New-York tribune., 1908-01-11
# FEMININE INVASION.
Women 4ppeal to ~. S. Cabinet"
for Right to Remain "WOmanly."

While the suffragettes were holding forth in Mad
ison Square yesterday morning an eloquent plea
against the granting of the suffrage to women
delivered by Mrs. Belle de Rivera before the
Cabinet of the United States represented for the
occasion by the Post-Parliament Club.
The Cabinet" met at u o'clock in the Waldorf
Astoria TO consider curious petition which had
been the President. It unfit said
the Chief Magistrate (Mrs John Fowler Trow) that
such petition should be sent to the President,
but the Constitution of the country was such that
the President prey TO any sort of petition
that any fit to draw up. This
mated from the united clubwomen Of the United
States and asked for the creation of department
devoted to the interests of women. with a seat
in the Cabinet. 1t full cf inaccuracies evil
IDENTIFY the product of most uninteigent minds
and quite unworthy the attention of such
august body as the Cabinet of the United States,
yet the President anxious to have the opin-
ion of his colleagues upon the subject and hoped
they would be brief.
The Attorney General (Mrs. J. H. Crosman)
the only friend the petition had and he
anxious to carry his point that he had armed
himself with copy Of Blackstone and cOmpen-
dum of lave. Yet the Attorney Generals
strong enough TO do without any of these
aids. The granting of the petition would bring
with it the right of suffrage and the participation
of women in all public affairs. he pointed out.
and then he would be able to fill all his subor
dnate offices with women lawyers
But the other members OF the Cabinet could
the danger involved in letting out of her
proper sphere.
There is only way deal with women"
said Secretary of State (Mrs. Gerard Bancker).
Keep them down; keep them down.
When the Cabinet had had its say the speakers
of the two houses and an anti-suffrage delegation
introduced. The delegation recited in chorus
that they wanted to be womanly women. and their
leader, Mrs. de Rivera. asked nervousy if the ser
geant at arms (Mrs. E. A Tuttle) had taken the
necessary precautions for her safety.
Il understand that the suffragists have taken to
militant methods" she said. and l fear my life
is not safe" Having been assured that she had
nothing to fear, she said
Il hope. Mr.. President and gentlemen, that you
Will not listen these misguided females Bid
them return their homes and leave the men
TO what in their infinite wisdom they think
best for themselves. Woman belongs in the home.
While she is shut up in the kitchen man is com
paratively safe. If you grant this petition there
will no longer be any marriages and on every
side shall hear the wailing of husbands who
have no one to wait upon them. The stOrk will
cease to make its kindly visits. There will be no
more babies. and land will be full Of children
perishing for want of a mothers tender And
in Congress. where all has been peaceful-only
one case Of fsticuffs during the present session
consider what would happen when you try ~
prescribe under what conditions women shall eat
their food where and when they shall smoke, If
they are around there will be trouble, and if not
trouble then love. Grave Senators will succumb
to a winning smile a stunning gown instead or
10 the almighty dollar, in which trust"
The speaker Of the Senate. Mrs. Helena Secor
TONES objected to the petition because he wanted
to be President.
arled pIaintively but they will believe it.
Thus ended the audience The Cabinet rose with
sigh Of relief after arduous session and went
10 4 well earned luncheon.