The Washington herald., 1915-04-12

and one from the very nature of
which ii were hoping too much to
expect to be fully successful.
I'm fact. in looking back over the
winters work. | almost wonder that
We kept our little craft 'to use a
popular simileD as steary az we did
and were able to avoid so many of the
rocks and shoals of passion and
prejudice. That we did not finally
strike a mine or encounter a subma-
rine was perhaps due more TO good
luck than good management. though
certainly the good will was never
lacking. as | did most conscientiously
strive to avoid giving offense by SEEM
ing to take sides in the great con-
fict.
Says Statesmen Are stupid.
Il did feel quite free. however,
to declare myself as absolutely 'un-
neutral to the war itself. and to pre-
sent as vivid A picture as possible OF
the wickedness and heartless stupidity
of those groups of European diplo-
mats who. behind the closed doors of
diplomacy. ordained that the first
blow he struck. instead of awaiting
themselves of the mediation of
Hague tribunal And as one of the
organizers of the Woman's Peace Par
~ | rejoice that an opportunity has
been afforded the organized woman
hood of the world to go on record at
The Hague Peace Conference this
month as condemning in unqual lifted
terms this Anticipated and barbaric
method of settling international diff
ficulties by precipitati ting this most I'M
paralleled of crimes against humanity
and civilization. 1t has been well
called by an English writer the bank
ruptcy of craftsmanship
Among the subjects reviewed by Miss
Richards at last Mondays talk were
The Mexican Chaos to Date" the pros
and cons of the China-Japanese con-
troversy relative to the alleged en-
by her dominant little neighbor. Japan:
the latest status OF the negotiations
between the State epartment, Great
Britain. and Germany relative to the
rights and wrongs of American ship
pers on the high seas. quoting from
the records of what has been called
the great International Correspond
ence School.
Concerning home affairs Miss
Richards took up and briefly con-
Iidered school rule 45 as follows:
The most serious result of having
I hard and fast rule OF this kind is
hat 1t violates a recognized economic
principle. The State devotes years
IF skilled training to its teachers be-
lore they are qualified for their task.
70 this the teacher adds perhaps other
Years of practice of the profession,
hereby gaining valuable experience.
IN due time teachers Of either sex may
marry. The theory OF rule IS is. once
/ woman marries her future is as
,ured'
Dat hnr H.
chronic invalid, or loses his job-or
wen deserts her. Wife-deserters have
been heard of. as we all know, The
natural resource OF the woman is to
'eturn to her skilled profession, Here
he is at home and can render good
ervice. while she might keep a very
,oor boarding house and not be able
o earn her salt as a music teacher or
for example.
Door Slammed in Her Face.
Instead. she presents herself before |
'ur school board. which ought to be glad |
o regain her skilled services, onIy TO |
ave the door slammed in her face. A |
Itupid rule that cuts both ways! Why
lot rescind 1t and replace 1t with one |
onferring option upon the board? II |
he woman applicant has ample support.
md is the mother OF small children who |
reed her care. the manifest thing would
'e to turn her down.
ION the other hand. take the case of |
friend of mine In a neighborine State.
whose husband can provide but a measer
Import. insufficient not only for the real |
necessities of life. but for the proper
ducation Of three bright and promising
hildren. The mother. before marriage.
lad been skilled teacher. In their
necessity she again applied for her
chool.