The evening world., 1894-05-11
THE FAIR SEX IN POLITICS.
MRS. FAwCETT CHAMPIONS FE-
MALE FRANCHISE IN ENGLAND.
She Loves Politics Because She
Loves Her Country.

Accustomed, as American women are,
to the reproach that their sisters over
the water take a FAR greater interest
and far more important part in public
affairs than they, 1t is difficult for us to
realize that Mrs. Henry Fawce;t, who
contributed a paper on New Zealand
Under the Female Franchise" to a re-
cent contemporary review. Belongs TO
type Of woman unknown and irnrnssi-
bic outside OF England, says the Phila-
delphia Times.
The placid daughters Of Albion do not
apparently worry aven over 70 exciting
a subject as woman suffrage" as
somebody calls 1t every now and then,
they seem to have no idea whatever OF
sulking because the coveted ballot Is as
yet an ungrasped prize, but while work
ing and waiting for the "far-off. divine
event they lend a vigorous hknd In pup
lie matters wherever permitted.
Mrs. Henry Fawcett, or Miiliccnt Gar
rett Fawcett-she is Inown to lie equal
" content with either ane.-has lont
educ ttonal circles hs n "Naml ie or
this type OF woman suffrage Morker.
Both in its public and pirate GsTects
her character is an INTEREST," lg one, for
she Is not the least able member, Of
remarkable family. ner HUSBAND pc,
ing the late Henry Fawce:t, the h,ind
POstmaster-Ge General. who was called
one Of the most wonderful men In
England" and her daughter. Phil!pl'a
Fawcett, who gained wide distinction, a
few years ago as ranking above the
Senior Wrangler in Matheinit'cai TIL
pos at Cambridge. Those VIII" know the
brilliant wife and mother nave no difi-
Guilty in tracing her potent nfuerce IN
the shaping of both these careers.
A rather romantic in idcnt AMI ore
which should especially endear her, to
Americans. brought about the acquaint-
rnce and ultimately the marriage OF
Miilicent Garrett and Henry fawcett'
had studied for the Bar, and had had a
future of brilliant promise ruined. as 1t
seemed, at a single blow Dy the IRE.
mediabe loss OF his sight. The offer and
acceptance, however, OF the position OF
Professor OF Political Economy at Cam
bridge-where his daughter was In after
years to distinguish herself-turnsd ms
came a leading authority IN social and
economical subjects; He had been
speaking at public meeting wfere
tive interest in politics and in woman
suffrage was present. During the pro-
ceedings news was received ara an
nounced Of the death of President Lin
ton, exclaimed: Better evary crow ned
head of Europe had fallen than. the
world deprived of that one man"
| speech which, expressing AS did his
own sentiments. attracted the blind
statesman TO the woman. who in after
years was his able assistant as well as
loving wife.
L? to the time OF his death. seven
years ago. Mrs. Fawcett shared her hus-
bands literary and political labors and
the perfect harmony between them was
the intellectual inferiorty Of the wife to
be an essential to married happiness;
Together they produced Essays and
Lectures on Political Subjects" which
contains eight essays by Mrs. Fawcett
and six by her husband. In addition
Mrs. Fawcett has written POLITICAL
iitical Economy Janet Doneaster," a
novel and Some Eminent Women of
our Time" brief biographical sketches.
The, article Of Communism" in the
annica, is hers. and she has also con-
tributed to Chamberss Encyelopa
Her husbands election to Parliament.
where his grasp Of the political situation
in India, made him power and gained
for him the popular title Of The Mem
ber for India" was no barrier to their
which Mr., Faweett was a warm sup
| porter. When, later on. he received a
new honor, the appointment as Post.
master-General of England. he stood
/ innovation of a woman medical super
intendent Of the female staff in the Lon
| don Post-Ottice.
When asked her reason for dabbling
temptuously termed by her critics, Mrs.
| Fawcett has said: 81 do It because l
love England and wish TO understand
| her greatness and help in however hum
| bic way to promote them" To be con-
scious of forming a part in great ma
tonal life, to know ones responsibility
| for making the present and future wor-
| thy of the past of such a country must
be a strengthening influence in the life
of every individual man and woman.
| She has held several important Offices in
| 10
| her Tits in the Fortnightly Review and
| elsewhere with Mr.. Gladstone and Mr..
Frederic Harrison. who oppose equal
rights" have attracted notice far and
| wide
As might be expected of Philippa Faw-
| cett's mother, Mrs. Fawcett Is an earn
est advocate OF the higher education for
| girls and writes and speaks extensively
| on the subject. Despite her views, she
is no student-voiced. hard-natured ''suf-
| frage shrieker," but graceful. refined
woman OF good presence womanly TO
her finger tips. yet unwilling to 'hide the
candle of her talent under the extin-
Il