3rd International Vegetarian Congress 1893
Chicago, USA

From The Vegetarian (London), July 1, 1893:

THE INTERNATIONAL VEGETARIAN CONGRESS

The International Vegetarian Congress for 1893 has been a great success, and the European delegates have received from America the warmest welcome.

Owing to a national holiday the New York meeting was postponed until the return of the delegates. The Rev. H. S. Clubb conducted the party to Philadelphia where they received a right royal welcome. A banquet was given in their honour, and a meeting arranged at the Vegetarian Church, where the greatest enthusiam prevailed.

At Washington Miss English, Mr. Silliman and other Vegetarian friends arranged a Reception which was held at the Wimodaughsis Club. This club is the headquarters of the Women's Suffrage Movement, and its extraordinary title is derived from first syllable of wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters. The Washington Reception was very well attended, and the delegates were delighted with the cordial welcome given to them whilst at Chicago, the interest shown in Vegetarianism far exceeded their anticipations.

A good hall in the Art Palace was allotted to the Congress, and on the Wednesday evening it was decorated with plants and drapery, and the Chicago Vegetarians there accorded the delegates a warm reception. Music and recitations were provided by local friends, and a very pleasant evening prepared the way for the serious work of the Congress which was formally opened the next morning by the Hon. C. C. Bonney, President of the World's Congress. Auxiliary Delegates attended from the German, Swiss, Indian, English and American Societies, and the six sessions which were held on Thursday and Friday were all attended by large and attentive audiences who showed an untiring interest in the proceeding.

The Chair was taken at different sessions by the following : The Rev. H. S. Clubb, The Rev. James Clarke, Dr. Alice Stockham, Dr. Kellog, Mr. W. E. A. Axon and Mrs. Richardson (daughter of Professor Agasiz).

A large number of very important papers were read and teh following resolutions passed :

That the protection afforded birds and animals in the parks of this country, both municipal and national, merits the highest commendation and is an indication that the war carried on against these creatures in other parts of the land should at least be limited to obnoxious creatures and by what may be reagrded as the necessities of the human family.

That the cruelties of the carriage, by land and water, of animals intended for slaughter should be prevented by adequate legislation.

That the use of flesh and blood of animals as food and the slaughter of animals for this purpose promote a low standard of morality and conscience and should be abolished by an enlightenment of the people as to the evils consequent thereon.

That killing for sport is wanton cruelty.

That social purity would be promoted by purity in food and drink.

That the consumption of the flesh of animals for food creates a thirst for intoxicating liquors and should be abandoned by all who desire to promote temperance reform.

That life would prolonged and health promoted by abstaining from flesh and living on the direct products of the earth, air and water.

That the cultivation of fruits deserves the special encouragement of state and national legislatures.

That the education of children, the welfare and happiness of the home circle, the peace and prosperity of the human race, are best promoted by subsistence on the unstimulating foods deived from the vegetable kingdom.

That the thanks of the Congress be given to Mr. A. F. Hills, President of the Vegetarian Federal Union, and to Miss May Yates, the indomitable Organising Secretary from London, and to the entire foreign delegation for their untiring efforts in furthering the interests of the Congress.

The Congress terminated with a Reception and Afternoon Tea at the exhibit of the Vegetarian Federal Union at the World's Fair.

The annexe which it is placed was roped off, decorated with flags and plants, and refreshments arranged in it. A large number of delegates and other influential people attended the Reception and admired the stall which occupies the very best position in the Literal Arts section.It faces the main transept of the Literal Arts and Manufactures Building, just between the English, French, German and American Courts. The blue and gold silk banners which surmount the beautiful black and goldstand attract the eyes of all the people who crowd this transept to the sign in big gilt letters of the

"VEGETARIAN FEDERAL UNION"

and thus is symbolised to them the golden truths and heavenly beauty that Vegetarianism procalims to all nations.

- MAY YATES