The San Francisco call., 1896-10-13
NECESSITY, NOT CHOICE,
Rev. C. E. Rich's Explanation
of Why So Many Women
Work.
Burglars Make Raid on a Park.
Street Store and Get Away
With Clothing.

ALAMEDA, CAL, Oct. 1.-THE meeting
of the Political Equality Club this after
noon was attended by about half of the
mem bers. Public meetings were arranged
for the future and other business at
tended to- after which the Rev. G. E. Rich,
the new pastor of tie Santa Clara avenue
Methodist Episcopal church, addressed
the ladies.
He chose for his subject 1.-THE Right of
Woman to Labor" He based his rema rks
upon the United States statistical reports.
Twenty-Five cities had been selected, he
said, and the working women in the
lighter employments interviewed. The
report showed 17,427 female workers en-
ployed. These repr sented Ii, 355 families.
Their average age was % years and
months, while the average at the time
of beginning work vas only little over Is
years. OF these 5646 had very poor homes,
and only 7O1 did not have their board
to pay. TIE average weekly wage paid
was only $5 24. Of the total number
1880 spent IS per cent of this for three
items of expense-rent, food and clothing.
More than halt of the whole number
helped to support the families. After
quoting these figures he said:
Il, was necessity and not choice that
and toll. The fact that only 701 of these
were free from paying board bill shows
the small per cent that work for the priv
ilege of having extra spending money,
while the great number who help support
their families goes to prove the necessity
of work
"Now, you want to know how we can
change this state of affaIrs? | say only
by wing them the ballot. When we APP
ply TO the Legislature to enact laws for
the suppression of the sweatshop and
other evils the politician looks at the in
fluence of the mans ballot and declares
he is powerless. When women can crush
him with the ballot he will be only too
glad 10 defend her. Whenever women
get the ballot he politician will recognize
her right. Give them the ballot if you
would benefit their condition.
Forced the Door.
ALAMEDA, CAL, Oct. 12.-The dry
goods store of j. Herschberg, 1431 Park
street, was entered Yesterday and every
thing thoroughly overhauled. No money
was taken, but clothing. underwear, shirts,
ties and the like were packed off in guam
tity. Entrance was made through the rear
door, which was forced with a jimmy.
From appearances there were two or
more men. The empty money-till was
found pried open, but there had not been
anything left in it. The police have no
clew to work upon.
Burned a Tent.
ALAMEDA, CAL, Oct. 1.-THE tent
formerly used by the Salvation Army on
the vacant lot opposite Linderman's S
Opera house was destroyed by fire shortly
after noon to-day. Some boys started
fire inside, which communicated with the
dry grass, and soon the whole tent was in
flames. The loss Is about $3.50; insured
for $500.
St Joseph's Bazaar.
ALAMEDA, CAL. Oct. 12.-The bazaar
of ST. Jo-ephs parish was opened to-
night by Father McNally of West Oak
land. The booths are beautifully deco
rated and very attractive. A large assort-
ment of handsome articles are on sale.
The programme consisted of piano solo
by Miss M. Georgiana; recitation by M SIS
Lucy NJ Donovan; vocal solo, Miss Jen-
ME Jehu; or AN voluntary, T. Mareuse;
barytone solo, Mr.. Bonners. No admis-
sion fee is charged.
Trustees Meeting.
ALAMEDA, CAL, Oct. 12-The Board
of Trustees met tonight and passed a
mum ber of bills, including that of F. K
Krauth of $50 for printing done in 1S78
President Forderer, City Engineer Power
and Health Officer Mclean were appoint
ed a committee to meet like com mittee
from Oakland and endeavor to secure
unity OF action in regard to the com pie
ton of the harbor i'm provements.