The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1914-02-22

Every woman has a right to be an
individual in the fullest meaning of the
word. She has a right to live her life
to the utmost, making it count for the
betterment of the race and the happi-
ness OF the world" says Minnie Mad
dern Fiske. Americas foremost actress
and one of Americas most intellectual
women
"If woman awaited herself OF these
rights, the solution of the vital problems
OF the world would soon be effected. I'm
DER existing circumstances il often
seems impossible for her TO enjoy such
freedom. But, regardless of whether she
is restricted by the laws of the land or
liberated by them from the traditional
mains-woman is the ultimate analysis
of life
THE question of woman's rights is
such a stupendous one l hesitate to ap-
proach it," continues Mrs. Fiske. But
the more deeply one goes INTO the sub
ject, the more one is convinced that the
right to vote is the least important OF
them all, unless that right is used to
bring about the thousand other rights
that prccedc IT,
rs it not strange that we bring to our
time. our best thoughts and our highest
aspirations to bear upon almost every
business, profession and art in the world
but the one thing that underlies all
the great art of living
Seems Strange.
Working women of all ages are sub
ject to conditions that are a detriment
to their health and a menace to their
morals. In an age when economics plays
so important a part in the business OF
the world, il seems strange that the
economic conservation of the race should
not be taken into account. In many
places where girls and women arc en-
ployed the hours of labor are too long
and the kind OF labor too hard. In spite
of the persistent talk about the equality
of men and women, few would claim
physical equality for the sexes. If the
circumstances warrant. it does not seem
to me that there can be any objection to
a woman pursuing any rational form of
labor. do think. however. that there
should be moro than work in a won=an's
life"
What would be your idea of brighten
ing the lives of such girls and women?"
IT would give every one Of them some
worthy interest in life. / would teach
them some form of expression, into which
they could put their best thoughts. Ex-
pressidn is one of the essential things
of life. Every girl has her hopes and
aspirations. II she has an opportunity
to express them in some form Of work
or art, she is happy. If she is denied
this means of transmitting her ideas, or
doesn't know how to find the means. she
is restless and unhappy. And often this
very reaching out for some form of ex-
preston leads her into ways that the
world condemns. And yet her crime. II
such it be. Is one OF innocence and igno-
rance. Elemental insistence for freedom
is often stronger than the restraints OF
social conditions"
DO you think such a mistake irrepar-
able?'
'I do not, II through one unconscious
offense comes an understanding OF right
and wrong. and with that understanding
a future right purpose in life. Christs
message to the world was one OF hope,
not of despair. He opened the door, he
did not close it
"One who willingly violates the laws OF
Sod and man brings upon himself his