The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-09-01
WOMEN STUDY IT
Topeka Ladies Organize a Club
to Study Socialism.
A Number of Well Known Pro-
gressiVe Women
MEMBERS OF THE CLUB
Mrs. Sara E. ROby Made Presi-
dent of the Organization.
Wife of the Chief Justice is a
Prominent Member.

An organization of intellectual Tope-
ka woman met for the first time in the
office of state superintendent of public
instruction Wednesday afternoon to
study Socialism.
The ladies call themselves the Com
monwealth club and they claim that
their organization is strictly non-parti-
san and that Republicans, Democrats
and Populists may all enlist under their
banner without outraging their sense
of political propriety.
Among the ladies who took part in the
discussion were Mrs. DOster, wife OF the
chief justice of Kansas; Mrs H w.
Roby. Mrs Geo. B. Harrison, whose
husband is owner and editor of the Ad-
vocate; Mrs. S L. Ruggles, mother or
Robert Ruggles, correspondent OF the
Kansas City World; Mrs. Annie L.
Diggs, state librarian; Mrs w. G. Todd,
wife of the former pastor of Unity
church: Mrs. John G. Otis, wife of the
ex-cOngressman; Mrs. Breldenthal'
wife of the state bank examiner, and a
number of others.
The organization is much like a Sun
day school so far as its workings are
concerned. AS a preliminary, lesson
leaves were distributed and then Mrs.
H. w. Roby, the president, took charge
and raped for order Matters of
business nature were first disposed of.
Mrs. Annie l. Digs made statement
concerning the proposed Commonwealth
institute to be held in February, and
then read a resolution which was
adopted.
The president then secured attention
and read from a lesson leaf the ques-
lions, the scholars" replying by read
ing the answers.
The following quotation from the les
son will show the plan Of the club in its
studies:
Question-What is Socialism?
Socialism is that theory of
government which would have all in
iah
ly concern the public convenience and
the public morals, owned and operated
by the public.
Q-Is Socialism an innovation or a
new theory of government?
A-SociaIism is not an innovation, but
an extension of the theory and the func-
lions of the government of the United
States.
Estate definitely the recognition of
the theory of Socialism in the funda-
mental law of the republic.
A-The constitution of the United
States establishes the theory of public
ownership and public conduct of bust
ness in the provision for post roads, for
issuance of money, for military defense,
and for such enterprises of public prop
erty ownership as grow out of invest
ments of taxes, and Of customs and
revenues.
Q-Can a man be a loyal citizen. an
upholder of the constitution and the
laws of the state and nation, without
being in a degree a Socialist?
A-Assuredly not. Loyalty to the
laws and institutions of our country in
voIve the maintenance of the postal
system, of public highways, public wa
ter-ways, public schools and all insti-
buttons now operated by the state or
nation.
Q-What is the theory upon which the
public school system is based?
A-Upon the theory that the repub-
lie must rest upon its intelligence and
the good character of it's citizens. Ir
order toinsure such Intelligence and such
character it became necessary for the
government to assume the responsible
ity of conducting schools for the public.
Q-What is the theory upon which the
Socialist demand for opportunity and
security of industrial employment as
based?
Am idle citizenship is a menace to
the republic Insecurity of employ
ment is demoralizing to character. So
cialism declares that continuous oppor-
tunity of employment can only be Sc
cured through a nationalized system OF
commerce and industry. Government