New-York tribune., 1918-05-04
$500 Women Hiss
Defence of German
Language Papers
Miss Reifert's Plea Causes
"Near Riot" at Federation
of Clubs Convention
By BRIGGS

Miss Edith Reifert, formerly presi-
dent of the Society of American Women
of German Descent, was the storm
centre for the Kisses Of twenty-five hun
dred members of the New York City
| Federation of Women's Clubs, at their
annual convention at the Hotel Astor
yesterday.
The "near riot" was caused by Miss
Reifert's protests against a resolution
asking that the publication of news
{ papers in German be forbidden The
resolution was introduced by Mrs. w.
! Sporborg.
MADAM President" called Miss
Reifert, and the twenty-five hundred
women Immediately fastened hostile
glances upon her. "Two members of
the Unitea states Senate have repudi-
on the ground that it is undemo-
cratic"
Instantly the room filled with Kisses.
"You put yourselves in the category
with snakes when you hiss," Miss
Reifert snapped, and the tumult grew
louder. Cries of "Put her out!" and
"She's pro- German!" were heard, and
the women all rose to their feet, shout
ing and calling. Miss Reifert stood
her ground until order was partly re-
stored.
Mrs. John Francis Yawger, president
of the federation, put the question. 1t
was carried with a rising vote, every
person on the floor voting aye except
Miss Reifert. She rose and stood,
solitary, angry figure, in the middle of
the room.
81 go on record as opposed to this
resolution" she said, "bccause it is un-
just to the German-Americans
"There are no Americans"
"Not just to German Americans" :"
she repeated, "nor in accordance with
the dem ocratic principles Of my coun-
try'-
"What is your country?" This rang
from hundred throats. Mrs. Belle de
Rivera, honorary president of the fed
GRAFTON, then took command of the
situation. Pointing a stern finger at
Miss Reifert, she said:
eyes, what is your country? Did you
mean America when you said your
country?"
Eyes, of course" said Miss Reifert.
81 have no other country but America"
This declaration saved her from any
formal action on the part of the feder-
alton, but the women cast angry
glances in her direction more than
once during the rest of the proceed
ings. Later, during patriotic speech
by Rabbi Stephen Wise, she rose and
left the hall.
"No, we shall not take any action
against her." said Mrs. Yawger last
night "She and the pro- Germans will
find they won't be happy here"
"We'll freeze her ont - waS Mre dc
Rivera's comment.
Miss Reifert founded the Society ot
American Women of German Descent
many years ago, but at the time of the
United States declaration of war she
stated 1T was a patriotic organization
and would work for war relief.
Rabbi Wise caused almost as great 6
attacked Mayor Hylan for his attitude
toward the Board of Health
"Our municipal Marceline" he dubbed
Mayor Hylan. while the women stamped
and applauded.
Chief Magistrate William McAdoo
shook hands with Rabbi Wise as he
passed him on the platform Mrs
Hylan and her daughter, Miss Virginia
Hylan, had been on the platform in the
morning. but they had left before
Rabbi Wise spoke.
! Colenel John T. c. Tillson, U. s. A.
in command of Fort Jay, on Gov
ernor's Island. was the last speaker
He called on the women to dismis.
their chauffeurs, saying there were
enough drivers of pleasure cars t.
build all the ships America needs tt
carry her soldiers to France.
Mrs. Henry Clark Coe, chairman O.
Patriotism, displayed a gold media
which was given to her two days age
by the French Consul for her son
Arthur Paul Coe, who is driving al
American ambulance in France. TIL,
federation sent cable of congratula
tion to the young hero.
Five hundred and fifty rollars il
small sums was taken up in a shoe
box to buy Liberty bond for the
federation.