New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-09-19

THEIR COURAGE AND PATIENCE IN WAR
TIME DEMAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

THEIR COURAGE AND PATIENCE IN WAR
TINE DEMAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Ever since the war began" said Mrs Ida Cal
vert Obenchain. In answer TO question 10
women and war. IAN interesting discussion has
been going on I'm the columns OF our papers as 10
what should De the attitude OF women toward the
war question. ono distinguished peace advocate
was much excited by the patriotic utterances
OF some American women that he came near 10 de-
cltring that unless women advocated universal
peace and absolute non-resistance they must for
felt all claim to the ballot This war has brought
out and emphasized anew the fact that II is almost
impossible for men to concode womans right to
the ballot on the Ground Of simple plain. oid-faSh-
toned Justice without any mixture of selfish eX-
pcdiency woman's right vote Is entirely in
depe ndent OF anything she thinks or says does
or IS. and In this respect is precisely Ike a mans
right To vote. The disabilities which the law rec
ogrized obstacle to mans voting the only
disabilities that should bar woman from the ballot
box.
III. however" Mrs. Obenchain went on. "oae
should advocate the REIMBURSEMENT of woman
the ground of her general good behavior and the
likelihood that she will further the Interests and
plans Of men when she Is endowed with the ballot,
great encouragement viii be found In the conduct
Of women during the last three months. Why. the
African savage-to whom we send missionaries
admits to his war councils all the women of his
tribe His argument is that women seriously
Inconvenience by war and that II IS therefore no
more than ordinary justice to allow them to have a
voice in deciding whether IT shall be war peace
for their tribe. American statesmen. the con-
trary. declare war. untrammelcd by The opinions Of
AIMEE lean And how do these women dcport
themselves under such trying circ INST noes? FIRST
they say soodby 80 their husbands sons. brothers
and swcethearts. and then they set about organic
ing Red Cross auxiares and sanitary commits
slons and furnishing hospital ships. and they carry
the American Army and the American Navy
their hearts and brains night and day until peace
Is declared. Would men do as well under similar
conditions"
1t was Impossible to answer this question. but the
speaker did not wait for an answer She went on
earnestly:
Let us suppose that women held the reins Of
government. and that one day begerent
gress OF women declared war without asking the
consent OF the DISTINGUISHED men. And suppose
these helpless citizens had 10 sit stlll and the
wives. mothers, sisters. cousins and aunts OF the
Nation called for volunteer service and marched
sinews of war. think YOU would be furnished by
these and DISTINGUISHED mae creatures?
Upon my word, I believe that In less than forty
eight hours the land would ring with cry OF lie,
us have peace-at any price and II Congress re-
fused accede to this request, there would be a
domestic UPRISING in this land of the free compared
with which Carlist instruction In Spain would be
"a picnic.
Women love peace, but when they find them
selves face face with they are patriotic and
phiosophic enough TO accept the situation say
again. that II woman suffrage Is TO come as n re-
ward OF womans merit and through mans chiv-
airy, IL ought to come AZ the close OF the present
war Women who are faithful to their country
interests whether In war or peace, ought 10 nave
voice In declaring war and maintaining peace. 80