ANNA A. GORDON By Lxjblla F. McWhibtbb WE, of the present generation, axe witnessing an era of temperance sentiment such as the world has never known. To those who have not studied the matter historically, the temperance reforms in Europe and in the Orient, entire States in America voting **dry,^* a prohibi- tion army and navy, and the slogan ^ ^ On to Washington, ' ' all seem little less than miraculous. But the movement is not a fungus growth. It has its roots deep down in the hearts of a loyal people who will not be silenced until they accompUsh their end. The seeds were largely sown by a quiet, unassum- ing woman, to whom, more than to any individual now living, is due this change in public sentiment the world over. For many years as general secretary of the World's Loyal Tem- perance Legion, Anna Adams Gordon planted total abstinence ideals in the hearts of thousands of children, and taught them that * * every man 's weal should be each man *s care. ' ^ To-day, in accord with the songs she wrote for them, they are Uf ting their voices in a mighty demand for the protection of home and state. Miss Gordon is the logical head of the great organization whose forces she is now directing. As the secretary and in- timate friend of Frances E. Willard, counsellor and vice- president to her successor, Lillian M. N. Stevens, she has been familiar with the work of the Woman ^s Christian Temper- ance Union almost from the beginning. To-day the national organization numbers three hundred thousand women united in a society unparalleled in its effective machinery, its devo- tion and self-sacrifice. Its capable, modest leader is Anna A. Gordon, the embodiment of its highest ideals. Anna Adams Gordon was bom July 21, 1853, in Boston, Mass. She is the daughter of James M. and Mary Clarkson Gordon. The father was Scotch and the mother English. Both were Christians and ardent abolitionists. There were
