New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-09
WOMEN MAY BE MEMBERS.
Only Temporary Victory, Declare
OppOSers IN Bar Association.

Disregarding all sordid considerations of COM
fort and easy freedom, the members of the Bar
Association gave their galIantry free play last
night and voted down amendment to the con-
stitution which would bar women from becoming
members. To be sure, this was only tempo
rary. for the agitation first started when Miss
RosaIie Loew suggested for membership
will be brought up again, but the earnest cham
pions of distressed fair damsels will doubtless
enter the lists then to champion the cause of
the woman barrister.
1t must be recorded, however, that it was by
an extremely small margin that the amendment
to the constitution voted down. The con-
siderations OF physical pleasure, the occasional
cigar the coatless workroom the festal supper
after the meeting when the members are RECALLED
with STORIES" tempted them. and many yielded
and voted to exclude the pride of the lists.
1t to them therefore decided surprise
that the amendment was not passed. That they
will bring it up again is certain. Silas B.
Brownell the secretary, declared that the
amendment was only temporarily not passed"
The game last night, therefore, was hardly
worth the candle particularly the immediate
subject Of all the discussion-AIiss Loew-out-
witted them all before the meeting, when she
had her name Withdrawn from consideration
on finding there was such a. storm in a teacup
over it.
Several weeks ago Edward B. Whitney pro-
posed Miss Loew for membership, and Cephas
Brainard seconded the idea. Objections arose
Immediately. The association. the men said, had
been free and easy WORKSHOP, where men could
sit IN their shirt sleeves, smoke and even loose
an occasional objurgation when the necessity
arose To have women about would be a null
sance. The women. they held would feel
comfortable as the men, and it would be much
better not to have them around.
Six weeks ago Alexander V. Campbell. with
nine other men, announced that he would pro-
pose to amend the constitution. which now reads
that amy member Of the profession" In good
standing, living practising in the city, may
become member of the association by comply
ing with the requirements to read any male
member" The amendment came up on schedule
last night. Mr.. Campbell and others spoke
favoring it.
William A. burlington, George w. Wicker
sham James Byrne and Payson Merrill. with
many others. however, actively opposed the
amendment. 1t would. they held. tend to limit
the aspirations of the professional woman if she
were barred out from professional bodies in that
shape and it savored of unjust discrimination.
With many illusions "a the ability of women in
the profession and their inspiration and gracious
influence at which the scoffers scoffed duly, the
vote was taken and barely missed the two-thirds
ma jority necessary to passage. There was Wig
orous applause when the result became known.
There was some routine business transacted
before the vindication of the modern man. The
committee on the proposed legislation amending
Z he surrogate's procedure approved some of the
legislation suggested by the committee of the
STATE Bar Association and ordered that this be
printed and distributed among the members.
The two main points are 10 extend the surro-
gates Jurisdiction to the administration and dis
Of estates and 10 make his decree and
probate conclusive or real estate, as well as
personal property. Several new members We're
elected and various committees appointed