he one grand moral aim, on the
part of the several branches of the organization everywhere, will
finally be the fostering a healthy, intelligent patriotism, in the
_social and domestic circles_ of our land; and that, through the
aggregate influence of a womanhood true to itself and its own work.

If this conviction be founded in fact, the best method by which such a
patriotism can be cultivated becomes a topic of lively interest to every
woman in America who loves her country. Therefore to all such the
following brief consideration of a subject so intrinsically important,
will not, we trust, seem untimely.

We proceed then to respectfully suggest to the ladies of the Loyal
League some measures and ideas, which, it is hoped, will prove in their
judgment not unworthy of general adoption, in the various branches of
our association.

In enumerating methods whereby it is believed our sex has preeminent
capacity to cultivate a genuine patriotism in our country, we will, as
first in order, mention those easily recognized ones already generally
understood.

As members of the Ladies' Loyal League, we can do good service, first,
by cheering, honoring, and aiding in every fit way, and by every
legitimate means, such men, privates no less than officers, as are our
country's brave defenders, or as have been wounded in being such.
Second, by encouraging new enlistments, and taking pride in seeing the
dear members of our own households go forth to the help of our
imperilled country. Third, by paying special honor to such women in our
midst, as have sent son or husband or father or any near relative to
camp life and battle field, in defence of our free institutions. In
ordinary times, and in ordinary society, individuals take grade
according to active intelligence, or the show of wealth, but in times
like the present--and especially in an association whose awakening
principle is patriotism, those persons who have made the greatest
sacrifices for country should rank first. Indeed is it not advisable
that the League confer honorary distinction on every woman who has given
up such near relatives as son or husband to the dangers of this bloody
war? So long as the United States is in her present condition, so long
must we, as patriots, honor our soldiers, encourage enlistments, and pay
our tribute of respectful admiration to those of our own sex whose
beloved ones have already laid down their lives, or are now offering
their lives in o