Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1919-02-26
The Struggle


For the third time since she had
come TO Arcadia Edith had lnno-
Gently prcCipitated IA tempest IN the
community. Her human and modern
spirit had come into clash with the
commonplace and conservative point
OF view OF those women who rightly
or wrongly formed public opinion In
Arcadia.
She had won on both previous oo-
caHions and had with her victories
perceptibly broadened and human
ized many Arcadlans. But this last
tempest aroused by her teaching her
children the truth of the founda-
mental questions her children asked.
threatened more trouble to her COM
fort than the previous Disagree
ments. Each parent felt called upon
by the situation either to confess to
the children that they had stuffed
them with barren myths or To cling
TO their versions.
The many women who chose the
later alternative were compelled to
keep their youngsters away from tho
Fcrrol children; for Virginia and
Jackie had become Jealous defenders
and missionaries OF their mothers
version OF the origin Of life
hut II there were those who with
drew their children and their visits
from tho Fcrrols there were con-
sidernble--thc most Intelligent In
Arcadia not only were In SYM
apthy with EdRh's point OF view but
championcd II In public. The coun-
try club porches echoed to excited
discussions OF the subject ono side
declared Edith Fcrrol's views n
menace. the other thought them the
only version worth while.
Tho controversy did not stop Mt
discussion over teacups. The chill
dron OF the community-thc worst
gusslps in any community threw
themselves hotly into the dispute as
one which arose with them. affected
them and belonged TO them,
The teachers In the neat. stone
schoolhouse In Arcadia had to de-
eide many a heated argument on the
subject among their pupils and did
not know which way 10 turn, II
they decided with the Ferrul chill
drcn the champions of Ediths
views. they would bring about their
ears the Indignation OF parents OF
the opposite camp. II they sup
ported the BACON childrcn's version
OF the origin of human llfe, they
would be teaching what they knew
was false.
In their distress they appealed to
the district superintendent OF
schools lie had mot the situation
before In other districts and had
settled II IN his own way
lie usually called a public meet
ing to discuss the question OF what
should be taught the children OF Ar
Cadia IN the way of sex education.
Edith Ferrot and Miss Scldcn were
invited TO present their side OF the
controversy Armed with Miss Sell
don's scientific knowledge aud train
Ing. and strengthened by the author
ity OF Edith and other sympathizers
who had actually put into practice
what they were now upholdlng In
debate, tho prugressiNcs over
whelmed tho rcaCtionnries with the
effectiveness OF their arguments.
But II the other slide was over
whelmed with arguments, they did
not surrender, Tho meeting, Which
was largely attended, did not end
the controversy. on the contrary, u
raised It to moro lr+cnsg pitch
Other country clubs took W the
question. while IN Arcadia IL became
the burning topic Of the day. rcIips-
iGt even the oertn'n Approach OF
war
Al this was preparing nm excellent
prospect for the reception of Tho
Question of l,f.' when % should ap-
pear for news of the forthcoming
boo. had spread
THIS prospective interest not only
had To offset q surIuug sacrifice tho