WE ALSO WISH IT.
Luzerne, N. Y., Oct. 24, 1908.
Hon. Thomas E. Watson,
Thomson, Ga.
Dear Sir:
I wish it were possible for you to make sufficient inroads in the South to help build up a great new party which would have some honest convictions as to the people’s right to rule themselves, a democracy of vital grip.
Success to you,
GEO. THOMAS.
A FINE LETTER FROM
MRS. MARION TODD.
Springport, Mich., Dec. 16, 1908.
My Dear Mr. Watson:
Anything that appears to have your endorsement is worthy of consideration, and, as the language of Dr. S. Leland, in your last Magazine, in his speech refers to woman in an offensive manner, I inflict this article upon you and consider it only fair that it be placed before the same readers. Dr. Leland refers to woman in the following language:
“They will be anything for love, and if they can’t get that * * * some will rush into the lecture field—join the Salvation Army—form Women’s Rights Societies, and do deeds that make the angels weep.”
It’s not surprising that women join the Salvation Army, since it’s an Army that has done more good than all the churches on earth have ever done; but what really puzzles me is how Dr. Leland happened to know that the angels weep because women rush into the lecture field—form Women’s Rights Societies, etc. Was he so close to the angels that he could hear the rustle of their wings? There is no known record of angels weeping over woman suffrage societies, etc. The only thing that approaches a record of weeping angels is, that Lucifer, in his tilt with heavenly comrades, might have wept, not because of woman suffrage societies, evidently, but probably because he happened to be kicked over the battlements of Glory. We hope Dr. Leland, who is now dead, found better favor in the beyond than did Lucifer, since he was no doubt as good a man would like to find a place could be.
Dr. Leland informs us that “true women are not public brawlers”—otherwise lecturers. The poor, dear man! Did he think a public lecturer had to be a brawler? The sainted Mary E. Willard was a public lecturer, imagine her a public brawler! She did more good than and left an Influence superior to that of any man in the nation. Her name is found upon the scroll of honor, where many a man would like to find a place. Mrs. Maud Ballington Booth is a public speaker. Let all men uncover their heads at the mention of her name.
Dr. Leland says: “Administrative faculties are not hers.”
Without a trial how could he know she was so deficient? Man has demonstrated his ability in that line; God forbid that woman develops the same kind if the opportunity ever occurs.
Public plunder and panics, the murder of babies in workshop and factory, a Congress, so corrupt that trusts and corporations rule the land—such is the administration of man. Dr. Leland says the forum is no place for her silver voice, but the rotten reign of man makes it the most appropriate place, for the cesspool will not cleanse itself. We are informed further that “woman discusses not the course of the planets.” What the discussion of the planets has to do with the right of suffrage is not exactly clear, as I believe there are a few voters who are unqualified to discuss the course of the planets. In case it has a bearing, I would announce that it was a woman who drew the world’s prize in competition with the wisest in this line but a short time ago. The Doctor said:
“She guides no vessels through the night and tempest across the trackless sea.” But she does greater things. She possesses the heart and heroism to jeopardize her life in rescuing the shipwrecked. We have many a Grace Darling, we have many a Florence Nightingale, who have manifested greater bravery and brain than required to guide a vessel. But this latter charge will not hold today.
Finally, as a clincher, the Doctor stated that “the strength of Milton’s poetic vision is far beyond her delicate perception, she would have been affrighted at that fiery sea upon whose flaming billows—
‘Satan, with head above the waves
And eyes that sparkling blazed.’”
We again find the Doctor an incompetent judge of woman. A wife who has to encounter a drunken husband time after time, and who lives in terror of her life, is used to blazing eyes and bleared eyes, and all kinds. She would prefer to meet Satan, any time, for there is no record of his being a “drunk.”
Woman asks for the ballot that she may vote this worst of hells out of her life. Yet we find men who respect her so much they would withhold this privilege of defense.
Such chivalry is sick and needs medicine.
(Mrs.) Marion Todd.