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 MBS. PERCY V. PENNYBACKER 383 was shown in the spirit of the Chicago Biennial Convention of 1914, a certain feeling of confidence that prevailed, and an assurance of absolutely fair play. This was particularly manifest in the treatment of the Equal Suffrage Resolution. Two years before it was held that such a resolution was not germane to the business of the Federation — this out of def- erence to the conservative element which was supposed to be particularly strong in the Southern states. Mrs. Pennybacker comes from the South, and many of her warmest friends and most ardent supporters were bitterly opposed to the resolu- tion. Knowing this, she yet gave her word early in the pro- ceedings that no resolution coming in an orderly way before the house would be suppressed, and suffrage was overwhelm- ingly endorsed. Her gifts as a presiding officer are most un- usual. Ever on the alert, tactful and courteous, she diffuses an atmosphere of ease, freedom and confidence, at the same time maintaining perfect order, while a certain tender rela- tionship is established between her and every individual dele- gate. There is nothing short of genius in this. One secret of her power is the habit formed early in life and strengthened by association with her husband of ever doing the duty nearest without fretting about results. She thus wastes neither time nor energy, and each day is a unit of ac- complishment. Add to this the fact that she has indomitable will, great patience and perseverance, and an abiding assur- ance that the thing she is doing is tremendously worth while, and her character and career stand revealed. The completion of the endowment of one hundred thousand dollars at the Chicago Biennial, which was the most dramatic scene of the entire convention, and in which Mrs. Pennybacker played so telling a part, marks the entrance on an era of in- creased activity in all departments of the General Federation. This means more traveling art exhibits, more instruction in Home Economics, fresh activity in civic improvement, dvil service reform and conservation, better industrial and social conditions, more widespread and intelligent interest in public health. In a word, it means education. As president of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, V