Catt, Carrie Chapman GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Johnson, Grace A. October 4, 1917. Mrs. Carrie Chapman Catt, 171 Madison Ave., New York City. My dear Mrs. Catt: On the 23rd of September I received a telegram from you asking about Rosika Schwimmer and the money raised at the Cambridge Political Equality Association. I have been consumed with curiosity to know the cause of your inquiry two years after the event. If you have time for explanation, will you let me know the cause? Very cordially yours, Dict. CAJ/M [signed] Grace A. Johnson Chairman Executive Board, pro tem. P.S. I hope my explanation was satisfactory. NATIONAL AMERICAN WOMAN SUFFRAGE ASSOCIATION BRANCH OF INTERNATIONAL WOMAN SUFFRAGE ALLIANCE AND OF NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN HONORARY PRESIDENT DR. ANNA HOWARD SHAW PRESIDENT MRS CARRIE CHAPMAN CATT 1ST VICE-PRESIDENT MRS WALTER MCNAB MILLER 2ND VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. STANLEY MCCORMICK 3RD VICE-PRESIDENT MISS ESTHER G. OGDEN TREASURER MRS. HENRY WADE RODGERS CORRESPONDING SECRETARY MRS. FRANK J. SCHULER RECORDING SECRETARY MRS THOMAS JEFFERSON SMITH LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY 1ST AUDITOR MISS HELOISE MEYER 1626 RHODE ISLAND AVENUE, WASHINGTON, D.C. MRS. PATTIE RUFFNER JACOBS ALTAMONT ROAD, BIRMINGHAM, ALA. NATIONAL WOMAN SUFFRAGE PUBLISHING COMPANY, INC. 171 MADISON AVENUE, NEW YORK PRESIDENT MISS ESTHER G. OGDEN NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 171 MADISON AVENUE NEW YORK TELEPHONE, 4818 MURRAY HILL 154 CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN MRS. MAUD WOOD PARK HEADQUARTERS 1626 RHODE ISLAND AVENUE, WASHINGTON D.C. NOVEMBER 19, 1917. Mrs. Lewis J. Johnson, 585 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts. My dear Mrs. Johnson:- First let me go back to a query of yours received long, long ago as to what made me wire you in reference to Rosika Schwimmer. We were fighting so hard at that time and I was speaking every day in the field, that I had no time to reply. The anti-suffragists accused Rosika Schwimmer of having stirred up and virtually organized the "Peace Society" that was trying to break down the war program of the country and they accused me of having brought her over here. They came pretty near using some libelous expressions. I did not exactly threaten to sue them for libel, but I did warn them to go slow. It came from Margaret Robinson of Cambridge. Is that a woman or a man; some day you must tell me. I think she does not write like a woman and I doubt that any woman could be quite so mean and untruthful as she is. Before making my answer and giving out my warning, I was trying to gather up the testimony - that is all. They behaved a little better afterwards. Now concerning your questions as to advisability of presenting a suffrage bill into the Massachusetts legislature. We are of the opinion that a presidential suffrage measure is not only strictly constitutional, but that the legislature so entirely has the right to extend presidential suffrage to women, that even a referendum cannot take it away. We have wanted to bring a National case to test this matter and it probably will be done in Ohio. I believe that it will make the matter very much more secure. Of course a legislature which grants presidential suffrage can take it away, no matter how constitutional it may be. I believe that a referendum may be avoided but until the test has gone through it is not certain. In view of the fact that you have an annual legislature, does it not seem to be a better policy not to present the presidential suffrage bill in 1918. Our cause which we are trying to work up, would doubtless have been settled by 1919. If the Supreme Court should hold that a referendum -2- Mrs. Lewis J. Johnson, Boston, Massachusetts. November 19, 1917. can be attached to it, it would make certain that the Massachusetts politicians would follow that method. If however they decide, as we hope and believe, that it cannot be referred, then you would be secure and could proceed in that year without any unfortunate rider attached. You know you have the years of 1918, 1919 and 1920 in which to get that measure through before the presidential vote comes. You ask my advice and I give it as above, that it would be better not to ask for presidential suffrage in the year 1919. I feel strongly that every possible influence which we can bring to bear upon members of Congress to submit the Federal Amendment in the year 1918 should be found and utilized. Every time a new state grants the vote, the public is more interested and there is a new stimulus given to the movement. When the women vote, however, all the people who are on the other side are sure to be much offended and disgusted with woman suffrage. That will surely be the case in New York where so many different influences exist. Our time to strike therefore is before women have voted. Furthermore, we have a very strong and I believe forceful argument in that the British women are going to get their vote through. Of course there may be a slip between the cup and the lip even there, but the latest information which they sent me privately, is that they expect the bill to get through the House of Lords and be on the statute books by Christmas. As Congress would not do much before Christmas, we may hope that their bill will be out of the way before Congress is really ready to take ours up seriously. It does seem to me that even an old mossback like Lodge might vote for the amendment on that score. In the event it should go through this year, I would further advise that you do not let the Massachusetts legislature consider it if possible in the year 1918. In 1919 all the suffrage states have their legislatures in session and I think it would be well for these eastern states to be held back until we get the impetus on several endorsements from the West. I believe this would be good tactics. My advice to you therefore is to seriously consider every possible string which can be pulled to get every possible vote in the Massachusetts delegation. Do send carefully selected delegations to see the men and get them polled. I have promised by the way, to give the poll to the President. I have promised further to give the Republican poll to the Chairman of the National Republican Committee, who now says that he believes heartily in national suffrage; three years ago he did not believe in any kind - whisper it quietly. I am such an optimist that I even hope to see Senator Lodge vote yes. If Asquith did, why shouldn't he. I advise the deputation to the "old duffer" anyway. Cordially yours, Carrie Chapman Catt President C-3 NATIONAL AMERICAN WOMAN SUFFRAGE ASSOCIATION BRANCH OF INTERNATIONAL WOMAN SUFFRAGE ALLIANCE AND OF NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 171 MADISON AVENUE NEW YORK TELEPHONE, 4818 MURRAY HILL MRS. CARRIE CHAPMAN CATT, PRESIDENT DR. ANNA HOWARD SHAW, HONORARY PRESIDENT 1ST VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. STANLEY MCCORMICK, MASS. 2ND VICE-PRESIDENT MISS MARY GARRETT HAY, NEW YORK 3D VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. GUILFORD DUDLEY, TENN. 4TH VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. RAYMOND BROWN, NEW YORK 5TH VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. HELEN GARDENER, WASHINGTON, D. C. TREASURER MRS. HENRY WADE ROGERS, CONN. CORRESPONDING SECRETARY MRS. FRANK J. SHULER, NEW YORK RECORDING SECRETARY MRS. HALSEY W. WILSON, NEW YORK DIRECTORS MRS. CHARLES H. BROOKS, KANSAS MRS. T. T. COTNAM, ARKANSAS MRS. JAMES LEES LAIDLAW, NEW YORK MRS. ARTHUR L. LIVERMORE, NEW YORK MRS. NONIE B. MAHONEY, TEXAS MISS ESTHER G. OGDEN, NEW YORK DR. MARY SAFFORD, FLORIDA MRS. HORACE C. STILWELL, INDIANA ________________ NATIONAL WOMAN SUFFRAGE PUBLISHING COMPANY, INC. MISS ESTHER G. OGDEN, PRESIDENT 171 MADISON AVENUE, NEW YORK ________________ PRESS DEPARTMENT MISS ROSE YOUNG, CHAIRMAN 171 MADISON AVENUE, NEW YORK ________________ CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE MRS. MAUD WOOD PARK, CHAIRMAN HEADQUARTERS 1626 RHODE ISLAND AVE., WASHINGTON, D. C. Washington D.C., May 13, 1918. Mrs. Lewis J. Johnson, 90 Raymond Street, Cambridge, Mass., Dear Mrs. Johnson:- I did not reply to your letter in regard to the ratification meeting because I had only the day before replied to a similar letter from Mrs. Perkins, and I knew, of course, that she would tell you what I said. I think the need for a meeting will still be the same when the vote is taken, as we believe that it will be somewhat later in this session. We were hopeful that the whole struggle might be successfully ended last week, but, for various reasons, that proved impossible. Our friends are now confident, however, that our changes will be fully as good, if not better, a little later. You know how keenly I sympathize in the trouble in regard to the nomination of Mrs. Pinkham, in whose work I have the utmost confidence. I can't believe that everything will not turn out well in spite of the bitter and very unjust fight that will doubtless be made my her opponent. For a long time I have been meaning to send you the two letters enclosed from Mrs. Root. The first one was written in reply to the invitation, which Mrs. Catt asked me to give at your suggestion, to stay with us during the convention. At considerable inconvenience we arranged so that she might have a room here, and then we were amazed to receive the second letter which I have never been able to understand. Mrs. Lewis J. Johnson- 2. The matter is of no special consequence except that I never made the report to you about it which I intended to make. I have urged Mrs. Catt to go referee the Boston meeting though since she has learned that Dr. Shaw is to be there She feels that she will not be needed. I wish that you could write and beg her to be present at the business sessions - for her admission is invaluable and her great interest is in the practical task rather than in speech-making. I enclose a note to those of you that so kindly remembered and honored me last Friday, but I just haven't words to say how much I appreciated the flowers and the message that came with them. [Under] If our fight had been successfully ended, they would have been most welcome. As it was, I took them as a most comforting anticipation of the happy ending that we still hope for and expect. Gratefully yours, Maud Wood Park P.S. - We are getting out a letter of further directions which ought to be received in a day or two. National American Woman Suffrage Association Branch of International Woman Suffrage Alliance and of National Council of Women Mrs. Carrie Chapman Catt, President Dr. Anna Howard Shaw, Honorary President 1st Vice-President Mrs. Stanley McCormick, Mass. 2nd Vice-President Miss Mary Garrett Hay, New York 3d Vice-President Mrs. Guilford Dudley, Tenn. 4th Vice-President Mrs. Raymond Brown, New York 5th Vice-President Mrs. Helen Gardener, Washington D. C. Treasurer Mrs. Henry Wade Rogers, Conn. Corresponding Secretary Mrs. Frank J. Shuler, New York Recording Secretary Mrs. Halsey W. Wilson, New York National Headquarters 171 Madison Avenue New York Telephone, 4818 Murray Hill Directors Mrs. Charles H. Brooks, Kansas Mrs. T. T. Cotnam, Arkansas Mrs. James Lees Laidlaw, New York Mrs. Arthur L. Livermore, New York Mrs. Nonie B. Mahoney, Texas Miss Esther G. Ogden, New York Dr. Mary Safford, Florida Mrs. Horace C. Stilwell, Indiana National Woman Suffrage Publishing Company, Inc. Miss Esther G. Ogden, President 171 Madison Avenue, New York Press Department Miss Rose Young, Chairman 171 Madison Avenue, New York Congressional Committee Mrs. Maud Wood Park, Chairman Headquarters 1626 Rhode Island Ave., Washington, D. C. May 16, 1918. Mrs. Lewis J. Johnson, 585 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts. My dear Mrs. Johnson:- I just came in to New York this morning. I want to apologize for the silly letter I wrote you about postponing the date of your meeting. At the moment of dictating it, I had utterly forgotten that this was your annual meeting. You had written Mrs. Park about having a meeting to celebrate the passing of the Federal Amendment and I had that letter in mind. I have concluded to come to your annual meeting merely to bolster up the association, if I am able so to do, to the point where it will be willing to take up the campaign against Senator Weeks if it shall prove to be necessary. I will be very glad to speak on the subject of 'woman suffrage as a war measure' at the Opera House, if you think it is necessary. Do not put me on if the program will be crowded. If you have other speakers in addition to Dr. Shaw, there will hardly be room for me. Dr. Shaw likes to make a good long speech and ought to have the opportunity to do so. Maud is getting my ticket in Washington for Boston and I shall leave Washington on Thursday night and will arrive in Boston sometime on Friday morning. It will not be necessary at all for anyone to meet me, but it will be necessary to give me the name of a hotel that will be as near as possible to the place of meeting. I much prefer to go to a hotel and I will pay my own expenses, consequently that need not stress you. Please write me in Washington and tell me what hotel that will be. Please also engage a room and bath of moderate price for me. If you have friends who have nothing better to do than to pilot strangers to places of meetings, I hope I may be put in tow, for all New Yorkers get lost in the city of Boston. Cordially yours, Carrie Chapman Catt President May 17, 1918 Mrs. Carrie Chapman Catt, 1625 Rhode Island Ave., Washibgton, D.C. My dear Mrs. Catt:- Your letter of May 16 has this moment arrived. It must be in answer to telepathic messages from me which have been going fairly constantly to you for two or three days. I cannot tell you how happy we are that you are coming for both the Opera House and the Annual Meeting. You are particularly needed. You know "bad children behave better when there is comp'ny. I am just rushing off to the Opera House now to arrange the Guard of Honor which is to attend you and Dr. Shaw. If you could hear the job in the voices of the women to whom we telephone that you are coming, you would feel repaid for your effort. We are counting upon your speaking at the Opera House. You and Dr. Shaw are to be the only speakers and you are not to be cut short. I will write again about the hotel and other details of your letter. Most gratefully yours, Dict GAJ/M Grace A. Johnson Chairman Executive Board. May 17, 1918 Mrs. Carrie Chapman Catt, 1628 Rhode Island Ave., Washington, D.C. My dear Mrs. Catt: Your letter of may 16 has this moment arrived, answering telepathic messages from me which has been going fairly constantly to you for two or three days. I cannot tell you how happy we are that you are coming and that you are also coming for the Annual Meeting. You are particularly needed for that. You know "bad children behave better when there is com'ny". I am just rushing off to the Opera House now to arrange the Guard of Honor which is to attend you and Dr. Shaw. If you could hear the shrieks of joy in the voices of the women to whom we telephone that you are coming, you would feel repaid for your effort. I will write again about the hotel and other details of your letter. Most gratefully yours, Dict GAJ/M Chairman Executive Board. May 17, 1918 Mrs. Carrie Chapman Catt, 1628 Rhode Island Ave., Washington, D.C. My dear Mrs. Catt: This is letter #2 to answer the last paragraph of your letter received this morning. I can hardly refrain from telling you all over again how glad we are that you are coming. A room is engaged with bath at the Copley Plaza which is within sight of our office and about 500 ft. from us. Our Annual Meeting is to be held in this building, so it will be very convenient for you. The price of the room is $4. per day. If this is more than you wish to pay, we can get a room in a near hotel perhaps for a little less. It is very generous of you not only to give your time but pay your own expenses. We hardly know how to behave under such circumstances ! If we can know when your train is to arrive we will meet you most gladly at the station. The station is only about half a block from the Copley Plaza. You should get off at the Huntington Ave. Station. Do let us meet you. We cannot afford to have you waste a minute being lost. Someone will surely be ready at any moment to pilot you wherever you want to go. Cordially yours, Dict. GAJ/M Grace A. Johnson Chairman Executive Board. Personal ___________ G.A.J. [?] June 12, 1918 My dear Mrs. Catt:- I am writing to you as president of the International Woman Suffrage Association, to ask help for Belgium. How I wish I had known when you were here that they needed your advice. This afternoon I have had a long visit with Madame Dupriez, wife of one of the Louvain professors who escaped from Belgium and saved all her children by speaking such good [french] GERman and such good sense that the Germans were ashamed to massacre them as they did the whole family next door. Harvard invited M.Dupriez to come here to teach church history, or some such harmless subject. He has now been called back to Belgium to help revise or construct a new constitution. He has written his wife to get him literature on woman suffrage. He is inclined to believe that it should be included in the new constitution. Madame Dupriez has been rather opposed to woman suffrage, but is now looking it up carefully with a view toward helping her husband decide the matter. I have gathered some literature together for them. The history, arguments and answers to objections which we call the "Blue Book", various leaflets which I thought might interest them and your message to congress. I have lent her my copy of the suffrage handbook. You know so much more about the international situation than I do, I am eager to have suggestions as to what to send M. Dupriez. He is in Havre with the Belgian ministers now trying to settle reconstruction policies. The king is at a little coast town, I have forgotten the name, but it is the one at which Leopold first landed when he was chosen king and arrived from England in a little fishing boat. The Belgians were clever enough to write their laws before they invited the king to appear in those early days. He took it good naturedly, but it was made very apparent to him that he was not expected to bother himself very much about their laws. Evidently the same thing is happening now. Madame Dupriez is an ardent Catholic, has no use for Socialists, but is a firm believer in democracy. She says the men of Belgium who can read and write are twenty-one have one vote, those who, in addition, have a family have two votes, those who in addition to that have university education have three votes. I think there is a tax requirement too, but very small amount. They also have proportional representation and secret ballots. Party feeling is so intense that up to a short time ago the Liberals and Conservatives would not meet to discuss how to feed the starving Belgians. That is changed now and they do meet, owing to the war's demands. You of course know how powerful the Clericals are in Belgium, and also that women are, or have been, treated like infants. That is somewhat modified now. Madame Dupriez thinks they may be too undeveloped to undertake so serious a matter as voting.She says that she fears that they might be dominated by their husbands or by the clergy. I seem to have heard such remarks before! [*omit x x x x x x x x x x*] [In about two weeks Madame Dupriez is going to New Hampshire to spend the summer with one of the most influential antis in Massachusetts, Miss Alberta Houghton. Miss Houghton is a Cambridge woman, (Houghton and Mifflin) rich, generous and fine natured [?] I want to get Madame Dupriez salted down as a suffragist before she gets under Miss Houghton's influence. That is the reason I am sending this S.O.S. to you.] Do you think that there is sufficient real food in one of those libraries which were being given away by the Leslie commission to have one of them or a similar one sent to M. Dupriez? He means to go into the subject quite exhaustively, for it is to be submitted to whatever Belgian government there is. It would be appropriate for me to beg forgiveness for bothering you with this request if it were not for Belgium. We are all proud to do something for that plucky little country, and I'd be happy beyond words if this should help get the franchise for their women. Faithfully yours, *signed Grace A. Johnson (Mrs. Lewis Jerome Johnson) Mrs. Carrie Chapman Catt, 171 Madison Ave, New York. NORTH AMERICAN WOMAN SUFFRAGE ASSOCIATION June 17, 1918. Mrs. Lewis J. Johnson, 585 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts. My dear Mrs. Johnson:- I have read with great interest your letter about Belgium. If Mme. Du Priez is well informed, she may know that the Socialists in 1899, by a threatened strike, secured the vote for men but it was a vote with a duplication as you mention, so that the Clericals, that is the Catholic Party, still held control of the Parliament and the Government. Two or three years later, the Socialists threatened another strike to secure one man, one vote. The Clericals responded that if they did so and secured one man, one vote, they would enfranchise women and give one woman, one vote. The Socialists who did not mean woman suffrage, although they had it in their platform, were a little startled, but still could not repudiate it. The Belgian Government sent a man over to investigate woman suffrage in this country. He visited all the suffrage states at that time in existence and visited Massachusetts to become acquainted with the anti-suffragists. The next year, the Government boldly sent over another man who corresponded to our Commissioner of Education and he also visited all our suffrage states and found conditions very promising. There was a Liberal Party and the Liberal Party cast its lot with the Socialists with the stipulation that they should drop woman suffrage. Of course they threw it out quickly, but for some reason unknown to me, the whole thing slipped up and the men did not get their vote. For the few years past, things seem to have been quiet. Our suffrage association is not a very big movement in Belgium and of course I do not even know what has become of it in these trying times. The King, however, told some of the visiting American congressmen who told me that if ever he was restored to his throne one of the first things he would do would be to get the vote for the women of Belgium, but then gratitude is -2- Mrs. Lewis J. Johnson, Boston, Massachusetts. frequently short lived. I think you have made a very good selection of the literature for Mme. Du Priez and I hope you may make her a suffragist. The box of books which has been offered to the states, has nothing which would do for Professor Du Priez. While they are all good books and good reading now they are not quite up to date. They include Charlotte Perkins Gilmam's books, Olive Shreiner's Woman and Labor, etc. They are good fundamentals, but do not bring the question up to the moment. The best book I know of for such a woman to read is the new one by Mabel Potter Dagget, "Women Wanted." If Mrs. Dagget had left out her first two chapters, the book would have been improved but after one gets through the beginning, the book is thrilling. Most cordially yours, Carrie Chapman Catt President COPY NATIONAL AMERICAN WOMAN SUFFRAGE ASSOCIATION National Headquarters 171 Madison Avenue New York June 17, 1918 Mrs. Lewis J. Johnson 585 Boylston Street Boston, Massachusetts My dear Mrs. Johnson:- I have read with great interest your letter about Belgium. If Mme. Du Priez is well informed, she may know that the Socialists in 1899, by a threatened strike, secured the vote for men but it was a vote with a duplication as you mention, so that the Clericals, that is the Catholic Party, still held control of the Parliament and the Government. Two or three years later, the Socialists threatened another strike to secure one man, one vote. The Clericals responded that if they did so and secured one man, one vote. The Clericals responded that if they did so and secured one man, one vote, they would enfranchise women and give one woman, one vote. The Socialists who did not mean woman suffrage, although they had it in their platform, were a little startled, but still could not repudiate it. The Belgian Government sent a man over to investigate woman suffrage in this country. He visited all the suffrage states at that time in existence and visited Massachusetts to become acquainted with the anti-suffragists. The next year, the Government boldly sent over another man who corresponded to our Commissioner of Education and he also visited all our suffrage states and found conditions very promising. There was a Liberal Party and the Liberal Party cast its lot with the Socialists with the stipulation that they should drop woman suffrage. Of course they threw it out quickly, but for some reason unknown to me, the whole thing slipped up and the men did not get their vote. For the few years past, things seem to have been quiet. Our suffrage association is not a very big movement in Belgium and of course I do not even know what has become of it in these trying times. The King, however, told some of the visiting American congressmen who told me that if ever he was restored to his throne, one of the first things he would do would be to get the vote for women of Belgium, but then gratitude is frequently short lived. -2- Mrs. Lewis J. Johnson, Boston, Massachusetts June 17,1918 I think you have made a very good selection of the literature for Mme. Du Priez and I hope you may make her a suffragist. The box of books which has been offered to the states, has nothing which would do for Professor Du Priez. While they are all good books and good reading now they are not quite up to date. They include Charlotte Perkins Gilman's books, Olive Shreiner's Woman and Labor, etc. They are good fundamentals, but do not bring the question up to the moment. The best book I know of for such a woman to read is the new one by Mabel Potter Dagget, "Women Wanted". If Mrs. Dagget had left our her first two chapters, the book would have been improved but after one gets through the beginning, the book is thrilling. Most cordially yours, (signed) Carrie Chapman Catt President Copy MRS. LEWIS JEROME JOHNSON 50 RAYMOND STREET CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS Novenber 9, 1924 Mrs. Carrie Chapman Catt 171 Madison Ave., New York. Mydear Mrs. Catt: It is cheering to read that you are calling a conference of women's organizations for peace work. Those of us who worked under your leadership in the suffrage campaigns believe that you will discover" the one best way" to accomplish what we all so ardently desire. It is practically the same old enemy whom you have vanquished in another field, so you know its tactics and its weaknesses. I have been delegated by the Cambridge League of Women Voters to secure further information about the conference, and to ask in what way we can help most. Many of us believe that there is nothing that will arouse the crusade spirit which was so inspiring in the suffrage workers like combining to make peace secure. I shall be glad to transmit to the League whatever message you send. I shall consider it a privilege to re-enlist for service in this new organization to serve in a great cause. Most sincerely yours. Grace A. Johnson Carrie Chapman Catt 171 Madison Avenue New York Nov. 22, 1924. Mrs. Lewis Jerome Johnson 90 Raymond Street, Cambridge, Mass. My dear Mrs. Johnson: Your letter addressed to Mrs. Catt has been received, but it cannot receive her attention until her return from the West the early part of December. I am sure she will be glad of any assistance you can render. Very truly yours, Henrietta Wald Secretary to Mrs. Catt //break// Carrie Chapman Catt 120 Paine Avenue New Rochelle New York August 14, 1937. Mrs. Lewis Jerome Johnson 90 Raymond Street Cambridge Massachusetts Dear Mrs. Johnson, I wonder if the years have carried you into the "old lady" class. I have been reading some books upon the subject of old age and I have talked with some doctors. The result is that I do not believe what I hear and would like to make a little survey of my own. The doctors say that longevity is inherited, but I know cases where it is not. If it is, then no one but those whose ancestors have lived long, could ever grow old. I want to know why some people grow old and others do not. Even though you are not seventy, will you be so kind as to fill out the enclosed questionnaire anyway? I would discover from what you write that it does not apply to you. Any information you can give me which will explain why you have attained an unusual age would be helpful. If you would send me the names and addresses of any women, seventy or over, to whom I could send me questionnaire, I would be grateful to you. I promise you that I will not use your name in any public presentation and I shall not reveal your age to anybody. I mean to make a summary chiefly based upon the causes of longevity and the effect of inheritance. I wanted to find one hundred suffragists over seventy. At present, my list of such women is about seventy-two. The oldest is over one hundred and not one is younger than seventy. I, myself, am approaching seventy-nine. For old times sake, I hope you will fill out this questionnaire. Hoping that all is well with you, I am Very sincerely yours, Carrie Chapman Catt CCC:HW. FORM LETTER SENT TO 100 SUFFRAGISTS Carrie Chapman Catt 120 Paine Avenue New Rochelle New York I have been reading a book about old age. It is a big book called "SENESCENCE" by G. Stanley Hall. It is not a new book, but it contains a very great deal of information about habits of ancient people concerning the aged. It may interest you to know that there were many tribes which ate their members when they considered them passed their usefulness. I learned that a great many books about old age have been written, but writers say that they are not able to get the facts from the people they wish to interview. Some are so proud of being old that they make their age older than it really is and some hesitate to confess to their age and make themselves younger than they are. The one thing that seems to be accepted as a fact by the doctors is that longevity is an inherited trend. If this is true, then if follows that only those who have longevity in the family stand any chance at all of living to an advanced age. I do not think this is true. I am therefore attempting to make a little study and have selected one hundred suffragists, none of whom are younger than seventy and several of whom are in the nineties. I enclose a questionnaire. If it interests you to assist in this study, please fill it in. I am asking you to give correct age and I solemnly swear to you that I will not tell another human being what it is. I shall not give your name to the public nor say anything about you. I shall merely make a summary of the answers received from the hundred suffragists. Out of these questions I want to find from you, so far as may be done, what is the cause of your longevity and whether you have lived longer than your ancestors and thus set a new basis for those who come after you. I want very much to learn how much your interest in the suffrage or other causes has stimulated you toward an advanced age. Anything you can tell me will be gratefully and confidentially received. Very sincerely, Carrie Chapman Catt Mrs. Carrie Chapman Catt, 120 Paine Avenue, New Rochelle, N.Y. Dear Mrs. Catt: It is a delight to hear again from you and to know that you are trying to solve this strange question of longevity. My own case is of little moment because I shall not be seventy for nearly five years and that is no longer called "old." I can remember when twenty-two seemed too old to retain an interest in life when my friends achieved that advanced age for I was then eighteen! Have you sent your questionnaire to the following women? Mrs. Gertrude Leonard, First Nat'l BankBoston Mrs. Charles Almy, 147 Brattle St.Cambridge Mrs. John Graham Brooks,Francis Ave. " Mrs. Edmund A. Whitman,23 Everett St. " Mrs. Margaret Stannard,64 Sewall Ave,Brookline (all in Massachusetts) I think they may be in the age-class from which you want information. As I write, I can see the N.A.W.S.A. "honor roll" document signed by you which I still cherish as evidence of the rich opportunity I had in serving under your direction in the suffrage cause. With warm and continuing admiration, Grace A. Johnson August 19, 1937 Carrie Chapman Catt 120 Paine Avenue New Rochelle New York August 20, 1937. Mrs. Jerome Johnson, 90 Raymond Street, Cambridge, Mass. Dear Mrs. Johnson: I wonder if the years have carried you forward into the "old lady" class. I have been reading some books upon the subject of old age and I have talked about with some doctors. The result is that I do not believe what I hear and would like to make a little survey of my own. The doctors say that longevity is inherited, but I know cases where it is not. If it is, then no one but those whose ancestors have lived long could ever grow old. I want to know why some people grow old and others do not. Even though you are not seventy, will you be so kind as to fill out the enclosed questionnaire anyway? I would discover from what you write that it does not apply to you. Any information you can give me which will explain why you have attained an unusual age would be helpful. If you would send me the names and addresses of any women, seventy or over, to whom I could send my questionnaire, I would be grateful to you. I promise you that I will not use your name in any public presentation and I shall not reveal your age to anybody. I mean to make a summary chiefly based upon the causes of longevity and the effect of inheritance. I wanted to find one hundred suffragists over seventy. At present, my list of such women is about ninety. The oldest is over one hundred and not one is younger than seventy. I, myself, am approaching seventy-nine. I hop you will assist in bit of research that you will fill out this questionnaire. Hoping that all is well with you, I am, Very sincerely yours, Carrie Chapman Catt I have been reading a boot about old age. It is a big book called "Senescence" by G. Stanley Hall. It is not a new book, but it contains a very great deal of information about habits of ancient people concerning the aged. It may interest you to know that there were many tribes which ate their members when they considered them passed their usefulness. I learned that a great many books about old age have been written but writers say that they are not able to get the facts from the people they wish to interview. Some are so proud of being old that they make their age older than it really is and some hesitate to confess to their age and make themselves younger than they are. The one thing that seems to be accepted as a act by the doctors is that longevity is an inherited trend. If this is true, then it follows that only those who have longevity in the family stand any chance at all of living to an advanced age. I do not think this is true. I am therefore attempting to make a little study and have selected one hundred reformers, none of whom are younger than seventy and several of whom are in the nineties. I enclose a questionnaire. If it interests you to assist in this study, please fill it in. I am asking you to give your correct age and I solemnly swear to you that I will not tell another human being what it is. I shall not give your name to the public nor say anything about you. I shall merely make a summary of the answers received. Out of these questions I want to find from you, so far as may be done, what is the cause of your longevity and whether you have lived longer than your ancestors and thus set a new basis for those who come after you. I want very much to learn how much your interest in the woman suffrage or other causes has stimulated you toward an advanced age. Anything you can tell me will be gratefully and confidentially received. Very sincerely, Carrie Chapman Catt [signature] Carrie Chapman Catt [printed] QUESTIONNAIRE ON LONGEVITY 1. FULL NAME AND ADDRESS___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ 2. DATE OF BIRTH ____________________________________________________________ 3. Were the members of you family long-lived? 4. If so, was one side only long-lived, or both? 5. How old was the oldest known member of your family when he or she died and about what was the date of death? 6. Do you think your interest in a cause or causes has been an important influence in attaining your unusual age? 7. Do you think any particular way of life, diet, exercise, occupation, faith, etc., contributed to your long life? 8. Did you have any minor interest while living through the working part of your life which, in advancing years, proved a major stimulus to make you live longer? 9. Have you adopted any new cause or interest which now keeps your mind more alert and active than it otherwise would be? 10. Any additional information on what you think has contributed to your longevity would be gratefully received. RETURN TO: Carrie Chapman Catt, 129 Paine Avenue, New Rochelle, New York. CARRIE CHAPMAN CATT 120 Paine Avenue New Rochelle New York August 26, 1937. Mrs. Grace A. Johnson, 90 Raymond Street, Cambridge Mass. Dear Mrs. Johnson: Thank you cordially for the prompt return of the questionnaire and especially for the names. I have known all of these people in times past, but did not know their addresses. I hope they are all old enough to be included in my list. Before the world comes to an end, I expect to report to you the findings of my little investigation. Very sincerely yours, Carrie Chapman Catt CCC: HW. Carrie Chapman Catt 120 Paine Avenue New Rochelle New York February 18th. 1938. [*Please return to*] My dear Mrs. Johnson, A special-delivery letter, from Mrs. Stantial, just received, requests that I write you the answer to sme questions that she has asked so that you will receive this letter before you meeting, on Saturday morning. The Committee on Archives has no place, at present, inwhich to place its collection when it gets it and must raise moneywith which to provide a place and for maintenance. B ecause it cud not guarantee these things to my own library and that of the N ationalSuffrage Association I have arranged to Place them in the Congressional Library and they have pledged that this collection will be kept intact for twenty-five years. Very many books, of small importance, will decompose by that time owing to the quality of the paper and ink, but there will remain a considerable library which furnishes the source of information for the Suffrage-movement. The Congressional Library has accepted this library and is ready for it as soon as I can send it to them. They are just completing a large addition to their building and are not cramped for space. I have told the Womens Archives Comittee that my collection will go to Washington. The Congressional Library is only interested in bokks, but at the Smithsonian we already have three very interesting and good-looking cases representing the National American WomanSuffrage Association. I have written Alice Stone Blackwell that we have no record of Lucy Stone there and that it is very important that she should be included. The Smithsonian is only interested in objects, not in books, and I have some mementos which I will add to thoe already there. In addition to these I have quite a personal collection of photographs of the leaders and of suffrage-activities which we are mounting in photograph-books with explanatory titles. We call this the history of the suffrage-movement in pictures. I do not know what she shall do with these books. They are not complete. I thought of giving them to the National League of Women Voters, but they have much smaller quarters now and if the Archives survive, I shall be willing that these books of photographs go there. Mrs. Will Irwin, who writes a book a year, was paid for writing a history of the Womans Party and also the whole histry of the Suffrage- movement. Both were so highly inaccurate that I tremble at the prospect of anything historical that she may do. I do not think they mean to make the Archives a representative of the Militant Suffrage Movement. I am much more inclined to think that it will tell a biased story of the Peace Movement. I am not opposed to the Archives and have given a small sum of money to it, but I have very little confidence in them. This letter is confidential and comes at the request of Mrs. Stantial. Hastily, Carrie Chapman Catt My dear Mrs. Catt: Thank you very much for your very prompt and explicit letter about the Committee on Archives. It was delivered at Mrs. Holcombe's house Friday night. Neither Mrs. Holcombe nor I know that any plans were on foot to collect and preserve the suffrage documents until the letter came about the Archives Committee. Though I am sure that Mrs. Beard had spoken to Mrs. Holcombe about it some weeks or months ago when they happened to meet in New York. I knew nothing about it though I have jealously guarded my material in the hope that some time it would be wanted. The Harvard College Library has assured my husband that it would be glad to have it when he asked their advice for me. However, the Harvard Library does not seem just the appropriate place for it, though women are now admitted to courses and receive Harvard degrees of some kind. The little committee met i.e. Mrs. Holcombe, Mrs. James de Normandie, Mrs. W.Z. Ripley, Mrs. W.L. Garrison, Mrs. Stantial and myself on Saturday morning. It looked to me as if, without further information, the committee might decide to cooperate with the Archives Committee so, with an approving glance from Mrs. Stantial, I read your letter. The group was so intimate and so single-minded in its desire to serve the cause intelligently, that I was sure you would have done the same had you been there. I think your letter and a similar message from Mrs. Park did the trick. The final decision was to feel our way a bit and delay any announcement about the plan until we heard again from you about it. I think that Mrs. Holcombe will be in New York soon and will see Mrs. Beard and others about it. I hope you will find time for her too. Since Boston University is planning to have an Alice Stone Blackwell alcove in its new library building, that seems to be the place for Massachusetts collections. It was agreed that it should have first consideration and duplicates might go elsewhere. It seems very important to secure whatever can be gathered now or it will be swallowed by the Archives! Mrs. Stantial's intimate knowledge of plans for collecting this material helped enormously in teh final decision to wait awhile. None of us had any official or other association with the Woman's Party and we all feel about it as you do. The thing that impressed us was not that Mrs. Irwin was the chairman, but that the names of the familiar leaders like yourself and Judge Allen were among the sponsors. I think Mrs. Beard was also a N.A.W.S. member, not one of the other group. I have just read this letter to Mrs. Holcombe in order to be sure that I have understood the action of the committee. There were no votes taken but it was all an informal understanding acceptable to all. Thank you again for helping us so effectively when we needed your advice. Very sincerely yours, Grace A. Johnson February 20, 1938. P. S. I think Mrs Holcombe has postponed her trip to New York [See page 1] My dear Mrs. Catt: Thank you very much for your very prompt and explicit letter about the Committee on Archives. It was delivered at Mrs. Holcombe's house Friday night. Neither Mrs. Holcomb nor I knew that any plans were on foot to collect and preserve the suffrage documents until the letter came about the Archives Committee. Though I am sure that Mrs. Beard had spoken to Mrs. Holcombe about it some weeks or months ago when they happened to meet in New York. I knew nothing about it though I have jealously guarded my material in the hope that some time it would be wanted. The Harvard College Library had assured my husband that it would be glad to have it when he asked their advice for me. However, the Harvard Libarary does not seem just the appropriate place for it, though women are now admitted to courses and receive Harvard degrees of some kind. The little committee met i.e. Mrs. Holcombe, Mrs. James de Normandie, Mrs. W.Z. Ripley, Mrs. W.L. Garrison, Mrs. Stantial and myself on Saturday morning. It looked to me as if, without further information, the committee might decide to cooperate with the Archives Committee so, with an approving glance from Mrs. Stantial, I read your letter. The group was so intimate and so single-minded in its desire to serve the cause intelligently, that I was sure you would have done the same had you been there. I think your letter and similar message from Mrs. Park did the trick. The final decision was to feel our way a bit and delay any announcement about the plan until we heard again from you about it. I think that Mrs. Holcombe will be in New York soon and will see Mrs. Beard and other about it. I hope you will find time for her too. Since Boston University is planning to have an Alice Stone Blackwell alcove in its new library building, that seems to be the place for Massachusetts collections. It was agreed that it should have first consideration and duplicates might go elsewhere. It seems very important to secure whatever can be gathered now or it will be swallowed by the Archives! Mrs. Stantial's intimate knowledge of plans for collecting this material helped enormously in the final decision to wait awhile. Carrie Chapman Catt 120 Paine Avenue New Rochelle New York February 25, 1938 Mrs. Lewis Jerome Johnson 90 Raymond Street Cambridge, Massachusetts My dear Mrs. Johnson: I have just this moment received your letter and for once in my life I am going to be very prompt and answer it in the next minute. Let us suppose that I never wrote you the other letter which you received on Saturday. I did write it in great haste and was obliged to make it as brief as possible. The suggestion for a Women's Archives has really made good progress, and the women who now have it in charge are quite energetic about it; however, they want all of us who ought to be interested in preserving all the relics of the suffrage movement to come forward with the money which is to make these Archives possible. There is no building in which to put the Archives. They have secured some money, and someone now has offered $1,000 if they will raise $1500, and they wish to endow it, but that requires a considerable sum. They have received a few donations of "things" for the Archives, which they have stored away in somebody's attic. I do not feel that I could give the precious belongings in my charge to anything so uncertain because I shall depart this life most certainly before those Archives are rendered permanent. I therefore concluded I must take other steps concerning them. When I came into the suffrage movement, I was perturbed by the ignorance displayed on all sides concerning the history of the woman movement, and more especially, of the man suffrage movement. I made up my mind to buy any and all books which bore upon the woman movement. There were very few such books for a long time and when books began to appear they were of a very superficial nature in general. I didn't buy some of them because I knew the writers and how little they understood of the real movement. Many other things engrossed my time and energy, but of late, I have done a great deal of work and spent a great deal of money in making up the deficiencies in my own library. I have tried to chase down and get through second hand books stores some books that I had never seen, and one of these, for example, is "The History of Women" by Lydia Maria Child. It was mentioned in "The History of Woman Suffrage" by Mrs. Stanton along with other writers. I never saw this book and perhaps it was never published. I first chased it through the second hand book stores in New York but they never found it. [Annotations in pencil: "Yes- it was I think. See her 'Lives of celebrated Women' (pub. 1858) E.A.J."; "Ask Noel Converse Wyett of Phila.- He is an illustrator"] Mrs. Johnson -2- February 25, 1938 I next wrote to the second hand shops in Boston and while they do not say it never existed they say they cannot find it. There was also a book published in New York, I think about 1858, which I wanted very much to get or at lease to see, and I am quite unable to find it, so I realize that perhaps in the homes of the real pioneers of the movement, those books may have had a place and may still be found in the libraries of the children or grandchildren of those pioneers. I am sure those books would be regarded as uninteresting and unimportant and might easily have found their way to a bonfire. I think it is very important that the literature, which must have been very meagre between the time when Mary Woolstonecraft [Wollstonecraft] wrote her "Vindication of Women" up to about 1900, should be tracked down, if possible. My collection includes the "Woman's Journal" up to the time when it came to New York and became the "Woman Citizen," and onward to 1931 when it went out of existence. My collection also contains "The Revolution" which was edited by Mrs. Stanton and Miss Anthony, and "The Advocate" published by a man who himself sent me the bound copy some years ago. I have quite a few foreign books and an international paper and minutes; also the minutes of N.A.W.S.A., but I would like very much also to have the minutes of both the American and National Associations. Perhaps in those early days, they did not keep these so carefully. I do not know how many volumes the whole collection will contain. There were about 800 books in the war and peace library, and the feminist library has not yet been estimated. I do not think it will contain more than 600 books. I consider this collection as the best very that can be gathered although it doubtless has deficiencies... The Congressional Library has promised to keep this library that is to be sent to them, intact for 25 years. At the end of that time, a very great many of these books will have fallen to pieces owing to the very cheap paper and ink with which they were prepared. Their loss will not be great. The more important things may be put into the general library after that time but they will be there where the most perfect arrangement for permanent keeping and careful protection, is provided. I am making no pretensions to perfect wisdom concerning the history of the woman suffrage movement but this is certainly true. Under the Blackwells in Boston, there was a circle which led the movement for New England and as there were many highly educated and intelligent people in that circle, I am sure that literature of importance was produced. For many years, "The Woman's Journal" published and sold excellent literature. I hope that a collection of that literature has been saved and that it is Mrs. Johnson -3- February 25, 1938 available for you Alice Stone Blackwell Collection. When the suffrage was won, we selected from our leftovers, several good oak file cases of four drawers each and filled them with that material and it was accepted by the New York City Public Library. In that collection, were samples of such literature as we had left but most of it at that time had been printed by the different states and by the National Association. New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania made another circle which belonged mainly to the National Group. As time passed on, certain states stepped to the front and became important historical factors in the woman suffrage movement. A good many states made no history worthy of notice by posterity. New England was an important center and you could gather a good many books, pictures and things which are worthy of making a suitable collection as a memorial to the Blackwells. However, the N.A.W.S.A., has an exhibit in the Smithsonian. It was gathered hastily but so far as it goes, it is quite good. It contains no relics of any kind of the Blackwells and I have told Alice that we ought to have a good picture of her mother which we could frame and put there along with Mrs. Stanton and Miss Anthony. Things that would be suitable relics on an occasion would be very properly placed there. We are gathering such things as may yet remain to add to that collection. The Smithsonian does not want to take books. It wants "things." When all that we can gather of books and things have been placed in the Smithsonian and the Congressional Library, there will still be some duplicates to go to the Archives. It will not matter whether those duplicates are lost eventually or not. Now, in conclusion of this long explanation of the present state of things, let me say that I think you should gather up at once all you can find, but if you get any duplicates of things of importance, please let me have them, especially if they are old, as it is very important to make this collection to be sent to the Library of Congress as perfect as possible. If you find three copies of any one thing, I would say, make a collection for me which will go to the Congressional Library, properly credited to the person or organization from which it comes and one to the Archives. That is a good way to preserve all there is. Had it been possible while the pioneers were still living to have made these collections, we would, I feel sure, have found much that is now lost. Understand, that my reason form deciding to send my collection to the Congressional Library rather than to the Archives is that the latter group cannot guarantee permanency of protection of the books at this time. I would be pleased if you will allow Mrs. Stantial to read this letter if she has the patients to do so. Very sincerely, Carrie Chapman Catt Mrs. Carrie Chapman Catt, 120 Paine Avenue, New Rochelle, New York. Dear Mrs. Catt: Thank you very much for your letter concerning the Woman's Archives enterprise. Your first brief note crowded a great deal into it so that we got your opinion of it quite clearly. It cleared our minds a good bit and caused us to delay any definite action until we had had time to think the proposal over. I am, as opportunity offers, asking my old friends and associates in the suffrage work to hold onto their collections of books and things until there is a safe and permanent place for them and to send only duplicates to those who appeal for them now. Mrs. Stantial made a copy of your letter for me to give to Mrs. Holcombe, or to keep, if I wanted it. I gave it to Mrs. Holcombe. You remember that she was the daughter of Mrs. Crossett of Warsaw, N.Y. who was president of the N.Y. association at one time. Her affiliations were with the N.A.W.S.A. and she is keen to continue that relationship, though she thinks that the Archives committee is not founded upon the Party with which she was never associated. I still use my books and fliers because I have opportunities in two private schools in Boston to tell young women how the suffrage was won and among other things I keep at hand a copy of Current History, 1927, which contains your exceedingly valuable article on "The New Woman". I usually read a few paragraphs so that the girls may hear your words. I wish they could hear your voice too. The books you are seeking for completion of your collection are not in my library, but I found in a book given me by a very aged (now dead) relative who was a friend and admirer of Susan B.Anthony and lived in Rochester, which book was written by L. Maria Child Its title is Celebrated Women; or Biographies of Good Wives. On the little page are listed three other books by her. "Letters from New York", "Progress of Religious Ideas," History of Women," The last one must be the one you are hunting for. It must have been published or she would not have included it. This book was published in 1858 by Higgins, Bradley & Dayton, 20 Washington St., Boston, a firm long out of business, of course. A distant relative of L. Maria Child told me that possibly Nowell Convers Wyeth, also a relative of hers, might have some of her books or know where to find them. He is in Who's Who and is easily located. I presume the Garrisons, Hallowells and Blackwells have very valuable collections dating far back. I and my intimate friends have more modern things of which I am sure there will be many duplicates. Enough to divide between at least three collections. We have access to Mrs. Glendower Evans' materials too. ______ * _____ May I turn to another subject wholly unrelated? Not long ago the editor of the Christian Science Monitor was dining with us and someone called to his attention the motto which is carved in huge letters on the C.S. Publishing House just under the eaves. It is a verse from the LXVLLL Psalm.... "The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it." We have greatly enjoyed the humor of having it in that place. Bibles were called for to verify the source and soon the guests were humped over various editions which belonged to several generations. Finally a Jewish Bible was found and consulted to see if it was the same as the King James version. This is what we found ... "The Lord giveth the word: the Women that proclaim the tidings are a great host." (Underlining is mind.) You probably have known this always. It was new to me and very interesting. Thanks you again for your letter. Most sincerely yours: Signed Grace A. Johnson or she would not have included it. The books I have was published in 1858 by Higgins, Bradley & Dayton, 20 Washington Street, Boston. A firm long out of business, I surmise. A distant relative of L. Maria Child told me that possibly Noel Converse Wyeth of Philadelphia might have some of her books or might know where to find them. He is an illustrator and probably easy to locate, I have not his address, other than Philadelphia. Possibly the Hallowells or Madford, Massachusetts would have suffrage things saved. I have telephoned to some of my friends and will collect, or ask to have saved, all that I discover about here. If we assemble, enough to divide between at least three organizations. I am afraid that ours will be rather local in interest and not of great value, however, we can determine that later. May I turn to another subject wholly unrelated? Not long ago the editor of the Christian Science Monitor was dining with us and someone called to his attention the motto which is engraved on the C.S. Publishing House in huge letters just under the eaves... It is a verse from the LXVIII Psalm... "The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it." We have greatly enjoyed the humor of having it in that particular place. Bibles were called for, and the guests sat around humped over various editions which belonged to various generations. At last a Jewish Bible was brought forth in order to see if it was the same as the King James version. This is what we found. "The Lord giveth the word; The women that proclaim the tidings are a great host." (Underlining is mine.) You probably have always known this. It was new to me and very interesting. Thank you again for your letter, Most sincerely yours, March 20, 1938. Carrie Chapman Catt 120 Paine Avenue New Rochelle New York April 21, 1938. Mrs. Lewis Jerome Johnson, 90 Raymond Street, Cambridge, Mass. Dear Mrs. Johnson: Many thanks for your letter. There are one or two little corrections I would like to make in your understanding of the situation. The Chairman of the Archives Committee is Mrs. Irwin who wrote a History of The Woman's Party and also a history of the whole woman movement for the Council. She got all her information from The Woman's Party to begin with and had not noticed that there had been a National American Woman Suffrage Association which had been the only such organization in existence for the greater party of seventy-two years. What I feared was that since she and some others of similar outlook were so illy informed about the whole movement, there might be a bias in their collection. I do not mean to insinuate that it was founded by or upon The Woman's Party. I am very grateful to you for telling me what you have about the books of Lydia Maria Child. I shall try to find her relative and see what I can get. I have applied to the Garrisons, Alice Blackwell, and Mrs. Sweet has been hunting up the Hallowells. I doubt if Mrs. Evans would have old material and that is what is valuable just now. Maud Wood Park has been here and we have talked over this matter. We conclude that when Alice gets her books out of her attic in Boston and other old collections are gathered, there will be duplicates. Probably I shall find some duplicates and we might make exchanges or perhaps you will have something else that you can contribute to this collection in the Congressional Library. Alice has sent me an old book from the pen of Mary. A. Livermore and her own biography of Lucy Stone. Inside the cover of such books I am going to put "From the Library of..." I hope to get something of a historical sentimental little library as well as the actual books that tell the story. It was the Woman's Christian Temperance Union that discovered the verse in the psalms. I do not think it was a Jewish Bible that revealed the correct translation, but in a reproduction of the King James version, which must have been printed twenty-five years ago, it was discovered that it was women and not ordinary folks "that discovered the tidings". The W.C.T.U. made excellent use of it. Many, many thanks for your letter and please do not forget that if you come upon anything, anywhere, that ought -2- to be preserved with the accumulation of material for the Congressional Library, you will let me know. Very sincerely, Carrie Chapman Catt CCC:HW. My dear Mrs. Catt: I am so glad to have this happy occasion to congratulate the world upon having you in it all these eighty years to inspire and lead humanity to do its best to advance freedom and civilization. You have been a recognized thinker and leader in so very many fields where men and women are proud to follow. My only regret is that the United Sates has not yet had the courage to elect a woman to the office of president. You have been my candidate for that place for many years. How proudly we should all have campaigned for you! It is impossible to express adequately our appreciation of all you have done for men and women of the whole world. It has been a great privilege and joy to work in the ranks with you so wisely at the head. We all in this household wish you a very Happy Birthday with deep gratitude and congratulations. Affectionately, H.A. Johnson Mrs. Carrie Chapman Catt. 120 Paine Ave., New Rochelle, New York. February 18th, 1938. My dear Mrs. Johnson, A special-delivery letter, from Mrs. Stantial, just received, requests that I write you the answer to some questions that she has asked so that you will receive this letter before your meeting, on Saturday morning. The Comittee on Archives has no place, at present, in which to place its collection when it gets it and must raise money with which to provide a place and for for maintenance. Because it cud not guarantee these things to my own library and that of the National Suffrage Association I have arranged to place them in the Congrassional Library and they have pledged that this collection will be kept intact for twenty-five years. Very many books, of small importan, will decompose by that time owing to the quality of the paper and ink, but there will remain a considerable library which furnishes the surce of information for the Suffrage-movement. The Congressional Library, has accepted this library and is ready for it as soon as I can send it to them. They are just completing a large addition to their building and are not cramped for space. I have told the Womens Archives Comittee that my collection will go to Washington. The Congressional Library is only interested in bokks, but at the Smithsonian we already have three very interesting and good- looking cases representing the National American Woman Suffrage Association. I have written to Alice Stone Blackwell that we have no record of Lucy Stone there and that it is very important that she should be included. The Smithsonian is only interested in objects, not in books, and I have some mementos which I will add to these already there. In addition to these I have quite a personal collection of photographs of the leaders and of suffrage-activities which we are mounting in photograph-books with explanatory titles. We cal this the history of the suffrage-movement in pictures. I do not know what we shall do with these books. They are not complete. I thought of giving them to the National League of Women Voters, but they have much smaller quarters now and if the Archives survive I shall be willing that these books of photographs go there. Mrs. Will Irwin, who writes a book a year, was paid for writing a history of the Womans Party and also the whole history of the Suffrage- movement. Both were so highly inaccurate that I tremble at the prospect of anything historical th t she may do. I do not think that they mean to make the Archives a representative part of the Militant Suffrage Movement. I am much more inclined to think that it will tell a biased story of the Peace Movement. I am not opposed to the Archives and have given a small sum of money to it, but I have very little confidence in them. This letter is confidential and comes at the request of Mrs. Stantial. Hastily, Carrie C. Catt Transcribed and reviewed by volunteers participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.