Evening star., 1940-03-23
World Lapsing
Into Dark Age, ;
Dr.. Beard Says
Historian Addresses
DeIto Koppo Gamma;
AssuiIs F. B.I

A warning that blind irrationality
throughout the world is plunging
civilization into an age of darkness
and that the Nations Capital is
not free OF its active evidences-was
being pondered today by several
hundred women educators in an
nual convention here.
DR.. Mary Beard, author and his
torian, issued the warning last
night in an address before members
Of Delta Kappa Gamma, national
honor fraternity for women, gath
cred at their presidents dinner at
the Wardman Park Hotel.
while creative intelligence exists
in considerable measure, our age is
marked by an appalling flight from
reason" she said. There are aw-
full indications that the modern era
OF enlightenment may be giving way
to a new era Of darkness"
DR.. Beard scored the Federal Bu-
reau of Investigation and declared
that under the aegis of our Fed
eral Government an incipient Ogpu
or Gestapo appears to be taking
FORM"
"Black Network"
I'm our very National Capital"
she said, "a black network Is being
made of every man and woman in
every trade and profession who is
stanch advocate Of free speech and
free assembly-a person called SUBJ
versive'."
The society, holding its 18th an
nual convention, was to meet this
morning for presentation to the
National Council Of figurines repre-
senting outstanding women in edls-
cation who have died. A birthday
luncheon was to follow, at which a
symposium on social implications of
present-day Determinations against
women was scheduled.
Further discussion of the dis
elimination issue will take place at
the founders day dinner which will
conclude the convention at Z O'Clock
tonight. Senator Caraway of Ar
kansas will speak on "The New
Women on Trial" Other after
dinner speakers include Florence
Reynolds, Avis Stevens, Virginia
White James, Debbie Shaw and
Rose Parker.
Hits Disinterest.
DR.. Beard found fault with mem
bers of her sex for their lack of
knowledge of historical accomplish
ments of women and their apparent
disinterest in seeking this knowl-
edge.
The speaker said that if a history
could be written in terms of
women" and that IF we taught a
history of creative intelligence in
stead of mans history in terms of
violence" reason and symbols of
civilization might yet be saved and
the complete fight to irrationality
avoided"
DR.. Beard was introduced by the
national president of the society,
DR.. Maggie Southall OF Peabody
College, Nashville, Tenn. DR.. M.
Margaret Stroh of Wilson Teachers
College, in charge of convention
arrangements, acted as toastmistress
at the dinner. Miss Margaret Pat
terson, principal at Fillmore School,
was chairman.
DR.. Helen r. Messenger of De-
kalb, ILL.,, professor of education al
the Northern Illinois State Teach
ers' College, told the convention
yesterday there should be more
men-including fathers-teaching ir
nursery schools, kindergartens anc
elementary schools.
IF there were an equal number
of men and women teaching in the
school system, from nursery school:
through college. then boys and girls
wouldn't grow up to think so differ.
emily as men and women" she said
I'm a democracy it is important
that men and women think alike.