New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-11-30
Says Feminism
Is Mischievous

Editor Of The Tribune Woman's Forum.
Sir: May | ask the courtesy OF your
columns to reply TO "A Dealer in Facts"
who takes exception to my letter, re-
Gently printed by you?
He gives iliteracy percentages which
are absolutely accurate, and yet which DO
not invalidate my main contentious. As
said the Russell Sage Foundation report
marks a great falling off in educational
efficiency IN Colorado In the last decade.
The iliteracy figures for Massachusetts
high as they are, but strengthen my con-
tcntion that il is the presence OF the alien
in these crowded industrial states Of the
East that makes the problems Of the East
vastly different from the West. And,
aside from illiteracy, the fact also re-
mains that these people OF other lands,
even where not illiterate, have need Of
much training before they are in any way
qualified properly TO comprehend our gov
ernmental traditions and ideals and to
help to shape our future.
The problems, quite apart from Tilt.
eracy percentages, are, by virtue OF DIFF
entirely different in different states.
A census report proves nothing either
way, unless Il be used to study carefully
the electoral constituency in various
parts of the country.
The investigation OF \. A. Berle. Of
Salem, Mass. into the opinion Of both
men and women of Denver, ana the state
at large. prominent and reliable as these
men and women were known TO be in
their various communities. gave test-
mony TO the fact that they did not point
with pride To Denver" as an example OF
the political condition of a large city with
an electorate of both sexes.
No anti-sufragist intends TO misiead or
10 juggle with facts. Our very honest
enCeavor is TO find out what is actually
best for our country at large, for It's
women as whole; to lay aside the ndl-
vldual argument; to make justice a
word which shall cover more than isolated
groups; to reduce theorizins to practical
application; to insist upon fair dealing
and straight argument from our or
ponents, and to indulge In no petty con-
troversies or personal rancor. The mat
ter is vital to the welfare of our country;
We ask that II be studied grayely, quietly
without prejudice or anger.
We believe that those who advocate
equal suffrage are seeking to benefit the
nation; we ask that they extend 70 US
the courtesy of accepting our statement
that We also, by steadfastly opposing
their ideas and methods. and no less
earnest in our desire TO secure the good
OF all.
All we say is-the suffragists have pro-
posed tremendous and farreaching
change, which, once made, is impossible
of reconsideration, and they owe IL 10 the
entire country to stop everything except
the demonstration OF their theories
Mrs. Pankhurst's presence among Us
provoked a considerable amount OF SYM
PATTY for miitancy and noticeable sym
PATTY for the mischievous doctrines Oh
feminism. Our cities were flooded Win
literature OF type suitable only ~
perusal by trained and disciplined minds
our young women before this were learn
ing TO converse without blush upon
topics safe only for mature men ana
women who are doing expert work
There Is nothing to be gained from TINS
wicked loosening of all bonds Of decent
speech.
These things are following in the tram
of this serious discussion. IL Is pTooaoH
inevitable and will ole a natural dea'h
but many will never recover from ths
shock and stain OF the reckless generah'
cations INDUCED in by Miss Pankhurst'
once more, let us all read and thlhA
and watch. Let us read the pamphle'
known as the Bondwoman,' by DORA
Marsden; Miss Kenton's article IN Tie
November Century; the article in mar
per's Weekly on THE Younger Sunras-
lists" by Winnifred Cooley. Then read
reasons against suffrage as given .!
Elihu Root, Everett =. Wheeler Mi@
William Forse Scott, Mrs. Francis ScoH'
Miss Minnie Bronson. and Mrs. a. =
George. In fact, read everything WV
can get from both headquarters ana from
department stores. Only by doing tHs
can one make up his mind fairly. II d
of no value TO listen to street coih.'
speeches. These speakers are neshs'VN
SO far as common sense understands
Of the subject for thinking person .
concerned. DO your own thInklas' DC
your own Judge
GRACE DUFFIELD GOODWIN
Westiield, n. j.