New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-06-18
ARMIES OF WOMEN"
Some Potent Reasons for Reject
ing DR.. Sargeut's Proposal
To the EdItor Of nc TrIbnne.

Sir: Various editorials Suggesting "Why
not armies Of women" based on DR.. Dud-
ley Sargont's reported statement that women
might DO trained 20 fight as well as mon
seem particularly unfortunate at this time
Of almost universal warfare and feministc
agitation, as likely TO promugate an idea Of
v;oman's physical abilities that would react
20 the disadvantage Of the sex as well as the
race. The writer has given n great deal OF
study to this particular subject from the
atandpoint Of physical instructor and from
that Of a man who has served with and seri-
cusly observed the soldiers and military dis
ciplinc Of various nations. Therefore hope
you Will see fit to print the following rehec-
lions in opposition 70 such theories which |
trust vii! interest your readers and produce
more thought on this subject well.
The assumption Of womans physical equal
itv TO man, which is the basis Of the plea
that she might serve in armies, is not borne
out by the experience of any race or tribe
in the world, savage or civilized. It Is per
fectly true that women can stand lower tenn
rcraturcs than men and endure more pain
natural advantages given her to conserve
the life Of her child. Also smaller bones,
more adipose tissue and a different distribu-
ton of balance enable women to float or
swim more easily than men and produce the
difference in the position OF floating bodies
of men and women who are drowned. On
tho other hand, woman's sex limits her IN
every activity requiring sustained muscular
cxertion, long standing the bearing Of heavy
burdens or the use Of primitive or modern
weapons.
A reflection on the different physical d.
veopment Of the sexes, even among the lower
animals, always shows more strength and
activity in the male, and here no difference
in alleged training" or Opportunity" can
be adduced. The mare when not in foal IS
often as strong as the horse, but never the
physical equal Of her brother who is stall
lion, and this comparison will hold good with
most of the lower animals. When we come
TO women, however, we find not only the limi-
tations OF the lower animals, but another
serious handicap, as woman is subject to de-
presrions. during which rest and quiet are
absolutely necessary to preserve her health.
Even among savage tribes, where women
are required TO endure hardships unknown
to civilized women, the strain Of hard work
is seen TO have an opposite effect from that
which athletic training in mild exercises
gives the college girl The woman OF the
savage tribe is invariably smaller and weaker
than her mate, and woman's nearest approx
nation to man in stature and physical de
yelopmcnt does not take place where she is
required 70 DO the heaviest work, but where
she gets the most rest, along with light eX-
crcises that do not strain her delicate or
eanism. The modern American girl is larger,
stronger and better developed than her
mother, or than the savage woman, because
she gets more play and exercise an alto
gethcr different thing from hard labor, as all
physical instructors know. Military service,
as most men realize, IS one Of the hardest
occupations even in times of peace for men,
as forced marches, long watches, irregular
periods Of rest etc, drain the vitality more
quickly than regular employment eight or
ten hours a day in ordinary industry. In
war time ha~dships are multiplied a hun
drcdfold yet even i'm peace army and navy
officers find that the average man must be
hardened" and put through an extended
physical training to become able to endure
even sham battle manpuvres. Watch the
drawn faces of militia company returning
were not adequately prepared: appIv this TO
women. the mothers Of the race. and then ask
if we desire "armies of women"
Women warriors would be the last word
In barbarous reversion, and this constant
talk Of physical equality is likely 10 produce
a popular misCOnccptlOn Of women that would
wipe out the chIyalrous concessions and
legislative exemptions that women must have
to lead normal lives and that the race re-
quircs for them, If We are to have a healthy
next generation. 1t seems shame, after
centuries Of civilization have developed spe-
cial industrial laws for woman. done away
with much or her househo!d drudgery and
required her husband 70 support ana protect
her' that 'hough'Iess agitations ana unre-
meeting professors shouId proclaim mat she
should be treated IKE an indian or Igorrote.
Is mere any U'"eI ""S'5 LOT occurring
man ma" 10 suppoIl me woman ne nnaII'eS cNcep,
s"e ~ "''"'Se o. 'g' p'ys'I"I
''"H I''@S an" BECAUSE '!e "".I"' o"SPI'"E