t time.

Department work was first taken up in 1878, six departments being
considered. Those having the work in charge were known as chairmen of
standing committees. In 1880 this was changed to the present
name--superintendent of department.

In 1882 the manner of representation to the national convention was
changed from congressional districts to grouping of counties.

For a number of years organization was made the leading line of work,
and in 1888 only three counties remained unorganized. Many of our county
workers did valiant service in the line of organizing in their own
localities, but the grand result reached in this year was due largely to
the untiring energy and activity of our state organizers. Mrs. Burt, in
her annual address for 1888, refers to their work in the following
glowing words of commendation:

But if our state excels, as I believe it does, in organization, it
is largely due to the fact that our organizers are beyond
comparison. Where will you find another Helen L. Bullock, or an E.
M. J. Decker, or a Vandelia Varnum, or a Cynthia Jump, or Augusta
Goodale, or such a list of county presidents, whom the record shows
have made organizing their "chief concern" during the past twelve
months? New York points with pride to these her daughters. They have
not stopped to reason why, they have not stopped to make reply, but
with a courage born of their high calling have gone steadfastly
forward, and in many instances have snatched the palm of victory
from the jaws of defeat.

While paying this tribute to our organizers we do not forget her who
stood at the head of our state work during these years, planning,
directing, counseling, and encouraging. In Mary T. Burt we have a living
embodiment of "there's no such word as fail." For twelve years she has
led the white ribbon host of the Empire State, and if she can point with
pride to these her co-workers, saying, "Where will you find their
equal?" we can point with pride to our state president, and say, Where
will you find _her_ equal? Self has been forgotten, and with a courage
born of her convictions she has grandly carried forward the work,
standing always for the best interests of the state. And what is the
result? In this year of 1894 there is not a county in our state, except
one, [3] but what has a branch of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union
within its borders.

[3] Hamilton County, a lumbering distri