NAWSA GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Powell, ANNA R. 2438. 5th S Plainfield N.J. (At present in Chautauqua N.Y.) 8/15/1900 Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, My dear friend: I have received a letter from Mrs Josephine Shaw Lowell enclosing the draft of a Bill which she proposes to introduce into our next N.Y. Legislature, of which I should like your opinion She says she has twice lately come across families where the husband, having syphilis was constantly infecting his wife "&, as" there is no law now, to prevent this wickedness," she thinks she can reach it by legislation. I wrote her that I thought the Regulationists would seize their opportunity which it would give to open the way for their purposes; that such an Act like the enclosed would never give the protection to women she wishes; that is would give me great anxiety & our Alliance would have to oppose it for the danger it would involve, though unintentional. I send a copy of her reply to my letter. She asked my opinion. I send also a copy of the draft of the Bill. She will probably write you. She I return to Plainfield N.J. Sept. 1st means well, but it seems to me this is a very unwise move. I am troubled and disappointed that she does not see the danger in such legislation, after all these years of interest In the problem. She has been a faithful helper. I am here for a few weeks of rest + mental diversion. One of the members of the Ex. Com. of our Alliance is also here. [She] Mrs. Jackson to whom she refers. And she feels about it just as I do. Mrs. Lowell does so much good work in New York that her influencer is great in anything she moves in. You will know how my dear husband is missed in such a time as this. He was as wise in his leadership. I think a word from you would set the matter right in Mrs. Lowell's mind. She has great confidence in you, as have we all. So I venture to trouble you by writing, though I know your hands + heart are always full with the demands from other quarters. I would like to be kindly remembered to Mrs. Brown + her daughter when you see them. I have intended to write to them in acknowledgement of their kind message, but the strain of the past year has been great, involving much correspondence for the Alliance. Affectionately yours, Anna Rice Powell. Copy 120 E 30th St - New York, Aug 13/1900 Dear Mrs Powell: I have your letter [+?] of course I should take no step in so important a matter without the most serious conference with you + Mrs. Jackson + the Alliance. It does seem to me, however, that Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell was right when she said in 1881 ([No?] IV in her book "Essays in Medical Sociology". republished in 1899 + given to me by her last year): "but I do not advocate letting disease + vice alone. There is a right way as well as a wrong way of dealing with venereal disease. I consider that legislation is needed on this subject. it is unwise to propose to do nothing because legislation has unhappily done wrong." Later in the same paper she says: "The wise principle upon which legislation should act in dealing with venereal disease is therefore perfectly clear. Society has a right to stop any person who is spreading venereal disease; but it has no right to compel such a person to submit to medical treatment. it is of vital importance to recognize this broad distinction between these two fundamental points, [viz?] the first protection which society must exercise over its members + the inherent right of self possession in each of its members." I had not read over this paper until after I got your letter, so that I did not remember the emphasis laid on the not requiring that the person be subject to medical treatment. I do feel with Dr. Blackwell that something should be done to stop the ravages of this disease. Will you + Mrs Jackson not think out some positive plan which would be open to the danger of being perverted? It seems to me that your opposition to state regulation would have all the more weight, if you took action in other directions to reach the object aimed at, 2 that is the [d????ution] of danger from disease. Please remember me to Mrs. Jackson. I hope you + she will develope some plan. I have not given any one else a copy of the Bill I sent you except Mr. [?] of the Charity Organization Society + I [should] shall not speak of it to any one else, except Dr. Emily Blackwell at present. I will tell Mr. [?] your opinion of the bill. My idea of it would be that outsiders who knew of such cases as I mentioned to you would get the necessary order from the Board of health, but, of course, as you say, such a Bill might be perverted + rules made which would be a form of regulation. the way to avoid this, however, is I must repeat, to do the right thing only what is the right thing? Do discover it . Sincerely yours, J. S. Lowell [*Copy of Mrs. Lowell's Second Letter*] Mrs. Lowell's proposed Bill. An act to prevent the spread of contagious diseases. The people of the state of New York assembled in Senate & Assembly do enact as follows: Sec 1. Any person who, having a contagious disease, does an act which tends to endanger the health of another person shall be liable to detention in a hospital until cured, and shall be so detained upon the order of the Board of Health of the locality in which he or she resides. Sec. 2 The Board of Health of each locality shall, within three months of the passage of this act, make such rules and take such other action as may be necessary to enforce its provisions. Sec. 3 This act shall take effect immediately. Mrs. Lowell's Draft of a Bill [[/left page]] Anna Ria Powell [[/left page]] [[/right page]] 6300 Green [?] Phila _ Pa. Feb. 25, 1907 Alice Stone Blackwell, Dear Friend: Please mail a copy of The "Woman's" Journal which contained your fine tribute to Mrs. Butler to the address on the circular letter enclosed. It may be that you have received the same request. I am sure you will be glad to aid in the [[left page]] effort to collect such tributes. I fear this sainted pioneer is not yet well enough known in America to leave the notice from the press which is due to her. I am not now so situated that I can aid in the matter, my eyes being so weak I am much restricted in the use of them. Very sincerely, Anna Rice Powell [[/left page]] [[right page]] P.S. I seek your aid because the Journal must have a larger exchange list than The Philanthropist. Be assured I appreciate warmly all your good work on The Woman's Journal. I hope it's subscribers increase as they should, for it holds an important place in journalism. [[/right page]] Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.