The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1895-02-23

earnest pleading. But deeply affected
though she was by its receipt, it did not
for moment change her purpose. She
wrote; however, a long letter in reply,
stating her position and feelings in the
matter. Instead of retreating, she turned
the weapon of pleading upon her mother
IN her turn, and begged that she (the
mother) lend her her assistance and coun-
sci to help her to success in her undertake
Ing.
Following are some excerpts from this
letter:
2215 Van Ness avenue.
M Dear Mother: Your letter reached me this
afternoon, and although am touched beyond
expression [ must write you, dear darling
mamma, before sleep. Don't you think that
one can be Christian in any sphere OF life,
and don't you think that one can teach and
preach as well from the stage as from the pull
pill? 1t is the person themselves and the way it
is done Don't you think dear, that unless
had been q very good woman that my enemies
would now have me behind the bars or worse
yet, hung from the highest scaffold that they
could erect? Mother, dear, would not give
you single pang in your old age that could
avoid, but don't you realize that we can take
God with us anywhere If we only try? Years
ago was thwarted in my ambition by your
views and prejudiees but now / am woman,
and must act and think for myself, and know
that can influence for good those who hear
me from the stage as well my dear brother
can from the pulpit. They both go hand in hand.
My dear, ! must win that case and
cannot do it without large money; Henry
has never had just cause to blush for his
mother, and, God helping, me, he never will.
Had you permitted me y = | should
nave been, l believe, on the top round OF the
ladder OF fame. For God gave me the tempera-
ment and inherited your strong, sturdy will.
DO you think, dear, that it would be possible
for one reared as was r X + to become a bad
woman? The fruit falls close to the tree and,
mother, have never had the inclination to do
wrong. l love my two boys too dearly. was
never so determined about any act of my life
as now AIN in regard to adopting the stage for
Martin did write the will dated February "a,
1898, and that Baby John is the legitimate
Child OF my dead husband and myself. =
In trying to protect my child's right 1
have impoverished myself No, must work,
and that is the only way l have. 4 y
your support and your prayers to aid, stimu-
late and encourage me. l know that were my
dear husband where he could advise me he
would tell me to perseVere with this the great
must not oppose me any longer, but reach forth
your right arm tosupport defend and protect
me. Just think, mother, the lawyer
that l paid my gold to to defend dear little
John tried by every effort that he could put
forth to prove my little one the illegitimate
a crime on earth? No, will fight until die to
prove his rights. Henry goes to school in the
morning and assists me in the afternoon. God
bless him. What would / have done without
him? This great trial through which have
passed has made a thorough and hope a con-
scientious business woman. have no time for
the follies and friVolities of life.
Now, dear, want you to try and convince
sister Matte and my good brother Sam that I
am not going TO the bad, but am striving to do
what is right and Just. Goodnight, dear
mother, with love and kisses. Your daughter,
ISABELLA j. MARTIN.