The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1912-03-09

narrowness,' said one; 1T is over
strained asceticism," said another; 1T
is lack of culture" said third. mo
matter what it TO-" cried Mrs. Farmer,
well show him what woman can do
with her present limited opportunities,
and what she aspires to do on her
emancipation"
BY preconcerted arrangement of the
members, Father John was the only
gentleman present at the entertain
ment. Seeing this, he felt strongly in
clined to bolt; but he gave up the idea
on looking round and beholding the big
crowd of able-bodied ladies through
which he would have to force his way
Its an awkward fix" he thought to
himself; "but there's no way out of
It,"
The programme announced twelve
thunderstorm pianoforte pieces, four
recitations, three Interpretations" (of
Browning), and a paper to be read by
the president herself. (This was un-
derstood to be "the feature" of the
evening.)
AS this is not report Of the enter
tainment for The Bulletin, it is not
necessary to give a detailed estimate
of the musical, Evolutionary and exc
getical performances. Altogether they
We're highly creditable; and, notwith-
standing his scant sympathy, Father
John was delighted. But he kept
thinking, what pity it was that all
this beautiful display of talent and
effort should not be exhibited in the
home rather than in public hall. Why
not give husbands and children a share
In the refined pleasure of it? Why
this cleavage between home-life and
healthy, intelligent entertainment?
Mrs. Farmers paper, though some
what stilted and amateurish in style,
showed much careful study and elabor-
alton. The theme was, "Woman's
Right to Share in the Best Things of
Life" These were defined to be
everything from the presidency down
wards that men covet, and fight for,
and monopolize. 1.-THE emancipation
of woman" she contended, from pres
ent disabilities, inequalities, distinc-
tons, and exclusions must be the next
stage in the evolution of the race 1t
is her right, of which she has been
cruelty deprived by the selfish policy
of barbarous past This is the mis-.
sion of our great republic-the pro,
clamation of womans right to perfect
equality, as an example and inspiration
to the world. Read history, and see
what failure man has been-what a
middle he has made of religion, legis.
lation, adminfstration-in a word of
every department of organized human
life."
Enthusiastic applause was showered
on the president at the conclusion OF
her address; and then followed loud
cries Of Father John, Father John
He shook his head vigorously; but the
more he shook it, the louder grew the
cries; and when he reached out his
hand to take up his hat, young school
teacher whisked 1t away from him and
retired with it to the lower end OF
the hall. Realizing the humor of the
situation, he gave in, and ascending
the platform, began:
Father Johns Talk.
Mrs. President and members of the
Literary Club, I congratulate
you on the noble purpose of self-devel
opment that motives your society.
congratulate you also on the earnest
ness, the intelligence, the industry
with which you are striving to achieve
that purpose; and am confirmed In
my estimate of your work by the singu
lar merit of the paper We have JUS
heard read. will spare the writer's
modesty, and make no further refer
ence to its high literary qualities. But
on the subject-matter of the paper
the proposed revolution in woman's
status, her claim to share in the con
troll and management of the social ma
chinery, her willingness to barter hel
traditional privileges for her alleged
rights-on these, with your permits
sion, would say few words.
"The status of woman, as wife ant
mother, is determined by God Him
self, who has left the perpetuation o.
the race dependent on her. Yet by this
determination He would coerce no in