New-York tribune., 1918-06-19
Tells Of Disturbing Intru-
sion of Mrs. Russell
at Canteen"
Tempest in a Teapot
Two Lieutenants Considered
objectionable" and Re.ig-
nations Asked

Mrs. Philip M. Lydig, chairman Of
the Social Welfare Committee Of tAe
Mayors Committee of Women on Ma
tional Defence, addressing members Of
her committee at her home, IA Wash
ington Square, referred to the recent
canteen incident in which che use of
Mrs. Hearst's name was protested, and
the account of which incident forms
the basis of Mrs. Hearst's bel suits
against The Tribune and "The Tines
Mrs. Lydig's remarks were made at
the meeting of the Social Welfare
Committee, but the minutes of this
meeting were Endorsed by members Of
the canteen yesterday. Mrs. Lydig ad-
mitted that two )rmer members Of
the canteen who t.ere obnoxious and
Objectionable" ha 1 not been admitted
to the meeting Of the canteen lieuten-
ants. She added that their resigns
tions had beena forced.
What Mrs. Lydig Said
Mrs. Lydig said at the Social We'll
fare Committee meeting:
"a matter has arlsen which not only
affects our chairman, Mrs. William
Randolph Hearst. but establishes q
precedent which we should take into
consideration, as this precedent is one
which affects human relationships, and
beg to remind you that this is an
opportunity, the first of its kind, that
has come to this committee since we
have had suffrage in this state. 1t has
always been said of women in the past
that they do not stand together.
"You all know the history of the
canteen in Library Park. 1t is the first
open-air canteen for soldiers and sail
ors. The idea originated with cur
chairman, Mrs. Hearst, and she has
given it generous support. You have
heard the captains report on the can
teen, how successful it has been in full
filling it's timely mission; some days
from three to five hundred Of our SOL
diers and sailors have enjoyed its
hospitality.
Cause of Excitement
Zone day certain Mrs. Russell, re-
fusing to give further in ormation
than that her name was Mrs. Rus ell,
entered the canteen and protested
against the name of the cha rnan, in.
flaming the passersby ard causing un-
just eXcitement--a mere tempest In a
teapot. You know how easy it is for
gossip and rumor to spr ad. And
mere tempest in a teapot may assume
disagreeable proportions. TIC stand by
our chairman is on'y human justice
when we consider that to our cha r
man the canteen owes its existence.
The canteen idea was her own or o.
ton; she has at all times contributed
unselhshly her pers nal effort as well
as substantial financial assistance I'm
der the circumstances, a vote Of
thanks and confidence in cur ch ir-
man. Mrs. William Randolph Hearst,
is now in order"
Miss Sara Graham -Mulhall seconded
a motion for vote of thanks offered
by Mrs. George B. Mcclellan. The mo-
. ton:
81 move that vote of thanks be
extended to our chairman, Mrs. Will
| lam Randolph Hearst, the origin tor
of the open-air canteen. and for finan-
cial and personal support she has so
generously given"
Mrs. Henry Explains
Mrs. Nelson Henry, secretary OF the
EXPLAINED that Mrs. Hearst had been.
officially appointed by the. Mayor Of
the City of New York, and it was crn~
ventionally correct to have Mrs
Hearst's name appear in connection
with all activities conducted under her
leadership.
Mrs. Lydig explained to reporters
that all the lieutenants of the canteen
attended yesterdays meeting except
those two who were considered objec-
tionable and whose designations were
! demanded.