The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1910-05-24
A PLEA FOR THE LADIES.
Deploring the Policy Pursued in the
Mems Literary Grub.

Deploring the Policy Pursued in the
Mems Literary Grub.
One of the deplorable elements Of
modern social condition from wo-
mans stand point, is the exclusive
policy pursued by the mems literary
and intellectual clubs. This is no
where more to be regretted than in a
town so small and condensed as is
Morristown. Where the advantages
of mental and moral inspirations
would be of incalculable benefit to all,
the habit of excluding one half of the
population. and that certainly not the
worst half, is felt keenly by those dis
criminated against. This arises doubt
less, from precedent and time honored
custom, but the progressive spirit of
the age is breaking down the barriers
between the intellectual pursuits of
men and women, and unity Christian
unity. social unity is the slogan of the
day. 1t has sometimes seemed to wo-
man kind, that man has cherished a
grudge against her ever since that
missing rib, away back in the begin
ming of things. One of their oracles
has proclaimed Mans first sleep was
his last repose,s but, on the other
hand, were it not for this disturbed
rest, might he not be slumbering still!
During the past winter, there have
been many mental feasts reported
from the Mems club. Local divines,
philosophers and professors, and men
of distinction from abroad, have "held
forth, !" to the great edification of mas
culine audiences. Women have lis
tened to and read these reports at
home, eagerly wishing they might
have bean among the favored partici-
pants.
The layman missionary dinner was
one Of these occasions, and though we
learn that certain favored ladies were
allowed to sit in the galleries, it was
practically a sealed book to the Norris
town women. And is there anv move
ment in the world that counts among
its self-sacrifcing devoteeS more i'm
portant3 factor the women? What
would the cause be without them, and
yet, dear as it is to their hearts, those
in MorristoWn were denied the privi-
lege of listening to these addresses of
inspiration and experience on that
theme. And now. crowning disap-
pointment! Along comes the mayor
of Plainfield. the exponent of triumph
ant civic endeavor in city which is a
model for all. 1t will be remembered
when the mems Civic association of
this town invited the women to join
them in their efforts toward town im-
provement, how promptly and in what
gratifying numbers the women re-
sponded, and ever since they have put
forth every endeavor to gain informa-
tion in this line. to seize every sugges-
tion that would advance them in civic
knowledge. When Mayor Fisk's COM
ing was announced to speak on this
subject, they welcomed the opportun-
ity as one of great import, when they,
in common with the rest2of the COM
munity, were calmly informed by
placard and through the press, that
the men of Morristown were invited
All classes of women are not repre-
sented in the Molly Coddler and the
militants. the clinging yines' and
the suffragettes. Between these au-
tithetical types there is in Morristown
as elsewhere, large body of women
practical, level-headed and large Of
heart, who welcome with eager hands
every movement toward the improve
iment and elevation of mankind, and
though they are charged with fond
ness for indirect methods falsely We
think) the kind of indirection they
surely object to, is that of gaining
their knowledge secondhand through
their men friends. They want it first
hand, and through themselves.
Therefore. gentlemen of the Mems
club, while they do not desire to be
come members of your association
may they not ask that in your oper
meetings they may be allowed to pro
fit by the feasts of reason and flow
of soul" with which your program;
are so richly endowed? Do not longer
keep all these good things for your.
selves, but give the women also a
chance. JUsTITIA.