New-York tribune., 1907-12-07
Of Interest ~
TO 6Uomen.
SUFFRAGIS1'S NET UP
Mrs Blatch and Mrs. Wells Squah-
bIed IN True Feminine F'ashlcn.

N-x Harriet Stanton Blatch and Mrs Borrman
Wells the English suffragette, met up" with each
other as the WesterneTs at yesterday session
of the Equal Suffrage League and 1t was ike tha'
nther famous occasion when Greek met Greek Inc
ting of war that followed almost made 1t necessary
for Mrs de Rivera, the president to buy new
Kavel with which to conduct future meetings
The league foregathered usual at the Hotel
Astor meaning have real NICE peacefui uii'e
discussing the following question: Resolved mat
the of woman suffrage is advanced oy women
taking part in politics."
Mrs Borrrnan Wells there guest Mrs
Wells who is well known worker in the Natlonai
women's Social and Political Union over in Eng
land has come to America 10 preach militant meas
ures to her sister sTffragists in this couh-
try but yesterday she sat meeky in a back seat al
first looking fetching and feminine in white nat
and furs Mrs. Blatch quite as meek, sat near
her and everything seemed serene
Mrs. john f Trow, chairman of the legislative
committee had charge of the debate. Mrs. Lydia
h Commander, who spoke the affirmative side,
raised the first ripple on the smooth waters. After
telling the women TO get into the game" any way
they could and warning them not TO take men
politicians anyhow-on al idealistic plane she
asked them if they supposed the Republican party
gave the negroes the ballot because It loved the
negroes
1T gave the negroes the ballot il wanted
them to help keep it in power she cried Half a
dozen women popped out of their seats like corks
-'Oh. my Lord" breathed
she doesn't know what she is talking about.
echoed indignant chorus. But Mrs. Commander.
looking valiant in green suit and purple hat. had
her out. ITS You help me and I'll help YOU
in politics., she ended And. ladies. get into the
game
Mrs de Rivera spoke on the negative side. vacat-
ing the chair for the debate. and then Mrs. Fred
erick Nathan took the affirmative. Mrs Nathan
deprecated Mrs Commanders notion that all the
in politics Were bad A few more guns were
fired off either side and then the supply of
negative speakers gave out
Mrs Blatch wont helm u.s. asked Mrs
Trow.
Mrs Blatch shook her head.
Mrs. Bowman Wells. the impored the chair
man. Won't Mrs Wells say few words on the
negative sidecT
she replied. In this debate am most emphaticaly
for the affirmative
Il afraid said Mrs de Rivera sweety.
THAT the ladies have not grasIed the principle of
a debate. If debaters would never take any but
the side which their convictions lay there would
be many debates.
Mrs Julia Goldzier declared herself ready to take
the negative side. and she took it with dash and
fury that parayzed her audience She began by
apolosizng. saying she must prepare her hearers
for dynamite.
''oh go on. give us the dynamite" murmured
Mrs Blatch
THE whole political power belongs to women
cried Mrs Goldziei. 1T belttles to take it
step by step The English women have seen the
Hght-just little; hut they are conservative.
They think they're very radical. with glance at
Mrs Wells. but they're not Every great cause
was gained through boodshed. The workingmen
forced their way into Parliament with riot and
bloodshed. Our country gained its freedom with
bloodshed Women must win the suffrage
"Boodshed?" inquired a mocking voice in the
front row.
debate?" broke in Miss Mary Garrett Hay Let
US keep to the resolution. Madame Chairman. 1
suggest that you read the card
Why where is the card? asked the chairman,
asitatedly. Did put II in my pocket2
The card could not he found but without its aid
Mrs Goldzier was shunted into her chair.
Ttne rraeu discussion then began Miss Jeanette
Baird started il by asserting that married women
should be debarred from political privileges
Married women happy she declared
The married present laughed derlsIVely-
Married women are happy" Miss Baird reiter-
ated with shade of wistfulness. and their votes
would duplicate their husbands. Let the ballot
be given bachelor women and widows who pay
taxes and have to represent them.
Then Mrs de Rivera suggested that Mrs Wells.
who had declined To speak on the negative side,
would perhaps give the league the pleasure OF hear
ing her the affirmative side Mrs Wells came
forward sInilingly- She related some Of the ag-
sressve methods Of the suffragettes- She did not.
she said nor cid any of her o-workers, believe
that IL would be well for the woman suhras1sts 10
affiate themselves with any English political
party .... :.
given us as a favor. and can be taken away
That has been proved in England The rght 10
have a voice IN educational matters was given
women and taken away The rlsiit 10 slt III coIlts
councils given women and taken away: IL Is
true that it again given them, last august.
when the qualifications hill was passed put 'iiat
only rroyes what ! say. Such power as we nave
depends on the whim of the legislators. and until
we have the full franchise il viii be So Women
have too long worked for suffrage il the gentle
shall ! say the iadyiike-way
II must rise TO say rnurmured Mrs de Rivera.
how charmed l am to hear Mrs Heis speaking 50
effectively the negative side
THE negative?" said Mrs Wells, with look OF
horror why no: / affrmatve-T'-
.sDid YOU not say demanded Mrs Trow, sternly.
..ttaf Won would disapprove of the suffragists
afiliating themselves with any poducal party!
,hat they should have all or nothng?"