing same song as when approaching. The Infant Club picks up the gavel and looks at it curiously. She tries to wield it, but does so aivkwardly, owing to its size and iveight. Enter Unfriendly Spirits from back part of hall down left and right aisles alternately. The first is Conventionality. She is dressed in a rich up-to-date evening costume. Golden chains wrapped about her form, and linking her hands together, impede her freedom of action. She can only move to a very limited extent, but is big and powerful. Her head is fixed in one position. She carries a book and a lorgnette. She pauses about half way down right aisle. CONVENTIONALITY Pray, who is this queer little creature? I ne'er laid eyes on her before ! 17 Humph! a woman's club! let me consult My guide, my Bible, my "Who's Who on Earth." And see perchance if in its pages Her pedigree appears. Opens her book and, "with some difficulty, owing to her con- strained movements, scrutinizes it carefully. Men's clubs, I find here by the score But no mention of a Woman's club To her own welfare directed. It must not be What is is holy ; What has been's divine. The new, the untried I utterly abhor, nor will I brook it. Civilization catches sight of Conventionality before the child does, who continues to play with the gavel. CIVILIZATION Hark! my child, Little Wednesday Club, There's danger near. She of the fettered limbs Yet strong withal, Conventionality Is threatening thee. Wield now thy gavel And save thyself! Conventionality creeps up the steps and tries to grab the child. She even manages, though awkwardly, to get hold of t her skirt and tries to pull her down. The child resists^ and taking up her gavel, gives Conventionality a push with it that sends her sprawling down steps of mound. She is disabled and hobbles off the stage evidently in great pain. CIVILIZATION Well done, my child ! but lo ! Who comes from this side? Is't possible? Brute Man? I thought I downed him Long ago. Enter Brute Man from aisle on left. He has long hair and beard, is dressed in animal skins and carries a huge club. BRUTE MAN Downed me ? Not by this right arm ! Though I'm not as numerous 18 As I used to be. What have we here? A woman's club? Ha! Ha! I'll make short work of that. The Club ! Look here ! 'Tis a man's business. In years gone by nay, not so long ago, I wielded it on wife and children both. Thou, saucy child, also shall feel it. He approaches the child, threatening her with the uplifted club. The child drops the gavel and crouches against Civiliza- tion, mho tries to hide her in her drapery. The club is about to fall on her when a terrimc noise as of thunder is heard in the towers of Justice and Progress. They flare up and a shaft from the tower of Justice strikes Brute 'Man, who falls dead on left center of stage. The child comes out cautiously and looks over the platform at his prostrate form. She dances and claps her hands in glee. From right aisle comes Traditional Woman. She is dressed in Early Victorian costume poke bonnet, long cufls hanging over her cheeks, voluminous skirt, a microscopic waist, etc. A chatelaine with a bottle of smelling salts hangs at her side. CIVILIZATION Lo! my child, another foe approaches! In the name of woman she'll upbraid thee. Treat her gently, treat her firmly, She's more sinned against than sinning. TRADITIONAL WOMAN Can I believe my eyes? A Woman's Club? That I should live to see this day! Quick ! quick ! my salts. It makes me faint. [She holds salts to her nose.} It grieves, it wounds my finest intuitions. The brazen hussy ! but quick ! I'll seize And gag the saucy child before To full stature she has grown. [Sh& goes confidently to child and tries to take hold of her.} Get down from there ! get down I say ! INFANT CLUB I won't! I'm here to stay TRADITIONAL WOMAN What pride ! What arrogance ! Know'st thou not 'Tis immodest, 'tis unwomanly, 19 For our sex to ape the ways of man? Clubs are masculine only. INFANT CLUB I'll make them feminine, too! TRADITIONAL WOMAN [Clapping her hands over her ears.} Blasphemy ! Blasphemy ! The world is lost ! If such sentiments prevail. Know'st thou not the woman's sphere Is home and not the club? Unsexed creature ! I'll get thee yet ! She clutches at the child. The latter seizes her gai'el and goes for Traditional Woman. After a short bout the child deals Tra* ditional Woman a blow that knocks her bonnet off and send* her reeling. She sinks to the ground panting and moaning. TRADITIONAL WOMAN Help! Help! My lord and master! Man! My protector, my sole support! Where art thou ? Quick ! To my rescue ! Enter Antiquated Man from aisle on left. He is dressed in the costume of 1830, curled hair, lace stock, knee breeches, buckles on his shoes, etc. ANTIQUATED MAN [Rushing to the side of Traditional Woman.] Sweet clinging vine! My heart's best treasure! What ails thee? [Takes her in his arms.] TRADITIONAL WOMAN [Panting and near her end.} It's no use no use ANTIQUATED MAN Say not so, dear little half, my weaker self. Try this. [Puts salts to her nose.] TRADITIONAL WOMAN Too late! too late! I'm dying dying, I'm passing away. Avenge me, Lord and master! 20 TRADITIONAL WOMAN. [She dies.] Antiquated Man tries to revive her, rubs her hands, feels her pulse, puts his hand over her heart. Finally puts her down ana advances down front of stage. ANTIQUATED MAN Avenge thee? By the shades of all The good women of the past, I will ! Where is the assassin? [He looks around and sees the child.} Ha! Ha! 'tis she! [He advances towards child, but in so doing stumbles over body of Brute Man.} What have we here, my elder Brother? His fate is sad indeed. His weapons Were old-fashioned. I'll try others. [He pulls a golden shaft from his coat tails.] Here's the shaft of barbed wit, Deadlier far than massive club. Rash child, thy fate is sealed! He launches tho bright shaft at the child. It strikes her but evidently does not harm her. She picks it up and begins to play with it. INFANT CLUB How pretty ! How pretty ! ANTIQUATED MAN What magic's this? Has barbed wit then lost its sting? The world is surely topsy-turvy, Or have my senses failed me? [He takes another shaft from his coat tails.] But here's another deadlier even Than yonder shaft, 'tis pointed satire. Let's see, fair one, how lik'st thou this. He hurls' the second arrow at the child. She catches it in her hand and laughs out loud. INFANT CLUB Another! Another! Give me another! 21 ANTIQUATED MAN [Staggering with astonishment.] My keenest arms 'gainst female pride Turned to playthings in her hands! The times are surely out of joint. It looks as though the woman's club Had come to stay, [Despairingly] had come to stay Alas! my hearth! Who'll tend thee now? Alas ! my children ! count no more On mother's gentle care. Alack! Alack! that I have seen this day! Farewell, dear one! exquisite pattern Of true womanhood ! content to stay At home! Content to know no more Of History, Art and Politics than I Did choose to thee impart, Farewell! [He staggers off the stage.] The lights become dimmer and soft music plays. Enter from cleft in back ivall the Spirit of the Eternal Feminine. She is dressed in a long white robe and a diaphanous veil that com- pletely enshrouds her form and falls to her feet. She advances slowly and majestically and takes a position directly in front of mound. She slowly raises her arms until they are extended horizontally at full length. This' is the signal for the entrance on right and left from clefts in the wall of the Souls of Future Women. These are tzvelve little girls dressed in shimmering white, with bare arms and feet. They have gauzy butterfly wings and a silver star on their forehead. As they flit about the stage in rhythmic movements they discover the bodies of Brute Man and Traditional Woman. They accompany with appropriate movements and gestures the following verses, which are sung by the Spirit of the Eternal Feminine. Spirit of tbc Eternal ffeminine (Song) Who may these be these be As they lie on the earth? Fair is her face and strong his arm, Yet passing strange are they to us, Far back in the mists of time lived they- And passed away. 22 We'll lift them gently gently. Perhaps they knew no better. Without hate we'll bury them quiet and deep, Where they can rest in peace nor hinder The march of upward striving that we Are treading. We'll circle 'round and 'round them, And even drop a tear, For once they lived And loved. They loved not so wisely, They lived not so fully as we, But out of their separate pain We have climbed hither. Born in the past the past, They've had their little day, With the Dodo and the Mastodon We'll lay them both away. 'Mid dusty archives in museums grey They'll live again. part IK The scene is the same as in Part I, excepting figure of Civiliza* tion which has disappeared. Enter from aisles on right and left Women of St. Louis, thirty in number, dressed in light blue, pink, green, lavender and pearl grey. WOMEN OF ST. LOUIS Song Where shall we go go go When the duties of the day are o'er? Of worry and care We have our full share, And often we long To join in the song Of those whose lives flow flow In sympathies broader and fuller. Whom shall we call call call In our hunger of life to feed us? Who'll join hand with hand In one happy band, And feel in the pressure Our own full measure! Upon whom shall it fall fall The glory and honor to lead us? FIRST WOMAN Wednesday Club ! ALL THE WOMEN Wednesday Club! Wednesday Club! A young woman clad in a name-colored garment ivith a gold band about her broiv. emerges from door of temple. In her hand is a small gavel. WEDNESDAY CLUB Who calls Wednesday Club? FIRST WOMAN We, women of St. Louis. WEDNESDAY CLUB Hail, glad hail ! My sisters my comrades! What tidings? UNDER-AGE KINDERGARTEN. DRAMA LEAGUE. SMOKE ABATEMENT ORGANIZATION. VACATION PLAYGROUNDS. FIRST WOMAN Tidings of hope and desire of dull, Lonely lives of lack of inspiration, Of weariness with the endless round Of social dissipation. We crave A closer union with our kind, An interchange of soul and mind. A better vantage ground than that Which four small walls afford, To view the march of men and things And take our part therein. WEDNESDAY CLUB Sisters, your call quickens my heart, For to this purpose was I born. FIRST WOMAN Show us your sign ! WEDNESDAY CLUB See this gavel, Here on this mound I received it a child. 'Tis but a symbol it stands for law, For order and organization, without which Man spends his efforts all in vain. 'Twill double the strength of woman, too. Hail to the gavel! ALL THE WOMEN Hail to the gavel! WEDNESDAY CLUB Comrades dear, I'll wield it now And satisfy your rightful longings. Ye would look deeper into life, The Past, the Present. Handmaids have I Who can its mysteries unfold. Gaze on them well and make your choice, To which ye'll owe allegiance. Wednesday Club strikes door of Temple with her gavel. There issues from it a resplendent creature dressed in azure and gold, with flowing golden hair and a laurel wreath around her brow. She carries a banner on which is painted a flaming torch (Inspi- ration). It is surmounted by a Greek antliemion. 25 WEDNESDAY CLUB This is she who treads the empyrean Where imagination ever dwells; Whose gaze is ever upward, who links Heaven with earth. Art Section! Who'll follow her? WOMEN IN BLUE We will ! we will ! Art Section descends steps slowly and women in blue rally around her. Wednesday Club strikes again the Temple door. There issues a figure dressed in pink and silver. She carries a banner on which is painted an open book. It is surmounted by a globe. WEDNESDAY CLUB History and Literature! Of more sober mind Yet on high things equally bent. To judge and ponder, to sift the best In the mind and thought of the past Is her special mission. Who'll choose her? WOMEN IN PINK We do ! we do ! Wednesday Club strikes Temple door a third time. There emerges a figure clad in green and gold. She carries a banner on which is painted a square and compass. It is surmounted by two crossed alembics. WEDNESDAY CLUB She of the cold but steady gaze, Science section bids you follow. Facts and figures she revels in, Practical ends she keeps in view, Knowledge and power she'll bring to you. THE WOMEN IN GREEN We want her ! We want her ! Wednesday Club strikes the Temple door a fourth time. There issues from it a figure dressed in lavender. She carries a banner on which is painted a tree, symbolic of knowledge. It is sur- mounted by a lamp, symbolic of wisdom. WEDNESDAY CLUB Of grave and serene mien is she Who fain would lead the little child 26 ST. LOUIS AND WEDNESDAY CLUB. From tender years to adult growth. Mothers, hearken to Education's call Her section enter tho' 'tis free to all. THE WOMEN IN LAVENDER We will ! We will ! Wednesday Club strikes the door a fifth time. There emerges a figure dressed in grey and silver. She carries a banner on which is painted zig-zag figures suggestive of electricity. It is surmounted/ by Mercury wings. WEDNESDAY CLUB For those who wish to keep abreast Of Time's swift moving- current; To feel the pulse, e'en as it beats, Of humanity's great heart, "Current Topics" is here to lead you. WOMEN IN GREY Lead us! Lead us! WEDNESDAY CLUB Now comrades all, attune your hearts To the sweet strains of Harmony. Let rhythmic concord guide your steps And joy and peace be with you. All join in the dance first the section leaders, and then alto- gether. In the midst of a movement a loud, imperious voice is heard from back of hall. It is Parliamentary Law. PARLIAMENTARY LAW Halt! The dancers, evidently, do not hear him and continue their dance. Parliamentary Law calls out again from back of hall. PARLIAMENTARY LAW Halt! I say, your motions are all wrong. The dancers stop and look .at the approaching figure. They exchange looks of disapproval and even alarm. ART SECTION Who is the rude creature? I don't like his looks at ail- utterly lacking in style. 27 HISTORY AND LITERATURE He's not altogether new to me. As far back as the Ger- manic Witeanagemote in fact, as far back as the Greek popular Assembly CURRENT TOPICS Dear me, don't let's go back to Greece. It's a regular habit with everybody here but myself. I know the fellow. All the men's clubs to-day claim him, though some of them treat him abominably. EDUCATION Perhaps he can teach us something. It's never too late to learn, you know. SCIENCE He looks as though he might be thoroughly systematic. ART He certainly looks disagreeable enough to be so. SCIENCE I like that! [Science and Art glare at each other.} WEDNESDAY CLUB Come, sisters no ill feeling. It is by my invitation that Captain Parliamentary Law appears among us here to- day. Right welcome are you, Captain. [Captain Parliamentary Law responds with a military salute.] I know, dear comrades, that we can all learn much from him that will help us on our way. ART SECTION O, Pshaw! EDUCATION I'm ready to learn. SCIENCE So am I, provided his methods are scientific. CURRENT TOPICS And up-to-date. HISTORY AND LITERATURE [Aside to Art Section.] Isn't she insufferable? WEDNESDAY CLUB Now, Captain, you may put my sisters through some paces but be careful you do not wear them out. PARLIAMENTARY LAW [Gruffly.] Very well, Madam. Attention ! Fall in line ! [Sections headed by their t leaders fall in line.] PARLIAMENTARY LAW As I said before, not one of you knows how to make a motion. ART Why, I thought we were getting along beautifully. PARLIAMENTARY LAW Silence! Beautifully! Who cares for beauty? You were just about to get into a tangle from which neither Reed nor Robert could have rescued you. HISTORY AND LITERATURE Who are they? PARLIAMENTARY LAW My masters your masters. WEDNESDAY CLUB Nay, Captain, I object to that expression. Say rather our servants. As I told you when I engaged you, I consider you but a means to an end no more. On that condition, you may proceed. PARLIAMENTARY LAW [Gruffly.] Very well, Madam. Attention! [Puts them through a drill. At the end of a few minutes, Wednesday Club interrupts him.] WEDNESDAY CLUB That will do, Captain. You're taking up too much time. PARLIAMENTARY LAW But I'm not through. WEDNESDAY CLUB That will do. We'll not have time for anything else. PARLIAMENTARY LAW Why, what else do you want to do? ALL THE SECTIONS Lots of things. WEDNESDAY CLUB I really must insist, dear Captain, that you leave us. PARLIAMENTARY LAW Very well, Madam. I'll leave this with you. You had bet- ter get these young women to study it. They need it. He produces a large volume from his pocket, entitled "Parlia- mentary Procedure," and hangs it in at conspicuous place in front of platform, and retires the way he came. Some of the women crowd around the book and begin to peruse its contents. An active argument, suggested by pantomime, ensues. WEDNESDAY CLUB Be careful, comrades, lest ye o'ervalue The gallant Captain's gift. Remember well, The letter killeth ; 'tis the spirit giveth life. - Above law is justice, above form, substance. 'Tis well to have a law, a constitution. But above them, I propose we place As rule of life and conduct This motto for our club. As she utters the last words the doors of the Temple open and there emerges a Page dressed in white and gold. She carries a white silk banner bearing in golden letters the following words: Tolerance Loyalty Courtesy Sisterhood. The Sections testify their approval and form into rhythmic groups. Soft music plays. The lights grow dim and mysterious, the figure of Wednesday Club alone is brilliantly illuminated. She stands with head upraised as though listening for a voice from above. Time Hashes out. 30 TIME Hello-a! Wednesday Club! Hello-a! WEDNESDAY CLUB Hark! Who calls? What would'st thou? TIME 'Tis I, Father Time! Hearken to that Which Justice and Progress have 1 to say. WEDNESDAY CLUB Speak, great spirits ! To ye both we owe Allegiance. Gather round, my comrades, and hearken ! JUSTICE When I opened wide the door of knowledge And rescued ye from childish things, When I denied ye were toy or chattel, And Man's equal proclaimed ye, I fondly hoped ye'd lend your aid To bring my kingdom in this world. WEDNESDAY CLUB To no greater honor can we aspire. JUSTICE Many wrongs and flagrant evils Afflict this land your own fair city. To remedy them will ye lend a hand? WEDNESDAY CLUB Indeed we will ! Show but the. way. ALL THE WOMEN Show but the way. Show but the way. PROGRESS Get the ballot. That's the shortest way. About one-half the women clap their hands over their ears. The others nod in approval. Cries of "No!" "No!" "Why not?* are heard. WEDNESDAY CLUB [With some embarrassment.] I'm very sorry, Progress dear. But see you ! We do not all agree. Is there not another way? PROGRESS None as good for efficiency and speed. Ye may, however, in diverse ways Make small beginnings. 'Twill be Good practice and will lead you on To surer means and bigger ends. WEDNESDAY CLUB Speak ! We hearken ! Where shall we begin ? JUSTICE Little children by the score, In the hovels of the poor, Are denied the schoolroom door, Because, forsooth, they're under six. WEDNESDAY CLUB Comrades, what say you? 'Tis for you to decide. All those who are in favor say "aye"! MANY VOICES Aye! Aye! WEDNESDAY CLUB So be it. She taps with her gavel on the door and there issues from it a little child poorly dressed. On the top of her head is the figure 6. She carries a banner bearing the words "Under Age Kinder- garten." Wednesday Club leads her gently to the top of the stairs. Several women go up to meet her and lead her dozum. PROGRESS 'Tis my turn next. Have ye not marked The pall of smoke that like a shroud Envelops this fair city, turning Beauteous day into night? Nay, worse Than night, for one can breathe by night. Can ye help too, in that, fair ladies ? 32 MANY VOICES We can! We can! ONE VOICE At least, we can try. WEDNESDAY CLUB Tis the first stage of success. She strikes the door of Temple. Out steps a little boy dressed in immaculate -white, save for a hat in the shape of a tall stove pipe closed on top with a silver lid. He carries a banner with the words, "Smoke Abatement Organization." The women greet him joyfully as Wednesday Club leads him to the steps. JUSTICE Hark back to the children. More pitiable they Than the suffering caused by the blackest smoke That e'er from factory or apartment house poured. In the heat of summer no playgrounds have they, Save filthy alleys and dangerous streets. WEDNESDAY CLUB We'll remedy that. ALL THE WOMEN We will! We will! Wednesday Club strikes Temple door. A little girl emerges. She is dressed in a picturesque costume, suggestive of the foreign lower classes. She carries a banner bearing the words, "Vacation Playgrounds." PROGRESS One thing more. 'Tis my fond hope To lead the people of this fair land To appreciate the best in art. In music I feel I've made a start; The Sunday "Pop's" a proof of that. Nor is the Museum in Forest Park By highbrows only frequented. But when 'tis question of the Drama, All I can do is tear my hair. Naught seems to please the young or old But vaudeville and picture shows. S3 WEDNESDAY CLUB Well help you out. ALL THE WOMEN Indeed we will ! FIRST WOMAN TO SECOND WOMAN Better begin at home, I think. Pray where were you last night? SECOND WOMAN Sh! Just a few seats in front of you. Wednesday Club taps on door. Infant Drama League appears* She is dressed in Greek classic costume. She carries a banner on one side of which appears, "Drama League," on the other, "A has Vaudeville." The women fondle and play with the children to the sound of joyous music. Suddenly the lights grow dim and blue. Wednes- day Club peers^ in the darkness in front of her. WEDNESDAY CLUB Hark! Comrades! I descry afar Evil spirits approaching. I know Them well caitiffs and cowards all, Selfish Business, False Civic Economy, Corrupt Politics the whole brood Of those who e'er delight to thwart The course of Progress the ways Of Justice. Save the dear children! Low, threatening music is heard. The women snatch up the children, as twelve figures zvrapped in long, dark cloaks, that have been coming stealthily down left aisle now leap up on the stage, and, throwing back their cloaks, show hideous masks of faces. Their garments are covered with large $ signs. They utter strange, discordant cries and try to snatch the children from the women. A furious battle ensues. Suddenly a terriffic noise t accompanied by lightning, flashes forth from the towers of Justice and Progress. The Spirits, evidently blinded and stunned, stagger off the stage right and left. Bright light shines again and the music becomes bright and joyous. 34 WEDNESDAY CLUB Well done, my gallant ones, well done ! Heaven itself extends its arm And scatters those who oppose us. But who comes here? Is't other foes or friends? Running down right aisle comes first St. Louis, a knight in shining armor, brandishing a sword. The Civic League, the Busi- ness Men's League, the Art League and the Board of Education folloiv. ST. LOUIS Hail! Wednesday Club! Beloved sister! Sounds of distress I heard and hastened Hither, I and my stalwart sons, Business Men's League and Art League, Board of Education and Civic League, Where is the enemy? WEDNESDAY CLUB Gone, my lord, Routed by powers from on high. We thank you, howe'er, and your stalwart sons For your proffered aid. It may Avail us yet. These are but tender Infants and need much watchful care. CIVIC LEAGUE I'll help take care of this one ! [Takes Vacation Playground by the hand.] BUSINESS MEN'S LEAGUE And I this one! [Takes Smoke Abatement Organisation by the hand.} BOARD OF EDUCATION I promise nothing, but hope, in time, I may adopt this little one. [Takes Under Age Kindergarten by the hand.] ART LEAGUE To this sweet child, 'twill be my right To lend a helping hand. [Takes Infant Drama League by the hand.} 35 WEDNESDAY CLUB We thank you, brothers, one and all ! ALL THE WOMEN We thank you, brothers, one and all ! WEDNESDAY CLUB Now let us tread a courtly measure, And raise our voices in accents gay, To celebrate this joyous day, And testify our pleasure ! They dance and sing Wednesday Club and St. Louis leading. CHORUS Sisters and brothers are we, Working for a common end; One for the all, all in one, We wheel in the joy of the dance. They then form in pairs, and led by St. Louis and Wednes- day Club, pass in procession down center steps and aisle on right to the sound of March of the Pioneers by Mr. E. R. Kroeger. THE END UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY BERKELEY THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE STAMPED BELOW Books not returned on time are subject to a fine of 50c per volume after the third day overdue, increasing to $1.00 per volume after the sixth day. Books not in demand may be renewed if application is made before expiration of loan period. MAR 6 1918 V 50m-7,'16 Gaylord Bros. Makers Syracuse, N. Y. PAT. JAN. 21, 1908 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY