Page:Sketches of representative women of New England.djvu/390

Rh was instituted, December 18, 1886, she was elected President, holding the office three years. She served in several other positions, and was Department Instituting and Installing Officer in 1889. In 1890 she was chief Aide on the staff of Mrs. Mary E. Knowles, Department President, and in 1891 was Department Corresponding Secretary. In 1892 she was chosen a member of the Department Executive Board, and the following year was elected Department Junior Vice-President. She was promoted to the office of Senior Vice-President in 1894, and at the annual convention held in Springfield, Mass., February, 1895, was unanimously elected Department President. When accepting the office she said; "I pledge my best efforts in every way. Tenderly as I have guarded my own name and honor during my life, so I will guard the honor of the Department of Massachusetts."

Mrs. Cook addressed many gatherings throughout the State, and her eloquent appeals always commanded attention. Great interest was manifested in all the work. In a general order issued July 13, 1895, she requested corps presidents to fill out an enclosed blank, containing a list of questions regarding the introduction of a flag salute in the public schools. Referring to this line oi work, she said: "At no time since the Civil War has the fact been more apparent that lessons of loyalty and love of country should be inculcated in the minds of the children. The members of this Department must realize that a grand opportunity is theirs to carry out one of the principles of our order."

On May 30, 1889, Mrs. Cook delivered a memorial address at Southbridge in the afternoon and one at West Medway in the evening. Her Memorial Day order to the corps was a heartfelt tribute to the nation's heroes. The following paragraph is worthy of preservation:

"As we scatter the chaplets and garlands, fragrant with the sweetness of spring, on the spot of green which covers the mounds of our nation's benefactors, may we open our hearts to the teachings of the hour and the sacredness of the ceremony, light anew the fires of patriotism, and renew our pledges of life and sacred honor to transmit unsullied to our children this noble heritage of ours! And, while we meet around these altars of our love, may we give a thought of affection to those far-off graves marked with that one word, 'Unknown'! Unknown, perhaps, the name; yet he was a soldier of the Union. Unknown, perhaps, his rank, his birthplace, or religion; but known he was a brother who gave his life for freedom. In this fair land are other graves still for us to approach with reverence. Our sister women, whose love of country was shown in action and whose sympathy for suffering was stronger than life, while we may not lay our offering of love upon their graves, we can give a tender thought to their memories and strive to make our womanhood as true as theirs. Bring into the day's service the young children, and teach them by our example, as well as by what is said to them, that we can hold the day sacred. Let them assist in preparing the flowers and the wreaths, and make them understand that it is a holy day as well as a holiday, to be kept sacredly. Let every member of our order feel it her especial duty to join in the service of the day."

Mrs. Cook had charge of the delegation to the Thirteenth National Convention, which met in Louisville, Ky., in September, 1895. At the opening session of the convention Mrs. Cook was appointed chairman of the Committee on Appeals, and made an able report. It was she who had the honor of nominating Mrs. Lizabeth A. Turner, of Boston, as a candidate for the office of National President. The National Tribune referred to this effort as "the gem of nominating speeches." Upon returning from Louisville Mrs. Cook again entered zealously into the work in Massachusetts. In a general order issued November 11 she made an appeal for additional contributions for the Department Relief Fund and also for the Soldiers' Home. She asked the corps to make "the coming Christmastide one long to be remembered by sending boxes of clothing and delicacies such as are common to this festive season."

When reviewing the work of the year in her address at the annual convention held in Lowell, February, 1896, she said: "I find that in point of numbers and in relief given we are