Mrs. Coolidge does not like to talk about herself. She insists that the wives of public men best aid their husbands’ careers by being seen as little as necessary and heard even less, and she puts this theory into practice.
While she does not talk politics at any time, the impression that she is not interested in politics is wrong. She holds that women have a very definite obligation and responsibility as citizens, and it is their duty and privilege to do serious and effective work toward an intelligent discharge of public duties.
In a published letter to Mrs. George Horace Lorimer, President of the Republican Women of Pennsylvania, she set forth her views most clearly:
“I have been pleased to learn of the general movement to organize the Republican women of Pennsylvania with a view to developing the widest interest in and understanding of the public questions before the country.
“It is always gratifying to know of such organized movements for more efficient citizenship, whether among men or women, and whether of one party or the other.
“In the case of your own organization, it is an occasion of special congratulation that so broad a programme of activity is afoot, because of the special qualifications and equipment you have for making it a worth-while movement.
“The women have lately come into new and, to most of them, rather unexpected responsibilities in their relations as citizens. It is altogether desirable that these be taken seriously, and effective work is undoubtedly needed among them; precisely as is also needed among a great section of the male voters whose preoccupation with other interests too often interferes with the most intelligent discharge of public duties.”
One of the interesting and highly significant tributes to Mrs. Coolidge came in the ceremony at Boston University on December 12, 1924, when President Lemuel H. Murlin conferred upon her the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. This was done upon the occasion of the installation of Mrs. Lucy Jenkins Franklin, the first dean of women of this university.
As President Murfin conferred upon her the purple hood with its trimmings of red and white, and the mortarboard hat with its gold tassel, he spoke of her as—
“Grace Goodhue Coolidge, student, university graduate, teacher, daughter, wife, mother, whose fine qualities of mind and heart have gained the confidence, admiration, and love of the American people.”