New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-09-23
DOCTORS OF PHILOSOPHY.
INTERESTING ACCOUNT OF HOW WOMEN
GAIN RECOGNITION IN GERMANY.
HEIDELBERG AND GoTTINGEN THE ONLY INsTT
TUTIoNs THAT ADMIT woMEN-INTENsE

PREJUDICE AMONG THE PEOPLE.
Miss Ida J. HYDE Of Chicago and Miss Alice
Luce, Of Maine. who this year received the degree
OF Doctor OF Philosophy from the University Oh
Heidelberg the first American women 10 re-
ceiye this honor from a German university. III Is a
difficult matter indeed for woman TO gain au-
mission TO a university in Germany. accoruihs "
William E. Curtis, In an interesting letter 10 Inc
Chicago Record" He says: Heidelberg ana Got
tingen the only institutions In Germany that
recognize the existence of women.
The first woman student at the University vi
Halle am told. was graduate OF the COOK
County Normal School and Northwestern UNI
versity, at Evanston. She had n rather remark
able experience. She had been driven out OF one
OF the other universities the students before she
went to Halle.
VERY few German women attempt to attend
lectures. The prejudice among the German people
in this respect intense. although II Is becoming
considerably modified. The effect OF the Womens
Congress, which held in Berlin Is being feit
throughout the whole empire. 1t modified pubic
sentiment considerably by demonstrating that edu-
Gated women were not necessarily Anarchists
lunatics or guys. At this meeting appeared some
of the ablest. the handsomest and most accom-
plished women In the world They dressed ana
acted like ladies. and the social gatherings which
were given In honor OF the congress were as brill
liant as any that have ever occurred In Berlin
The influence Of this fact has been marked and
there is a much greater degree OF liberation toward
the activity OF women than there was before
Frau Schulrath Caur is the leader OF the pro-
gressive women OF Germany and she received her
inspiration from Hanna Whitehall Smith. who came
TO Berlin twelve years ago to visit her in the
university and learned of the restrictions that
surround the women OF Germany.
why don't they rise and throw on their
ehackles?' she asked Of Frau Caur.
Because they too contented.' was the reply.
"'Then make them Disconnected said Mrs. Smith.
and Frau Caur has been endeavoring to do so ever
since.
THE original agitation began at a meeting called
In her parlors by Mrs. Mary D. Willard. sis
ter-in-law OF Frances f. Willard who has since
been the high counsellor OF Its leaders. although
she has kept herself in The background. Mrs;
OF the women OF Germany She warns ana lghts
the movement from her home in Berlin She is a
quiet. unassuming woman. but has clear head.
a strong character and Is thoroughly respected by
every one. The leaders who organized under Mrs
Wizards advice have, however. split into factions.
because OF differences OF opinion. tho conflict OF
pa 0s5 S into 81 lis oWn d
OF them have taken up charity some education ton
and ss aRH naTe h Se
would have made II they had kept together In a
The Bowager Empress Frederick 10 the pro-
tector and patron OF all enterprises In which women
to eneou4sse their d She never fails
lend her aid and her name TO any good cause, ana
has done great deal unto thelr lOrceS ana SET
tie their disputes. Her son. William H. however. IL
not favorab BILE to the education OF women He an
nounced his platform on this subject 10 a party OF
women who visited him TO secure his influence for
the modification Of the laws OF the Empire that are
very unjust and arbitrary in regard 10 tho rights
and privileges OF that sex He told them that he
wanted the women OF Germany TO keep out OF pub
lie affairs They had enough TO do in looking after
their families without meddlng with matters OF
State.
Fear God. keep good home and raise soldiers
for my army. was the way In which he summed
up the duty OF women.
Tho Empress his wife follows his teachings
His words describe her object in life.
Miss Elizabeth de Neyo, OF Wellesley. II very
likely 10 he the FIRST 10 a degree
from the University OF Berlin. Her prospects are
said 10 he excellent. She has been taking a course
in the history OF art under Professor Frye and has
great value in that line OF research. This has COM
manded the respect and admiration OF the art
critics and artists well the University fac
ulties. Her reports have been published by the
Government. and are accepted standard author
ity. For this reason IL IL believed that when she
makes an application next year for cXRmna-
ton for degree Will be granted. and there is
been formally matricuated and IL not officially
recognized n student at the institution.
Miss Rock OF Washington "a daughter OF Miles
Rock, Of the United States Geological Survey who
selected 10 determine the boundary line be-
tween Mexico and Guatemala after the row be
tween those nations Nvcral years ago.. has
been doing some remarkable work in physics and
chemistry in tho University OF Berlin. and II is
thought that she also may possibly get degree
next year.
Miss Breyfogle Of Chicago 4. the nrst woman 10
take course OF divinity at Berlin"