erintendent. She has
given ten years of faithful service to this line of work. In 1889 a
committee was appointed to consider the work at the state fair, and, if
deemed practicable, the state was to engage in the work. Mrs. Mary T.
Burt, Mrs. Ellen L. Tenney, and Mrs. Edgett were made such a committee.
Correspondence was immediately opened with the officers of the
agricultural society as to the feasibility of erecting a building on the
permanent fair grounds at Syracuse, and shortly after a circular-letter
was sent out, asking for contributions for the same. Arrangements were
made to commence the work there at once, not waiting for the building to
be erected, and the fall of 1890 found our standard raised for the first
time on the state fair grounds. The building is not yet accomplished,
but with $2,065.99 already set aside for it, it is certainly an assured
fact, and but for the illness of Mrs. Burt would no doubt have been
erected during the summer of 1894.

The heroic labors of Mrs. Burt during these years deserve more than a
passing notice. Upon her rested the burdens of the work. Her courage in
encountering difficulties, her patient endurance of fatigue and
exposure, and her wonderful executive ability, made her a wonder to all.
The sun has not always shone during the state fair, and through storm
and sunshine--mostly storm--she has stood at her post, thinking no
sacrifice too great if thereby our cause be advanced. Mrs. Mary D.
Ferguson, of Syracuse, has always stood bravely by, aiding in every way
possible.

A paper was issued, called _The Fair White Ribbon_, and fifteen thousand
copies distributed freely on the grounds. For two years the paper was
edited by Mrs. H. R. Edgett, when, her health failing, Mrs. Ferguson
acted as editor and publisher. Advertisements were secured by Mrs.
Ferguson, and a handsome profit of $139 was the result the second year,
and $147 the third year; while the good accomplished through the
presence and efforts of our standard-bearers on the grounds cannot be
measured. In 1891 the Department of Coffee Houses was added to the
social lines, and Mrs. S. W. Stoddard, of Horseheads, was placed at the
head of the department. No change has been made in the superintendency,
and a new impetus has been given to this work since it has been made a
department.

* * * * *

POLITICAL.

The Woman's Christian Temperance Union has frequently been called a
political ins