The San Francisco call., 1897-01-24
A Woman's Whist League.

san Francisco was the first City in the United
States to admit women into their whist clubs
1t was also the frs City in the United States
TO practically demonstrate the fact that
women could play whist as well, if not better
than men
The first club that was admitted into the
American Whist League with lady members
came from this City. To-day we can select
twenty-hve or fifty ladies in this City
and Oakland that can defeat the same
number Of men, and give them the whole
State to select from. II the time has now
come for the formation OF woman's league
II will have our hearty Endorsement, and no
doubt the help OF all whist clubs on the Pacific
Coast. Eugene S. Elliott, whom the whist
world looks upon as the father and founder OF
the American Whist League, writes on the
subject as follows:
MILWAUKEE, Wis. Dec. %, 1896.
Mrs. Emma d. AndreiCs II19 Spruce Street
Philadelphia Pd.-MY DEAR MADAM: 1t gives
me sincere pleasure TO learn that the women
OF America are about organizing g whist
league similar in its features to the one iusti-
tuted here six years ago, Tor feel that such an
association is the logicaI and fitting consum-
nation OF the work then begun. There are
many reasons why woman'S league should
be organized, while there is little that can be
urged against it. and nothing, in my opinion
that Will stand the test OF close scrutiny. Let
me assure you, therefore of my sincere and
cordial sympathy, and, so far as my influence
may extend, OF my support
have always regarded whist as something
lar greater than sport or pAstime, Tor its in
herent characteristics are such that it is eapa-
Bile OF becoming valuable instrument for the
development OF our highest mental faculties
and is therefore 10 the mentality OF our people
what physical athletics are TO their muscles;
an amusement whose junction is to develop
our power to think logically and correctly,
should neither be ridiculed nor ignored, nor
should it ever be regarded as standing upon
the samelevel as an ordinary psstime.
have met many fine whist-players, but
! do not recall the name Of one who is not
man OF high repute in his chosen avocation.
But aside from this noble characteristic, which
of itself would be sufficient to commend it 10
favorable consideration, whist is pre-eminently
entitled to Our favor in that il is essentially a
home amusement, and as such is no: restricted
to either sex. Whatever will keep our boys at
home, interest them there, bring them under
the sweet and ennobling influence OF mother
and sister, is OF the utmost importance, and to
this end it is highly gratifying to know that
the women OF America are willing 10 lend
their powerful aid. l hail, therefore, the an
nouncement of your organization with sincere
pleasure and trust that no obstacle will inter
vene to prevent complete success.
The selection of Put-in-Bay at the time of
the league meeting there next July seems TO
me 10 be very fortunate. hope TO have the
pleasure of meeting you and your associates
there at that time, and beg leave TO repeat my
assurance that II can be of any assistance in
aiding you in any way, l will be most loyalty
al your command. Believe me, very respect
fully, EUGENE S. ELLIOTT.