Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-09-14
MOTHER JONES, 100,
IS SLOWLY DYING
! abor Leader Has No Organic
Trouble, but Is Simply
"Worn Out"

CONTINUED From First Page.)
stefan, is suffering from no organic
disorder, but is dying slowly of starva-
ton. Unless there is an unexpected
change for the better, he said, she will
gradually weaken until the day comes
when her heart will be unable to func-
ton. Ever an outspoken foe of pro-
hibition, she now receives her only
nouriShment from brandy.
Until two days ago her mind ap-
parently retained its full vigor, but
since that time Mrs. Walter E. Burgess.
with whom she lives on Riggs road. near
Hyattsville, has noticed that she is sub
ject to Authorizations. Her voice, once
hearty and strong, has weakened and
she weighs less than 100 pounds
A month ago Rev. william Sweeney of
st. Gabriels' Catholic Church in Pet
worth, administered extreme JUNCTION
and yesterday morning he brought her
the Blessed Sacrament.
Mrs. Burgess is uncertain whether
Mother Jones knows death is imminent.
Certainly she knows she is very Ill.
Yesterday she received q letter ask
ing her to give statement to the news
pnpers setting out why she gave a
check for 81, 900 to fight John L. Lewis.
Has Done All She Could.
"I'm too sick q woman to attend to
that" she told Mrs. Burgess when the
letter was read to her. II have done
all I could for humanity. Others will
have to take up the fight"
She is not too i'll, however, to retain
her opinions on social conditions and
politics, and she Is not too weak TO
express them. Yesterday she talked at
length on women in politics. She thinks
the enfranchisement of women was a
mistake and their participation in poll
tics a catastrophe.
women corrupt the ballot" she de-
clared Women too often can be
bought for a pair of gloves. They should
stay at home and tend to their chill
dren."
In response to q question Of why she
thought women corrupted politics. came
the first admission Mother Jones has
made during her illness that she did
not know the answer to any query.
Had to Be Prompted.
She passed her hand over her fore
head and answered weakly, I don't
know; l can't remember"
why. Mother. don't you remem-
her YOU said 1t was because they are
too narrow minded?" Mrs. Burgess
prompted.
eyes, that was it," Mother Jones re-
piled.
Born in Cork, ireland. on May l.,
1880, Mother Jones came to this coun-
try with her father in the early years
of her life.
After working as teacher and seam
stress she went to Memphis, Tenn. in
1861 and married young iron molder
whom she met there. She became the
mother Of four children and lived an
obscure life until 1867.
In that year a yellow fever epidemic
swept Memphis and carried of one by
one her children and husband. She
prepared them for burial, hearing AL
day long, all night long, the creaking
wheels of the death cart"
After burying her loved ones she went
to Chicago, where she FIRST sprang into
prominence during the hectic days of
the Haymarket riots. She became a
recognized champion of labor and
played prominent roles In strikes
throughout the mining districts OF Colo
rs do, Virginia and West Virginia.
Mother Jones was a born crusader
and a strong individualist. 1t was never
In her to compromise.
The spirit which has carried her
through 100 years-a century filled with
troubles which only the strong could
bear-was illustrated yesterday as the
writer bade her good-by.
Don't say good-by," she reproved.
Say good afternoon. It's never good
by. I'll see all my friends again"