The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1932-02-19

Rev James NJ. ellis, c. S. p,
editor of the Catholic World and
noted lecturer paid tribute last
evening to Mrs Frank p. McEvoy
Of this city and other patriotic
American women for their cour-
ageous' stand against the adoption
of birth control principles. Father
ellis referred to Mrs McEvoy's
statement on the occasion of the
Connecticut League of Women
Voters in session here last Novem-
Der. The speech was broadcast
over Station WLWL of the Paul
list Fathers. 1t marked a public
answer to recent article in THE
Nation" by Mrs Charlotte Perkins
Gilman Of Norwich, one of the
best known Of American authors
ard lecturers. Mrs Gillman's arti-
Gle was an attack made on Mrs
McEvoy's views for she was in
s.rumental in preventing the asso-
cation from adopting resolution
calling for the adoption of birth
control program by the league.
Mrs Gillman's article appeared
in the January issue of THE Ma
ton" attacking opponents Of birth
control. While she did not men
ton the name of Mrs McEvoy the
Inference was very apparent as
Mrs Gilman had been partici-
pant at the leagues session here
and was numbered among the re-
preventative audience of members
when Mrs McEvoy made the state
nent that as a Catholic she could
not subscribe to birth control doc
trine and very plainly informed
the delegates that If the league in
sisted upon passing the measure
that she would be obliged to re-
sign her membership. She intim-
ated that hundreds of other Cath
clio women affiliated with the
league would also feel 1t incum-
bent upon themselves to Withdraw
as it meant a conflict between the
views OF the league and those held
the incident and many comments
by the Catholic church. a..
Statewide publicity was given
made on the stand of Catholic
women on the study Of birth con-
troll and the leagues vote to dis
miss the resolution from its pro-
gram. Father Gillis, referring to
the incident declared that the
slSirmish was likely to have all
the Importance of worldwide
battle. He likened the shot here
in the interest of the cause to the
shot fired at Lexington. There Is
q grave possibility, even a prob
ability that measure tn study
birth control would have been &C
copied were 1t not FOR the action
of Mrs Frank p. McEvoy, wife Of
Il superior court judge and q
member of the league" Father
ellis remarked over the air last
evening.
"This good woman is amazingly
active in religious, patriotic and
social organizations" Father Gill
liz continued. Her good works are
legion. If / were to enumerate
them all / would take all of the
time allotted to me-" He did. how
ever, sketch briefly. Mrs McEvoy's
during the war and since
and highly commended her for her
jealous endeavor in behalf of the
church.
"Mrs Gilman. termed Mrs Nc
Evoy's action an attempt to stir up
religious prejudice" said Father
ellis. "She saw in it an attempt
10 pTcNeHL IOu-SdthOilC
Of the league from studying birth
control by the threat of wholesale
designations of Catholic members.
She was not content with that in
d4ctment of one who in reality has
given splendid demonstration of
&C nscience and courage. Mrs Gill
man took the occasion to say other
offensive and melting things.
Defends Action
Ignorance and stupidity are
often backed by the enormous
power of religion. Every religion
desires to increase it's embership
and intelligence and ability are not
Of prospective members.
The church considers low mental
Ivy no obstacle.
ut is generally supposed that
rights Of conscience are inviolable
and that religious convictions are
But Mrs McEvoy, as a
penalty for speaking out in the