NAWSA Subject File Rhode Island Suffrage Assocs. RESOLUTION: Whereas, The Women of one-fourth of the States of the Union are entitled to vote for President in November, and WHEREAS, The Women of Australia, New Zealand, a large part of Canada and several important European countries, now vote upon equal terms with men; and WHEREAS, The unenfranchised Women of the United States are as intelligent, law-abiding and patriotic as any Women in the world, be it RESOLVED: That we, the Citisens of ____________________, in meeting assembled at ___________________ do hereby call upon all candidates for Member of the House of Representatives and the United States Senate, to pledge their aid, by vote and influence; to secure the submission of the Federal Woman Suffrage Amendment for Ratification by the legislatures of the several States. Victoria J North Ma E Jackson S M Algco A L Hall J W North An Open Letter to Our Friends No more worthy cause can be found the wide world over than that of relief of overwhelmed Serbia. Seldom if ever in history has any nation been made to suffer so intensely by the devastating ravages of war. Never has any country more heroically resolved rather "to die in beauty" than to live in disgrace. The Serbians as a nation are in dire need of relief, and a great opportunity of real service presents itself to the citizens of Providence in the coming to our city of Mrs. Emmeline Pankhurst, now called by English statesmen the "best-loved woman in England." She will be accompanied by C. Miyatovitch, formerly Secretary of State in Serbia and Embassador to the Court of St. James. They will speak in Churchill House on the evening of April 14th, at 8 o'clock, in behalf of the Serbians. The Hon. William Beresford will preside. Admission cards will be one dollar. Tickets may be secured from, or subscriptions may be sent to, Mrs. James W. Algeo, 394 Angell street, Providence. A limited number of tickets will be on sale at the Crown Hotel. Trusting that this worthy cause may receive your cordial support, I am Faithfully yours MRS. WILLIAM SPRAGUE. -2- Evening Business Meeting Order of Business 8 Reports Amendment to Constitution Election of Officers Pledges and collection Speech Mr. Geuter - Appointment of Nom. Com. Miss Jackson Mrs. North Miss Day -3- Forum - Announcement of program - Question of cards, pledges etc Organization Miss Pierce Mrs Lipshiz Mrs. Lipshiz head committees Entertainment Committee Mrs. Catt's letter Equipment for Miss Hall - Raffia baskets at Schools An Open Letter To Our Friends No more worthy cause can be found the wide world over than that of relief of overwhelmed Serbia. Seldom if ever in history has any nation been made to suffer so intensely by the devastating ravages of war. Never has any country more heroically resolved rather "to die in beauty" than to live in disgrace. The Serbians as a nation are in dire need of relief, and a great opportunity of real service presents itself to the citizens of Providence in the coming to our city of Mrs. Emmeline Pankhurst, now called by English statesmen the "best-loved woman in England." She will be accompanied by C. Miyatovitch, formerly Secretary of State in Serbia and Embassador to the Court of St. James. They will speak in Churchill House on the evening of April 14th, at 8 o'clock, in behalf of the Serbians. The Hon. William Beresford will preside. Admission cards will be one dollar. Tickets may be secured from, or subscriptions be sent to, Mrs. James W. Algeo, 394 Angell street, Providence. A limited number of tickets will be on sale at the Crown Hotel. Trusting that this worthy cause may receive your cordial support, I am Faithfully yours, MRS. WILLIAM SPRAGUE [*Old Folk's Quire Co.*] Itallowean [?] decorations Mrs. Sayles coffee Uor.1 decorations Miss Lauren- Music Committee Mis McCarte- Luig [?] and work Mrs. Cushman3- Italy in Heletus [?] cake table- Miss day3 Miss Pierce5 Pickers Mrs Sipshig Preservers Mrs. Pochert, Cake work Forum- [?] program- cards, pledges [?] miss Pierce Miss Lifehag Entertainment Mrs Catt's Selter Pius PLEDGES MADE AT ATLANTIC CITY CONVENTION NEW YORK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $225,000.00 10% $22,500.00 TENNESSEE (Dudley) . . . . . . . 25,000.00 " 2,500.00 PENNSYLVANIA . . . . . . . . . . . . 125,000.00 " 12,500.00 MASSACHUSETTS . . . . . . . . . . 60,000.00 " 6,000.00 OHIO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40,000.00 " 4,000.00 WISCONSIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,000.00 " 2,500.00 CHICAGO EQ. SUF. ASSN. . . . 25,000.00 " 2,500.00 ALABAMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,000.00 " 1,000.00 ARKANSAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,000.00 " 500.00 KENTUCKY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,000.00 20% 1,000.00 MICHIGAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3V0,000.00 10% 3,000.00 MINNESOTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V30,000.00 " 3,000.00 MISSOURI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V20,000.00 " 2,000.00 NEW JERSEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30,000.00 " 3,000.00 TEXAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15,000.00 " 1,500.00 IOWA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,000.00 " 1,000.00 NEBRASKA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,000.00 ' 1,000.00 RHODE ISLAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,000.00 " 1,000.00 INDIANA (Keller) . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,000.00 " 1,000.00 INDIANA (Holand) . . . . . . . . . . . 5,000.00 " 500.00 GEORGIA (E. S. P.) . . . . . . . . . . . 5,000.00 " 500.00 NEW HAMPSHIRE . . . . . . . . . . . 5,000.00 " 500.00 WEST VIRGINIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,000.00 " 500.00 VIRGINIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,000.00 " 500.00 SOUTH DAKOTA . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,000.00 " 300.00 CONNECTICUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20,000.00 " 2,000.00 MARYLAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,000.00 " 300.00 FLORIDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,000.00 " 100.00 $762,000.00 $76,700.00 PROVIDENCE WOMAN SUFFRAGE PARTY Program of Work. 1.--Aim: This Party endorses the Federal Amendment and according to the policy adopted by the National American Woman Suffrage Association will conduct its work toward the enactment of the same. It re-affirms its non- partizan policy. 2.--Budget: It pledges itself to raise a budget of $2000; 20% of this sum to go to the National, the remainder to be used for local expenses. 3.--Organization: The Providence Woman Suffrage Party will organize along the lines adopted by the Republican Party, namely, Wards and Election districts. This organization will be perfected by canvassing, meetings and such other methods as deemed advisable by the organization committee. 4.--Meetings: This Party shall conduct a Forum to be known as the Providence Civic Forum in some center of the city each Sunday afternoon beginning the first Sunday in November and ending the last Sunday in March; also such other meetings as seem wise in the judgment of the City Committee. 5.--Forum, Organization, Legislative, Publicity, Church Club, School, and Entertainment Committees have been appointed. 394 Angell St., Nov. 4, 1916. My dear Mrs. Catt-- Your letter came the first of the week but owing to pre-election pressure, this my first moment to answer it. I was sorry to hear that more difficulties were arising as I had thought a working status if not a wholly amicable one had been reached in our State. Ever since Mrs. Barton Jenks of New Hampshire came to Rhode Island two years ago last July there has been unpleasant friction in the suffrage ranks due in my opinion to her unscrupulous methods, her self-conceit, and her general lack of balance. When she first came, I as head of the large working organization unfortunately did not look into her record in other states but in my eagerness to welcome a new worker for suffrage urged her election as a member of the Executive Board of our organization and also as Chairman of the Legislative Committee. When I began to recognize her real character and realized that she wanted all the other offices, too, and to attain her ends she would resort to every device known to the political trictster including personal incriminations and slander, I decided it was time to withdraw my support. I asked her as a personal favor for the sake of appearances to withdraw from my board which had become demoralized under her influence. This she refused to do. Through political trickery such as followers in the old State Association of which she had become President, none of whom had never even signed a Suffrage Party card, effected an amalgamation of all the organizations, did away with the Party name, and established an autocratic board of the five or six who were ringleaders in the amalgamation scheme and Mrs. Jenks was made President. Though not satisfied with the amalgamation we decided for the sake of peace to abide by it for a year and as some our women frankly expressed it "Give Mrs. Jenks some time to hang herself." However the boycott of some of us which ensued and the legal artifice of incorporating the name Rhode Island Woman Suffrage Party to prevent its use induced a group of us to incorporate the name Providence Woman Suffrage Party for future contingencies. We made very little use of the name however until after the Rhode Island Equal Suffrage Association held their convention in May when Mrs. Jenks was again elected President though she had been in a sanitarium since the preceding March and remained there practically all summer. When we found that any overtures about having a President on whom we could all agree and some recognition of our Party name were made in vain, we decided that the time had come for us to go to work. Starting with our own names, possibly 30, who were desirous of being charter members we have now almost a thousand and are adding new names daily. So much for our history. Now in direct answer to your questions: Our City Committee consists of five officers all of whom are in my estimation fine women and most of whom are engaged in professional work; also, chairmen of five standing committees and leaders in a few wards. In order to prevent the future misfortune of having an un- welcome member on our board we have provided for the recall in our Constitution. That our organization is needed is shown by the many calls to clubs, churches, etc. When Mrs. McClung was here this week, one of our leading Congregational ministers was so inspired that he promised to bring up a resolution before the State Conference H v. 9. This undoubtedly will pass which means additional opportunities in that direction. Enclosed you will find the the plan of work which was drawn up at our suggestion at our first meeting after the Convention. Our relation to the State Association at least until their Convention in the Spring and the withdrawal of Mrs. Jenks will be absolutely independent. We shall however in every possible way avoid duplication of work. If we find that they are doing one particular line of work to good advantage we will do another. In regard to the Constitutional work: We are perfectly willing to abide by your decision and that of the National Board. During the past month our organization made no attempt to interview Congressmen nor were we invited to join the small delegations sent by the State Association. We have however had the Amendment Resolutions passed at possibly a dozen meetings most of them men's meetings, signed by as many as possible and sent to our nominees and Congressmen. I would suggest the following plan which might prove equable: that our group do intensive work upon the one senator to [??] is entitled and the twenty-five representatives, the State Association taking the remainder. We could share in common our U. S. Senators. The cities of Pawtucket cally call no suffrage organizations. If they are not organized this year we will try to do it next year after doing the intensive work needed in Providence. Any suggestion you may make about money-raising will be satisfactory to us. As I stated at the Convention it would be a good discipline for our prosperous citizens to give more and I should like to see some of the large sums that go to the Congressional Union diverted into the National. Trusting that this reply may in some degree clarify the situation, I am, Cordially yours, Mrs. Carrie Chapman Catt 171 Madison Ave., New York City, N. Y. The passing of the resolutions were featured at four meetings by the Providence Woman Suffrage Party; Oct. 2. Mass meeting at N. E. Church with local speakers. One hundred present. Resolutions passed and sent to all candidates and congressmen, signed by voters present. Oct. 6. Providence Civic Forum Committee of Providence Woman Suffrage Party sent in signed resolutions to all candidates and member of Congress. Oct. 12. R. I. Union of Colored Women's Clubs (19 clubs) sent in signed resolutions to candidates and members after address on this subject by Mrs. Algeo. Oct. 29. Peoples' Forum (about 500 men) passed resolutions after explanation by Mrs. Algeo. In addition to these meetings we passed the resolutions at our annual meeting, Nov. 1 (speaker Mrs. McClung) and at about seven out-of-door meetings in the down-town centres. These include audiences left by Mr. Hanley, Prohibitionist, Mr. Hughes and audiences coming from the Cathedral on the Square. With the assistance of one of our Congregational ministers, Rev. Charles A. Forbes we secured the passage of a strong suffrage resolution by the Conference of R. I. Congregational Churches on Oct. 9. We are also beginning to get it before our Posts of the Women's Relief Corps. Our collections have been small or nothing at all and we have distributed hundreds of fliers which we had on hand. I understand that our R. I. Congressmen are lined up as follows: Senators; Colt, yes; Gerry, not yet affirmitive, but favorably disposed. Congressmen Stiness, yes; O'Shaunnessy, yes; Kennedy, favorably disposed. Program of Work - 1916 - 17 Providence Woman Suffrage Party 1 - Aim The Providence Woman Suffrage Party endorses the Federal Amendment and according to the policy adopted by the National American Woman Suffrage Association will conduct its work toward securing passage of the same. It reaffirms its non-partizan policy. 2 - Budget. It pledges itself to raise a budget of $2000; 20% of this sum to go to the National the remainder to be used for Party expenses. Dr. Eliza Taylor Ransom of Boston will deliver a lecture on "TWILIGHT SLEEP" to be followed by a questionnaire, on Friday, May 19, 1916 at 4 o'clock P. M. at Andrews Assembly Rooms 14 Greene Street, Providence FOR WOMEN ONLY Admission 50 cents In the evening at 8 in the same hall she will speak on "SOCIAL PURITY" in conjunction with a MINSTREL SHOW to be given by the Young Women of the Twentieth Century Art and Literary Club. ADMISSION 25 CENTS Tickets to these meetings may be secured at the door or from the following committee of the Providence WOMAN SUFFRAGE PARTY : Miss ALTHEA HALL, Secretary, 188 High St., Pawtucket. Mrs. W. H. Higgins, 572 Cranston St., Providence. Mrs. JOHN W. NORTH, 104 Miller Ave., Providence. Mrs. LEONARD NICHOLS, Treasurer, 20 Market Sq., Providence. Mrs. SARA M. ALGEO, Chairman, 394 Angell St., Providence. Dr. RANSOM has the honor of having established the first "Twilight Sleep" Maternity Hospital in America and is well known in the medical profession as a clear thinker and a convincing speaker. -2- 3- Organization The Providence Woman Party will organize along the same lines as those adopted by the City Committee of the Republican Party namely, wards and election districts. This organization will be perfected by canvassing, meetings and such other methods as are deemed advisable by the organization committee. 4 - Meetings This Party will conduct a Forum to be known as the Providence Civic Forum in some center -3- down town each Sunday afternoon beginning the first Tuesday in November and ending the last Sunday in March; also such other meetings as seem wise in the judgement of the City Committee. 5 - Committees Is committees shall consist of the following: Forum [*Mrs. Worth] Organization [*Miss Pierce*], Legislative, Publicity [*Mrs. Sayles*], Church [*Miss Day*], Club [*Mrs. ?*], and (School Committee.) -4- 6 - The Providence Woman Suffrage Party will loyally support the National American Woman Suffrage Association of which it is now a part. , names used for appeal for funds for Civic forum Oct 1916 [?] [?] mimeo [?] Rent Johnson Clerical [?]. memo Johnson Clerical " " Service Rent [?]ohnson Clerical Rent [?] Advert Johnson Clerical [?k] Limas Ad. Johnson Clerical -11- Mrs. James Dr [Wolf?] Perry, 10 Brown St. Mr. Edwin C. Pierce 49 Westminster St. Mrs. John R. Rath[?] 315 Thayer St. Miss Harriet L. Smith, 155 Elmgrove Ave. Miss Hope Smith, 165 Hope St. Rev. Lawrence D. Somers, 528 Smithfield Ave Dr. Gardner L. Smarts[?], 70 Waterman St. Miss Alice Thurber, 123 Waterman St. Mrs. Charles L. Tilley, 9 Elton St Write to each member of the RULES COMMITTEE of the U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES urging him to support the creation of a WOMAN SUFFRAGE COMMITTEE during the present session. The names of the members of the Rules Committee are:-- ROBERT L. HENRY EDWARD W. POU THOMAS W. HARDWICK FINIS J. GARRETT MARTIN D. FOSTER JAMES C. CANTRILL MICHAEL F. CONRY PHILIP P. CAMPBELL IRVINE L. LENROOT EDWIN A. MERRITT, JR., MELVILLE C. KELLY The address of each is -- U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WASHINGTON, D. C. Please also write to your Senators urging them to support Joint Resolution No. I, proposing an amendment to the United States Constitution extending the right of suffrage to women. This amendment is now before the U. S. Senate. The Senators from Rhode Island are Henry F. Lippitt, and LeBaron B. Colt. The address of each is U. S. Senate, Washington D. C. -12- Misses Alice and Lillian aughn 35 Charles Field St. Mr. Lewis A. Waterman 100 Alumni Ave. Miss Mary C. Wheeler 216 Hope St. Mr. George F. O'Shaughnessy, 602 Grosvenor Bldg. Mr. Peter G. Gerry 316 Turks Head Bldg. Mr. Samuel P. Colt, 49 Westminster St. Mr. Gary Norman Newport, R. I. 5 W. Marlborough St. Mayor Joseph Gaines, City Hall -13- Mrs. Barton A. Ballon, 61 Congdon St. Miss Lurab Eddy, Bristol, N. J. Mrs. George F. Rooke, 3200 Pawtucket Ave East Providence, R. I. Rev. Edward Holyoke 179 Albert Ave. Edgewood, R. I. Mr. Marcus Crahan, 50 Exchange Place, Prov., R. I. Mr. Thomas W. Waterman, 16 Brewton Ave., Mr. Albert Ryder c/o Cherry & Webb, Providence Miss Eleanor Greene 14 John St. [*25 Total 101*] -7- Miss Louise Diman 200 Angell St. Miss Margarethe L. Dwight, Lincoln School [? ?] Miss Marion K. Swaus 173 Waterman St. Miss Grace Granger, P.O. Box 36, Thompson, Conn. Mrs. William B. Greenough 203 Blackstone Blvd. [*25*] Miss E Carol Hodge, 109 Bowen St. Mrs. Roworth, 111 Bowen St. Mrs. John Kelso, 169 Cypress St. -8- Mr. James A. Kinghorn 33 Cushing St. Miss Amy Kingman 170 Slater Ave. Mrs. Eugene A. Kingman 180 Slater Ave. Miss Emily R. Kingsbury 82 Waterman St. Rev. Asbury E. Kron, 296 Thayer St. Mr. Nathan W. Littlefield 87 Wytosset St. Miss Frances Lucas The Lincoln School Butler [?] Mrs. Alfred Sustig 31 Elmgrove Ave. -9- Miss Blanche Leavitt, 14 Malbone Road, Newport, R. I. Mrs. Augustus M. Lord, 34 Cushing St., Prov Miss Catharine Makepeace, 275 Wayland Ave. Mr. Paul Matteson 10 Weyfosset St. Mrs. David P. Moulton Alumni Ave. Miss Agnes Williams, English High School, Pond St. Mrs. Samuel M. Nicholson 71 George St. -10- Judge Fitz Simmons Collector of the Port Port A Office Building, Prov. R. I. Mr. Michael J. Lynch, 49 University Ave Mr. Charles A. Hamby, Jr., Tiverton, R. I. Mr. Antonio Spencer, 88 Massachusetts Ave. Mr. Walter A Read State House, Providence Mr. William H. Schlosse, 17 Shore St., Woonsocket, R. I. Mr. B. W. Richardson 85 Brewster St. [*25*] Mr. George W. Parks 123 Waterman St. -1- Names to send Form Letter: Mrs. Gustav Radeke 92 Prospect St. Mr. Prescot U. Clarke Blackstone Blvd. Hon William Beresford 288 Blackstone Road Mr. H. Anthony Dyer, 170 Blackstone Road Mrs. Eleazer B Homer, 270 Blackstone Blvd. Mr. Marsden J. Perry, Union Trust Bldg. Mr. A. J. Pothier, 172 Pond ST., Woonsocket, R. I. Miss Jessie Cole Cole Ave. -2- Mrs. William Tillinghast 268 Angell St. Mrs. Inez Sprague Narrogausett Pier, R. I. Mrs. James Bropwn Bellevue Ave, Newport, R. I. Mrs. James G. Wentz Wickham Road, Newport, R. I. Mr. Arnold B. Chace Albion, R. I. Mr. Charles W. Bubier 168 Elmgrove Ave. Mrs. Robert I Gammell, -3- Miss Alice M. Howland, Hope, R. I. Miss Charlotte Tillinghast, 260 Angell St. Mr. William H. Thurber, 229 Waterman St. Mrs. Emily M. Thurber, 210 Lexington Ave. Mrs. E. P. Thurber, 9 Bellevue Ave. Mrs. Dexter Thurber, Ferry Hill, Bristol, R. I. Mrs. Ira D. Hasbrouck Washington, R. I. Mrs. Carvor Misch, 601 Elmwood Ave -4- Gov. R. Livingston Beeckman, 312 Butler Exchange Mr. J. O. Lau Louci 4 Claremont Ave. [*25*] Misses Anthony 72 Manning St. Mr. Elisha C. Mowry, Lonsdale, R. I. Miss Alice W. Hunt, 119 Prospect St. Mrs. John R. Gladding 30 Stimson Ave., Mrs. Robert Grieve, 109 Princeton Ave. -5- Mrs. Amasa M. Eaton 701 Smith St. Mrs. Gerald A Coope, 6 Irving Ave. Miss Clara M. Law, 1402 Westminster St. Miss Esther Stone, 280 Waterman St. Mrs. John Carter Brown, 12 Benevolent St. Mr. Francis W. Carpenter, 276 Angell St. Mr. Malcolm G. Chace, 97 Angell St. -6- Mrs. Livingston Ham 254 Hope St. Mrs. John G. Aldrich, 223 Bowen St. Mrs. Edward M. Harris, 4 Bell St. Mrs. Dwight K. Bartlett, 31 Benedict St. Mr. Zeus W. Bliss, 246 Armington St., Edgewood, R. I. Miss Jessie V. Budlong, 189 Governor St. Mrs. Meritle S. Chaffee, 193 Hope St. [?] Names to Send Form Begging Letter. Mrs. Gustav Radeke 72 Prospect St. [*Sympathy but no money*] Mr. Prescott I. Clarke 210 Blackstone Blvd. Hon. William Beresford 288 Blackstone Road [*Sympathy and asks for further information.*] Mr. H. Anthony Dyer 170 Blackstone Blvd. Ms. Eleezer B. Homer 270 Blackstone Blvd. Mr. Marsden J. Perry [? ?] Bldg. Mr. H. J. Pothier 172 Pond St. Woonsocket R. I. [*$5.00*] Miss Jessie Cole Cole Ave. Write to each member of the RULES COMMITTEE of U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE urging him to support the creation of a WOMEN SUFFRAGE COMMITTEE during the present session. The names of the members of the Rules Committee are:- ROBERT L. HENRY EDWARD W. POU THOMAS W. HARDWICK FINIS J. GARRETT MARTIN D. FOSTER JAMES C. CANTRILL MICHAEL F. CONRY PHILIP F. CAMPBELL IRVINE L. LENROOT EDWIN A. MERRITT, JR., MELVILLE C. KELLY The address of each is- U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WASHINGTON, D.C. Please also write to your Senators urging them to support Joint Resolution No. I, proposing an amendment to the United States Constitution extending the right of suffrage to women. This amendment is now before the U.S. Senate. The Senators from Rhode Island are Henry F. Lippitt and LeBaron B. Colt. The address of each is U.S. Senate, Washington D. C. -3- Miss Alice M. Haverland Hope, R. I. Miss Charlotte Tillinghast 260 Angell St. Mrs. WilliamH. Thurber, 229 Waterman St. [*Nothing*] Mrs. Emily M. Thurber 9 Beldone Ave. Mrs. Dexter Shuster Ferry Hill, Brisol, R. I. Mrs. Ira D. Hasbronck Washington, R. I. Mrs Carnor Misch 601 Elmwood Ave [*5.00] -4- Gov R. Livingston Beeckman 312 Butler Exchange [*Nothing*] Mr. J. O. Lau Louci 4 Claremont Ave Misses Anthony 72 Manning St. Mr. Elisha C. Mowry, Lonsdale, R. I. Miss Alice W. Hunt, 152 Irving Ave. Miss Ellen G. Hunt, 119 Prospect St. Mrs. John R. Gladding 30 Strumann Ave. Mrs. Robert Greene, 109 Princeton Ave. -5- Mrs. Amara M. Eaton 701 Smith St. Mrs. Gerald A. Cooper, 6 Irving Ave. [*Nothing*] Miss Clara M. Law 1401 Westminster St. Miss Esther Stone 280 Waterman St. Mrs. John Carter Brown 12 Benevolent St. Mr. Francis W. Carpentr 276 Angell St. Mr. Malcolm G. Chace 97 Angell St. -6- Mrs. Livingston Ham, 254 Hope St. Mrs. John G. Aldrich 223 Bowen St. Mrs. Edward M. Harris 4 Bell St. Mrs. Dwight K. Bartlett, 31 Benevolent St. Mr. Zeuss W. Blilss 246 Armington St. Edgewood, R. I. Miss Jessie V. Budlong, 189 Governor St. Mrs. Meritle S. Chaffee, 193 Hope St. -7- Miss Lonise Diman 300 Augell St Miss Margarethe L. Dwight, Lincoln School Brites Cn Miss Marion K. Sraus 173 Naterman St Miss Grace Granges P. O. Box 36, Thompson, Conn. Mrs. William B. Greenough 203 Blackilme Blvd. Miss E. Carol Hodge 109 Bneu St. Mrs. Rometh 111 Bneu St. Mrs. John Kelso, 169 Cypress St. -8- Mr James A Kinghom 33 Cushing St. Miss Amey Kingman 170 Slater Cn Mrs Eugene A. Kingman 180 Slater Cn Miss Emily R Kingsbury 82 Walesman St Ren Aehuy E. Krum, 296 Lhayes St. Mr Nathan N Littlefield 87 Neylossel St Miss Frances Lucas The Fuceln Pehrrl Mrs. [?] -9- Miss Blanche Leavitt, 14 Maltone Road, Newport, R. I. Mrs Augustus M. Lord, 34 Cushing St., Prov Miss Catherine Makepeace 275 Nayland Ave. Mrs. Paul Mattesm 10 Ney freer St Mrs. David P. Morlton Alimme Ave. Miss Agnes Williams English High School Pond St Mrs. Samuel M Nicholson, 71 George St. -10- Judge Fets Cimmirth Collector 17 Post Post Office Building Prov. R. I. Mrs Michael J Lynch 49 Uirrenrece Ave. Mrs. Charles A. Hauby Jr. Tirton, R. I. Mr. Antonio Spencer 88 Massachusetts Ave. Mr William H. Schlosse, 17 Shore St., Woonsocket, R. I. Mr. B. W. Richardson 85 Brister St. Mr. George W. Parks 123 Waterman St. -11- Mrs. James De Wolf Perry, 10 Brown St. Mr Edwin C. Pierce 49 Motmunoli St Mrs. John R Pattem 315 Thayer St. Miss Harriet L. Smith, 155 Elurgrum Ave. Miss Hope Smith 165 Hope St. Rev Lawrence D. Lomers, Letter 528 Lanthfield Ave. Pawtucket, R. I. Dr. Gardner T. Swarts, 70 Waterman St. Miss Alice Thurber, 123 Waterman St. Mrs. Charles E. Lilley, 9 Elton St. -12- Misses Alice and Lillian Daughter 35 Charles Field St Mr. Lewis A. Waterman, 100 Alumni Ave. Miss Mary C. Whealer, 216 Hope St. Mr. George F O'Lhanghnessy, 602 Grerrouen Bldg. Mr Peter G. Gerry, 316 Lurks Head Bldg Mr. Samuel P. Colt, 49 Mester St. Mr Guy Norman, Newport, R. I. 5 W. Marlborough St. Mayor Joseph Gainer, Alt Hall -13- Mrs. Barton A. Ballon, 61 Cougdon St. Mrs. Sarah Eddy, Bristol, R.I Mr. George F. Rooke 3200 Pawtucket Ave East Providence, R. I. Rev Edward Holyoke, 179 Albert Ave, Edgewood Mr. Marcus Crahan 50 Exchange Place Prov., R.I. Mr. Thomas W. Waterman 16 Brenton Ave. Mr. Albert Ryder c/o Cherry + Nett Providence. 4th picture To her home I cared to stray Sweet content to find alway. She was of -? choicest world? Great of heart, of wrath be told; Treasure ? of by-gone years Filled with laughter, filled with tears. May I see again thy face Where express my days of grace. start a new page out Dec 9 In writing [?] the "Story of a [Suf?] Pioneer" (just published) Mrs. Algeo states that she herself was surprised at the distinctly praise-worthy part that Rhode Island has played in the emancipation of women. "We may be a small state," she said, "but I have found after delving through all available data upon the subject that Rhode Island women have generally found a place in the forefront of reforms especially interesting to women. Massachusetts points with pride now to Anne Hutchinson, Mary [Dyrr?] and Katherine Scott but [?] the liberalism of Rhode Island and Roger Williams, John Clarke and the Coddingtons to appreciate them when they needed home and shelter. "Coming as I do from the Bay State where no doubt exists in the minds of the natives at least, that they long to the state predestined to lead in all good works, I have been surprised and delighted to find how often Rhode Island deserves the honor of being first in some great and patriotic movement. Witness, for example the tea-parties, forerunners of the celebrated Boston tea-party, which took place in Providence. Again tradition tells us that the first newspaper was carried on by a Rhode Island woman [?], the first cotton thread and the first straw bonnet, an epoch-making event in the minds of both man and woman kind. History gives an account of this tremendous achievement to which I have not given the place it might seem to deserve in my story as that is limited more to the political aspect of woman's work. "In 1798 an industry, hitherto impractical in the United States, was started by the ingenuity of a twelve-year-old Providence girl. It appears that in 1798, Col. John Whipple kept a variety store on North Main Street, at the foot of Constitution Hill. His wife assisted him, and, having decided taste she was in the habit of trimming for her customers the imported Dunstable bonnets which she kept for sale. [The locality of this store was the seat of female fashions in the old town of Providence.] Among the admirers of the Dunstable bonnets in Mrs. Whipple's window was Betsy Metcalf, a young daughter of Joel Metcalf, who for several years had been a highly respected citizen of Providence. The story of her experiments and her success is told in a letter which she wrote sixty years later: West Dedham, Feb. 11, 1858. "In compliance with your request, I will write an account of my learning to braid straw. At the age of twelve I commenced braiding. My father, Joel Metcalf, brought home some oat straw which he had just mowed - in June, 1798. I cut the straw, and smoothed it with my scissors, and split it with my thumb nail. I had seen an imported bonnet, but never saw a piece of braid, and could not tell the number of straws. I commenced the common braid with six straws, and smoothed it with a junk bottle, and made part of a bonnet, but found that it did not look like the imported ones. I added another straw and then it was right. An aunt, who resided in the family, encouraged me, while most of my friends said I should never learn. She would sit and hold the braid while I braided many yards, thus keeping it straight and in place. We could not make it white by exposing to the sun, and knowing that brimstone would whiten other things, she put some in a pan, with some coals of fire, and set it out in the garden; then standing to the windward, she held the braid in the smoke and thus bleached it." After telling how successful was her experiment and how many ladies she "learned" to make bonnets, Betsy says, "I learned all who came to make bonnets free of expense. Many said I ought to get a patent; but I told them I did not wish to have my name sent to Congress. [illegible] in full with what pride Rhode Island can point to the fact that she was the first state to pass a law giving married women right to the control and ownership of their own property. This was in 1844. New York State claims this honor having passed a somewhat better law in 1848, but Mrs. Algeo "stoutly maintains" that the honor of being first belongs to Little Rhody. Mrs. Algeo opens the book with a brief autobiography of her early life in the town of Cohasset, Mass on the South Shore; then following with the [?] comes the "Great Adventure" college life at Boston University for the writer, who was the first woman to prepare for college in the Cohasset High School. Then comes the chapter on teaching experience at [?] when we get some of the inmost thoughts plainly expressed by one who "has no job to sacrifice on the altar of plain speaking" of the condition surrounding our teachers. In this chapter, also, we have a vivid description of one of Rhode Island's pioneer suffragists, Mrs Ellen M. Calder, who was a close friend of the writer. Mr. Korpman's poem of appreciation of Mrs. Algeo is a gem of literary insight on the part of a young man who also worshipped at the feet of this mutual friend. It takes a book like Mrs. Algeo's to bring to the minds of present-day people that such wonderfully majestic and charming character as Paulina Wright Davis and Elizabeth [Buffman?] Chase did live as late as the latter part of the 19th Century and who contribute their wisdom, their time, their strength to the elevation of womankind. [We learn [?] of the activity of] Among those who followed in their footsteps and whose names are most large in the annals of suffrage history are noted Anna Garlin Spencer, Elizabeth Upham Yates, Jeannette French, Mrs Martin Denning, Mary Homer, Miss Eddy, Mrs. Ballou and countless others who followed in the footsteps of Mrs. Davis and Mrs. Chace. Only those who were privileged to study under him knew the greatness of Prof. Lester Frank Ward who ranked as one of the world's great sociologists and about whom one of his former students said "It was like sitting at the feet of Plato or Aristotle to study with a teacher like him." Mrs. Algeo counted it a great privilege to study under him. While doing so she bought a full set of his writings and on the fly leaf of each he inscribed what he considered the key note sentence of the book. She tells with much pleasure how at one time Mrs. Beatrice Forbes Robertson Hale was her guest and her astonishment at learning that the great sociologist was a resident of Providence and Professor at Brown University for many years. [*25 pica 10 on 12 pt 20A*] THREE PORTRAITS OF NELLY TARR [*#1*] No lovelier face, more magical in lure, A young man's heart e'er shaped from stars and night,-- Sweet maiden lips,whereo'er Love stays his flight; Deep eyes,which,all unweeting,smile secure. [*#2*] A mother's face,with toil and care mature, And shadowed with a mother's grief,whose blight Makes life an ache borne in the heart's despite; Yet this and more,strong soul,shalt thou endure. [*#3*] Smiling upon thy grandchild,all thy cares, Thy bitter griefs long past,in thy serene And gracious eld,rich in its heritage Of memories--noble friendships,thunderous wars, World-shaking causes; and thy heart still green With new loves in the new world of thine age. [* - Harry Lyman Koopman.*] Mrs. James W. Algeo, Chairman of the Providence Woman Suffrage Party in Rhode Island, who was not present when the Presidential Suffrage Bill was signed was much pleased to receive one of the beautiful silver pens which were used by [the] Governor Beeckman in signing the bill with a note contain- the compliments of His Excellency. This token of appreciation on the part of the Governor will be all the more cherished by Mrs. Algeo who has been engaged in suffrage work in Rhode Island for the past ten years , on account of her many pleasant associations with Mr. Beeckman who is thoroug oughly liked throughout the state for his genial personality, his unfailing courtesy toward all, and his open-minded attitude toward all good causes. Four years ago he was on of the two members favorably inclined to the Cause on a very stubborn Judiciary Committee who refused t report the bill out of committee. To her was written his first promise to mention suffrage in his fiost Gubernatorial message and she had the honor of -2- honor of conferring with him over the method of writing it in. Mrs. Algeo herself came into the suffrage work in the momentous year of 1906 which marked three very important events; the death of Susan B. Anthony and the consequent realization of her great work; the advent of Mrs. Pankhurst and militant activities and the establishment of the College Equal Suffrage League which appealed strongly to her imagination as a college woman. She aided Mrs. Park of Boston in forming a Rhode Island Branch and worked steadily in that organization until the party form of organization which had been tried so successfully in New York City and Boston impressed her as being the definite road to success bothe in advertizing value and for close and powerful organization. As in new York and elsewhere it proved to be the turning point in Rhode Island. Never since that time has women suffrage been a dead issue in -3- Rhode Island. This to a large extent was due to the Providence Journal, th Tribune, and other papers which have been most generous in their free space. Mr. John R. Rathomm Managing Editor of the Providence Journal deserves a double debt of gratitude for siding in every possible way in spite of an anti-suffrage majority on his Board of Directors. Many causes contributed their share to the final victory; The Christian Temperance Union with its strong organization of almost four thousand members has been especially active under its last President, Mrs. George F. Rooke in behalh of suffrage; the endorsement of the State Grange, the Rhone Island Federation of Labor, the Methodist Church and the Rhode Island Conference of Congregational Churches has co popularized woman suffrage among the people. But back of it all lies the handiwork of our great craftsman Mrs. Carrie Chapman Catt and her able co-workers in the National American Woman Suffrage Association. Putting suffrage planks in the two great platforms over - of the dominent [[note in top margin]] (*Rhode Island) Sixty-five, Sixty-five, Sixty-five Voters - Up to the ballot box Com the "By--?Roters"! Forward the precinct van, On variation put the ban There at the ballot box -- Automat voters. Forward the precinct roll Is there a missing soul? Not if the boss is there Keenly to mark the poll! There's not to make reply -- There's not to reason why -- Just so there's no one (sky) shy There at the ballot box Sixty-five voters. Fathers to right of them, Mothers to left of them -- Sisters behind them -- All voting soundly. Let uniformity be strenght, Each family vote its length There at the ballot box -- Safely and soundly. When shall their glory fade, Strong-fashioned, machine-made -- Perhaps one may wonder! If "Sixty-fives" yield their place, While hundreds show their face, Old rules may pause apace Broken asunder! [[new page]] [[Letterhead]] Woman Suffrage Party 602 Jackson Building Providence, R. I. Square table - Mrs. B. A. Ballou Small table - Sara M. Alges Book shelves and Mahogany book case - Dr. E. M. Harris, 4 Bell St. High Chair - Miss Yates Chairs - Rhode Island Suffragests Pictures: Julia Ward Hom? Jane Addams Maud H? Elliott Susan B. Anthony Sara M. Alges c/o Miss Nettir? E. Bauer. File and desk - Anthony S? Co. Autographed photographs M? Fox - Sara M. Agles [*Wrote Life & Labor 11/11/13 Eny 76 1.50 1 amc*] RHODE ISLAND WOMAN SUFFRAGE ASSOCIATION. Honorary President, Mrs. ARDELIA COOK DEWING, 92 Keene Street, Providence. President, MISS ELIZABETH UPHAM YATES, 209 Butler Ave., Providence. First Vice-President, Mrs. ARDELIA C. D. GLADDING, 92 Keene Street, Providence. Second Vice-President, Mrs. HELEN R. PARKS, 123 Waterman Street, Providence. Third Vice-President, Mrs. MARY VAN E. FERGUSON, 57 Arlington Avenue, Providence. Recording Secretary, MISS MARY M. ANGELL, 1 Congdon Street, Providence. Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. SARA L. G. FITTZ, 197 Longfellow Street. Treasurer, Mrs. HELEN N. B. JANES, 80 Carpenter Street, Providence. Auditors Mrs. MARY R. BALLOU, 61 Congdon Street, Providence. Mrs. ALICE F. PORTER, 596 Smith Street, Providence. Providence, R. I.______________191_____ Nov 15, 1914 For Earned & Life & Later Ingalls 49 Records of the R.I.W.S.P. [Y.M.C.A.] Americanization Class Providence, R. I. Class called to order at 8 P.M. Friday Nov. 29, 1918 Mrs. James W. Algeo in the chair acted as instructor. Questions were asked and answered by those present concerning the history of the United States such as persons seeking naturalization would be called upon to answer. Mr. Thomas W. Bicknell gave an address on the early history of Rhode Island at the conclusion of the work. Resolutions were adopted urging the American delegates to the coming peace conference to unify the Greek speaking races of Asia Minor and Thrace to the end that the boundaries of the Greek nation may be extended to include all peoples of the Greek race. Several prominent Greeks were heard on the subject, the discussion being led by Themistocles S. Jepherson Mrs. Algeo appointed John T, Giddings as Secretary. The attendance was 17. Attest. John T Giddings Sec'y Friday Dec 6, 1918 Meeting opened at 8-15 P.M. Mrs. Algeo presiding. Rev. Arthur H. Bradford pastor of the Central Congregational Church gave an address on the Declaration of Independence the events leading up to the composition of the famous document and answered questions concerning it. He said we were on the eve of a great friendship for Great Britain. Mr Francis Gallagher spoke on the battle of Lexington and Concord which he called skirmishes instead of regular battles. Mr Bradford also spoke briefly on the proposed league of nation which he favored as a means of preventing future wars. Mrs Algeo announced that the speaker for next Friday evening would be Mr. Theodore Francis Green on the importance of Naturalization. Attendance 14 The meeting adjourned at 9-45 [?] John T. Giddings Sec'y Friday Dec 13, 1918 Meeting called to order by Mrs. Algeo at 8 P.M. Mr Theodore Francis Green was unable to be present. Mrs Algeo explained the questions to be answered by applicants for naturalization papers. I was shown that the tests for the same were more strict than formerly. In answer to the question - Where can naturalization papers be taken out? it was explained that in Providence at the Superior Court, Federal Bldg. and at the City Hall. What is a declaration of intention? - The first papers filled out at 18 years of age. Mrs Algeo then explained the test used in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Mr [Themistock?] S. Josephson talked on the future of Greek Citizens in the country and advocated more work on Naturalization in the public schools. Mr E. Teager - [akin?] formerly of Crete Island now a citizen of the U.S. spoke on the [tasks?] which he claimed were largely unnecessary, that after several years residence in the U.S. and upon being able to read and write a person upon declaring his intention should be able to become naturalized. Mrs Algeo announced that Ex. Gov. L. F. G. Garvin would speak at the next meeting on the ideals of state Government, the meeting then adjourned at 10 P.M. - attendance 18. Attest John T. Giddings Sec'y. Friday Dec 20, 1918 Meeting opened at 8 P.M. Mrs. James W. Algeo as instructor explained the laws for Naturalization. Dr L.F.C. Garvin then addressed the meeting upon the ideals of State Government. He said in part that the ideal of our state government was good but that foreigners who come her to live and then go away do not seem to be satisfied with it. For example Messrs Lenin and Trotsky of Russian who lived in New York's east side and saw the bad housing conditions there and blamed it on our system of government. The property qualification of R.I. should be abolished. Our elections are faulty, and we do not get truly representative government. Our three departments of Gov't. originated in the 18th century (Legislative, Executive and Judicial) The people were afraid to give too much power to the executive fearing that he would be too much like a king. The power of appointing officers has been taken from the Gov. of R.I. and given to the legislature as when they refuse to confirm they can then elect. This Dr. Garvin says should be changed and when the legislature refuses to confirm the Govr should again appoint. The Gov. of R.I. can veto bills of the legislature but the veto can be easily overcome by a 3/5 vote. In R.I. the Judiciary are elected by the legislature, the best qualified men do not get in but few scandals occur. The legislature can by a joint vote clear out the Judiciary. In R.I. owing to the borough system a majority of voters is utterly helpless, it would take at least a 4/5 vote to supplant or amend the state constitution. It would need a big issue to wake the people up. As an ideal form of State Gov't. Dr Garvin suggested that our state legislature should have but one branch, and be elected in the odd year or not at the same time as the National Election, and by the method of Proportional Representation with the single transferable vote, or the "Hare" System. And the ideal form of deriving public revenue should be the single tax on land values, and buildings and other products of labor should be exempt. Mrs Algeo announced that the [clan?] would adopt a French Orphan if the [clan?] so voted and it was voted accordingly. Miss Enid Pierce announced that the Peoples Book Room at the Friends' Meeting house would open to the public Saturday evenings from 3 to 10. Mrs Algeo announced that this would be the last meeting at the Y.M.C.A. and before the next meeting another room would be obtained which will be announced. It was then voted to adjourn to Jan 3, 1919 Attendance 15 - Attest John T. Giddings Sec'y. Friday Jan. 3 1918. Clan met at their new quarters at the Peoples Book Room Cor. North Main and Meeting St's. In the basement of the Friends Meeting House. The meeting called to order at 8-15 Mrs James W Algeo presiding. Mrs Algeo addressed the meeting and described the process of putting a bill through the legislature taking the bill for woman suffrage as a model. She said that "now that the women have the vote it is time to think in terms of she as well as he." Miss Mabel Orgleman outlined a legislative policy of interest to women for 1919. Mrs Algeo announced that at the meeting next Friday night the Armenians & Syrian condition will be discussed. - Attendance 11 The meeting adjourned at 10 P.M. John T. Giddings Sec'y Friday Jan. 10th 1919. Meeting called to order at 8-15. Mrs Algeo presiding. Dr. W.H. Easton then addressed the class in behalf of the Armenian and Syrian relief fund, to raise $30 000 000, for the state organization whose headquarters are the liberty loan headquarters at 105 Westminster St. he said The time is short and the need is great, Rhode Island's Quota is $210 000 of which the Sunday Schools are to raise $7000. The need is urgent, 400 000 orphans need help at once until the next harvest. The drive will be on Jan. 12th and will last until the 19th. Mrs Algeo read Alice Stone Blackwell's translation of some Armenian & Syrian Poems. Mr. Adeeb Faris of Syria then addressed the class, and said he believes Christ left his order to America to feed Syria, as Syria has nobody to look after her but America. Mr Faris came to America 25 years ago, and said the Syrians have a high opinion of America. Mr Faris said that many children are starving between Beirut & Tyre. Mr Chaz Simon said that as this country has prospered during the war it should now help the countries in need of assistance and it would be shameful if we did not, and the ideal to be looked for in both Armenia and Syria is a government by the people themselves not a protectorate similar to the Cuban Republic, they should be put on their feet so they could act independently. We need to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ in settling the world problems. Mrs. Algeo announced that Mr & Mrs [Themistoclu?] Josephson will arrange a programme for the next meeting concerning the Greek people. The meeting then adjourned at 9-45 P.M. Attendance 15 - Attest John T. Giddings Sec'y. Friday Jan. 17th 1919 Meeting called to order at 8-05 P.M. Mrs. J.W. Algeo presiding. - Mrs Algeo addressed the meeting for one half hour concerning the problem of citizenship and the different nationalities. Mr. Themistoclu Josephson then addressed the class concerning the history of Greece. He criticized the secrecy of the allied powers concerning Greece and Asia Minor, he said the people should have information of what is being done at the peace conference. Greece can only be secure if people in lands of Greece can come into Greece. We should liberate the Greek from Turkish and Italian rule. Crete & Cypress Islands should belong to Greece. The western part of Asia Minor to Thrace should be under Greek rule. Greece is not looking for strategic points but for the liberation of her people who have been under Turkish Rule. The Greek subjects of Turkey still speak the Greek language. In Greece all people can vote even the foreigners. Greece was one of the first countries to have slavery but the custom died out as it was not profitable the Greek Orthodox church is similar to the Anglican Church at present, there are very few protestants in Asia Minor. Greeks go to mission college not for protestantism but for educational purposes. Mr. E. Trargarakin then addressed the class, he said it was remarkable how Greece served through centuries of oppression, and when the conditions change Greece well progress greatly. Greece while not so high in civilization as formerly is still higher than the surrounding peoples. Greece expects help from America. Greece to day has (independence) 5,250,000 people the land is of a mountainous nature and poorer quality the best lands are under Turkish rule, the Greek mind is adaptable similar to the American. In America farms that do not pay, would pay in Greece as the Greek farmer is thrifty and can endure hardships. The Sec. John T. Giddings then addressed the class to answer a question of what was the cause of the decline and decay of former Great nations. He said that inequality in the use of land was the cause of the downfall of Nations and advocated the Single Tax as the remedy. Attendance 22 The meeting adjourned at 10 P.M. Attest - John T. Giddings Sec'y. Friday Jan. 24, 1919 Meeting called to order at 8-05. - Attendance 22 - Mrs. J.W. Algeo presiding. It was voted to continue the discussion of the claims of nations at the peace conference next week. Mrs Sarah Fitts then addressed the class on the subject of Ireland. She declared that Ireland was still a nation and has not surrendered her national rights. In 1592 but four Counties of Ireland were under English rule. In 1793 a corrupt Irish Legislature voted away its rights to England. England at that time promised that she would impose no military burden on Ireland's people. Ireland's soldiers suffered more in killed in proportion to her population than men of any other nationality, and they fought in the war to help Ireland get her rights. She believes Ireland should be remembered when the peace conference considers the rights of small nations. Mr Arthur Schwartz then addressed the meeting. He said his father was a Russian Jew and his mother was born in Germany. He said the reason why the Russians so easily threw off the rule of the church was that the Russian never was very religious in the orthodox sense of the word, he is so ignorant that the only thing he can see is the truth. For the past 20 years students went among the peasants and educated them particularly on economics. The Russian peasant is considered illiterate but that does not mean he is not intelligent as he is quite intelligent and knows when he is defended, and has enough to eat. The Soviets gained their power because there were several factions in Russia and the people put them in office because they were the best organized, and the people thought by doing so they would end the evil war going on. If let alone the Russians will work out their own destiny, he believed and some day because of their love for humanity will be the teachers of mankind. Mr. E. [Trargarakis?] then spoke on Greece: ~ claims of Thrace, Asia Minor, and Constantinople and the islands of Crete and Cypress. Difficulties which Britain will encounter in recurring guarantees for the future, reparations and freedom of the seas were discussed by Marcus Graham. Mr. Chas. Simon spoke of the value of these meetings in education the class on the true condition of the people in the different nations. Armenia, Spain & Portugal will be taken up at the next meeting. Attendance 23 - Meeting adjourned at 10 P.M. Attest John T. Giddings Sec'y Friday Jan. 31st 1919. Meeting called to order at 8-10 P.M. Mrs. J.W. Algeo presiding. Mrs Algeo explained the pamphlets the R.I. Women Suffrage Party are getting out and said they would contain information of value to prospective women voters and coming citizens. Attention was called to the question of whether the woman voter should pay a poll tax, and also that women should begin to register July 1, 1919 in order to vote in 1920. Miss Enid Pierce then spoke on President Wilson's 14 points, and gave a clear and interesting discussion of claims of the various nations at the peace conference. Miss Pierce has the most profound respect for the intellect of the man who wrote the famous 14 points. Mr. Luigi De Pasquale then addressed the meeting concerning Italy's claims at the peace conference. Mr Pasquale was born in the U.S. but his parents were born in Italy. He said Italy claims Trentino, Istria and Dalmatia. The first real Italian unity began in Napoleon's Time, the second began under Garibaldi and others. Lombardy was liberated in 1850. Venetia was liberated from Austria in 1866. The customs of Trentino have always been Italian. Italy had possession before 1814 Austria since until now. Istria is a part of Italy, Dalmatia came under Austrian rule in 1815. Italy desires to get Dalmatia and Istria in order to get command of the Adriatic Sea. The Jugo Slavs do not relish this as it would shut them from the see. Italy claims they were promised to her by England in the London Treaty of 1915. Dante Alligheri in his Divine Comedy fixed the boundaries of Italy the same as the claims to day. Austria claims the provinces because she has held them for 100 years. Mr Arthur Schwartz then took the floor and said that according to the Encyclopedia Britannia Italy has only 3 [?] of the population of Dalmatia, and that Trentino is the only seaport worthy of the name for Austria. He said that as a result of the war England is now in Germany's former place as the chief military nation of Europe, and possibly in the next war will be in alliance with Germany against the United States, and he quotes Bernard Shaw for authority. He urges that the people support Pres. Wilson in his league of nations. plan in order to avoid future wars. It was then voted by the class to continue the discussion of the claims of nations for the next few meetings, and Mr Schwartz will speak on President Wilson's 14 points next Friday. The Yugo Slav question will also be discussed by Mr. Thomas Bickwell and others. It was then voted to urge the R.I. Legislature that the class request the immediate ratification of the Prohibition Amendment to the U.S. Constitution it was so voted and the secretary instructed to notify the legislature through Mr. Luigi De Pasquale and state senator Daniel Geary. The meeting then adjourned at 10 P.M. Attendance 21 Attest John T. Giddings Sec'y Friday Feb. 7, 1919 Class called to order at 8-15 Mrs Algeo being absent Miss Enid Pierce took the chair, and introduced as the speaker of the evening Mr. Joseph McDonald of Pawtucket, who then addressed the class on the League of Free Nations and the sub-conference going on in Europe. "Every war has its basic conditions from a desire to plunder on one side or the other. The Germans were wholly wrong their training made them brutal. This war was the last struggle of feudalism. An attempt to prevent democracy among the nations. The rule of special legal privilege must be set aside and the rule of democratic ideals established. Out of this conference must come customs of great importance. We must come to the point where no man must have any legal privilege over any other man because of his birth. One of the great problems is the question of caste. There are people who are seeking special advantage for themselves without regard for the rights of the people whom they rule. No nation should be permitted to exploit another nation because it is weaker. The men and women who do the work of the world are not getting a 66 fair share of what they produce. One person can by the aid of machinery produce many times more than 100 years ago. Referring to the recalled protective tariff he said that in Manchester England a weaver runs 4 looms and makes $7.50 per week or $1.87 per loom. In America a weaver runs 24 looms if he get $1.87 per loom he would make $44.88. The Automatic loom should have raised wages or cut prices. A woman or housekeeper is a part of the necessary producing force and should have equal pay as a man who is working. Some men think they are superior to others not because of any physical or moral superiority but because of birth. There is a great unrest among the working people because of an awakened sense of justice as to what they should have for their labor. Great Britain's embargo upon our machinery and tools is not a reason for apprehension. Out of this conference must come freedom of trade in goods. People who attempt to restrict trade are interfering with economic law and are bound to suffer for it. Restriction in trade gives special legal privilege to some and should be done away with. 67 Why does England need a big Navy if there can be an agreement among nations to settle disputes by a court of arbitration Navies and Armies can be reduced to merely police power. It is the special interests that try to get larger standing armies. The great mass of the people are still living without hope of the future. In the City of Vancouver (Western Canada) there is not a pauper or beggar, this may due to the fact that they have the land value taxation only, - for local revenue. Miss Pierce announced that next week the topic may be the State Government. A vote of thanks was given to Mr. McDonald at the close of the meeting. Attendance 10 - attest John T. Giddings. Sec'y. 68 Friday Feb 14, 1919 Class called to order at 8-20 Mrs. J.W. Algeo presiding. Mrs Algeo spoke on woman's part in the reconstruction work. She said the board of canvassers told Mrs. Algeo that if the women would register July 1, 1919 they would do more to revolutionize the men in registering than anything else they could do. One of the things women must be interested in is prohibition. The situation in R.I. is discouraging, the spirit that is manifested by our lawmakers and newspapers opposing is hard to account for, the law having been passed by Congress and ratified by the legislatures of a sufficient number of states. She also spoke of child welfare, prevention of night work for women, she explained the legal technicality by which opponents of prohibition claim that the Amendment is null and void because in some of the states the referendum was not invoked. She claimed that a federal Amendment takes precedence over state laws and that a state law such as the referendum could not nullify a Federal Amendment when ratified by a sufficient number of State Legislatures. 69 Miss Enid M. Pierce then spoke on reconstruction work - she said "unless the nations of the globe are made over and get some good out of the reconstruction period the war will have been fought in vain. The women should put away trivial things such as too much attention to dress, or over much attention in household work - and take more interested in the affairs of government and the problems to be met. If they could only be made to realize the influence they could exert for good if they could realize the bigness of these three things Suffrage, Prohibition and Peace. We hope President Wilson will accomplish his purpose of preventing future wars, and if he fails it may lead to revolutions all over Europe and also America. We must make up our minds what is true and stand for it and be brave enough to lead and not follow. Mrs Algeo then announced that the speaker for next Friday evening will be former alderman John Kelso on the City government. Attendance 8. - meeting adjourned at 10.05 P.M. Attest John T. Giddings Sec'y. 70 Friday Feb. 21, 1919. Class called to order at 8-20. Mrs. J.W. Algeo presiding. Mr. John Kelso, who served three years on the City Council and 10 years on the Board of Aldermen of Providence, then addressed the meeting. He said Democracy in the City Government is an iridescent dream. He has seen rich men before committees get much consideration and poor men get hardly any at all. The health matters are in the hands of the board of aldermen. Where an appropriation is concerned the City Council makes it. When a street is deeded for highway purposes the money is appropriated by the City Council and the board of aldermen can spend every dollar of it. When a franchise is asked for by the Public Utilities Corporation the Council always grants the franchise without considering that the rights of the people are violated or the streets are for the use of all the public. The City Council can only make ordinances within the limits prescribed by the State Legislatures. Ordinarily the committee meetings should be open to the public, and public hearings should be held. When the Jitney hearings were held the word of the Trustees of the R.I. Co. was taken and the Jitney 71 men got no consideration whatever. A tentative estimate is made of the amount of money required for the City expenditures and assessments are made the first of July by the Tax Assessor, and if there is enough money the appropriations are made, if not they are pared down. People seem to think there is only one assessment of taxes, but as a matter of fact the City Council can order a special assessment at any time and the people will have to pay it. The Franchise interests control the Providence Journal and it has never opposed the granting of special privilege or franchises. The R.I. Hospital Trust Co. owns or controls the special privileges or franchises in R.I. The Grand Trunk fight was between Kidder Peabody & Co. and J.P. Morgan & Co. to see who will control the New Haven Road. There is no money graft in the City Gov't. - every dollar is accounted for but there is considerable economic graft, such as buying land cheap and then get a street car line to go past it and then sell dear, the only way to correct this graft is by the single tax on land or site values. Remove all opportunities for graft and there will be no graft. The men in public office are to have a harder time in the next few years than 72 before. The Government has no right to go into competition with the people, but should own all natural monopolies. If we get cheaper gas or car fares land goes up in value. If we have a wrong tax system all enterprises will fail, the harder we work the more the landlord will get. The Tariff, special privileges in public utilities Etc. are all of minor consequence compared with the land question. We have no democracy in the City of Providence which has one state senator whilst a small country town also has one. Land is not property, but a product of labor is. Mr Kelso answered questions for about one hour. He said the single tax is similar to renting a house - you pay rent to the Gov't. for the use of the land which includes the Gov't services - you would not buy land and rent it also. We must get rid of all special privileges. We cannot have political democracy until we have economic democracy. The requirements for a full vote are $300.00 intangible personal property, $134.00 Real Estate and $200.00 Personal Property, (Tangible) To recall a member of the City Council go to the ward committee or go to the public 73 and put in a counter ticket and oppose the state. The attendance was 15 Meeting adjourned at 10 P.M. Attest - John T. Giddings Sec'y. Friday Feb. 28th 1919 Meeting called to order at 8-15 - Mrs. James W. Algeo presiding. Mrs. Algeo called attention to a new pamphlet for woman voters which she had prepared and had published, and distributed copies to those present and left a number for sale in the Peoples Book Room. She also called attention to an Americanization Bill introduced in the General Assembly and referred to the committee on Finance. Mr. Richard W. Jennings then addressed the class on the subject of the R.I. State Government. Mr Jennings called attention to the recent death of former governor D. Russell Brown and said Gov. Brown as his political Godfather as he began his political life as Sec. to Gov Brown. The state Gov't. is the source of all the power for the protection and welfare of its Citizens. Whatever is not conferred on the National Constitution by the states, the states can do of themselves. The Prohibition Amendment Controversy is caused by a dispute as to what constitutes the Legislature in states 74 which have the [initiation?] on referendum. The power of the National Government is conclusive where the power is conferred by the states, to that extent the sovereign power of the states is restricted. The things such as protection of life; education or health the relation of employers and employed, the things which concern us most deeply are prerogatives of the state government. In all fundamentals the R. I. State Constitution is as liberal as the other states. Formerly under Roger Williams, Rhode Island had the greatest charter of all the states. He explained the property qualification as the germ of English Custom. When it was easy to obtain land $134.00 of Real Estate was the legal requirement, then when land became more difficult to obtain - $200.00 personal property was also made the legal requirement - He explained the Bourne Amendment by which foreign born citizens could vote. The bill of rights of the R. I Constitution gives religious freedom to all, slavery was not permitted, it granted personal liberty by which no officer could enter your home and search without a warrant, and no personal shall be held for a crime unless he has been indicted. The right of trial by 75 jury Etc. In cases of controversy the bill of rights is invoked. The Supreme Court has final appellant jurisdiction over all the other courts and its decision is conclusive. Under the Supreme Court is the Superior Court of seven members. The courts of R. I. have the final authority in the construction of the law. An advisory opinion of the Supreme Court is not binding on the general assembly unless sustained by strong public sentiment, as, for example the mileage discussion by which the Supreme Court decided that the members of the Assembly could only collect mileage at the beginning and at the end of the session, and the assembly still continued to collect mileage each day. The Sheriff is elected by the Assembly and the Governor has no real control over him. A police force over which the Governor has authority would remedy this. The present debt of the State is $7,000,000.00. The Governor can appoint committees with the advice and consent of the Senate. The expenditures of the State from the report of former Treasurer Read twenty years ago was $1,000,000, now, from the last report they were $5,000,000. The legislative branch is the most important part of the Gov't. 76 The Public laws of R. I. to day require a thick book and twenty years ago a comparatively small pamphlet would suffice. The work of the legislature is done largely in Committee Rooms. The Judiciary and Finance Committees do practically all the work of the Legislature. Near the close of the legislature members have to compromise with each other in order to get laws passed which they want. The legislative branch is really for the purpose of raising money for the purposes or expenses of Government. The Legislature can change the Gov't of any town, can divide the City of Providence into several towns and no power can stop it. Questions were answered by Mr Jennings for about half an hour. Then Mrs. Algeo announced that next week the speaker would be the Rev. Marion Syder a negro elder of the African M. E. Church. The attendance was 15. Meeting adjourned at 10 P. M. Attest. John T. Giddings, Sec'y. 77 Friday March 7, 1919 Class called to order at 8-15 Mrs J. W. Algeo presiding. Rev. Marion Syder (colored) addressed the meeting on reconstruction work in the Southern States. He said there was great need of reconstruction at home. He said he was in favor of woman suffrage - they could not make a worse job of government than the men have done. He says Baltimore is one of the [easiest?] cities in the country to own a home. Our educational force is nearly three quarters (3/4) women. When he was in Virginia 65% of the laborers were of his race. The educational system in the south is a failure and should be revamped. The practical economic side of education in the south is unknown. There is great need of reconstruction in the south. The people of the south are just as vicious toward the black population as ever. We must have the truth. Georgia has organized a secret society similar to the old Ku Klux organization recently. We need more men like Charles Sumner, Wendell Phillips and Stephen Douglass. They refuse to serve food to the negroes in the cars. America is the battle ground for democracy at the present 78 time. Mr Syder said he is not pro-german but the Germans never set fires under the negro. He quoted Bishop Jones as saying "There is not a negro man in America that is satisfied with conditions as they are, though some may camouflage. The colored men all over the south are going to have the vote in eight years, if they have to shed blood to get it and they are ready to do it when the time comes. They are going to stay in the south in spite of all. We should all pull together both black and white as they are guaranteed under the U. S. States Constitution. Even in New England there is much misunderstanding some folks think that if you give the negro what he wants he will ask too much, they have too much common sense for that. The vote of the colored man in the south was taken away by a subterfuge. We let the South fool the north by saying "let us alone in our local affairs you attend to your own affairs and let us do the same". Let us forget this tomfoolery of color and all work together and the colored soldiers are coming back after fighting the huns and are going by the grace of god to fight for their rights. Mrs Algeo said the race question would 79 be solved along industrial lines - if the black man can get industrial equality he will soon get political equality. Questions were answered and a discussion followed. Next week the proposed league of Nations will be discussed with Mr. Chas. Simon speaker. Attendance 15 - the meeting adjourned at 10 P. M. Attest John T. Giddings Sec'y. 80 Friday March 14th 1919 Class called to order at 8-15. Mrs. J. W. Algeo being called away the Sec'y. John T. Giddings presided. Mr Charles Simon spoke on a League of Nations saying that unless some international organization is effected what will happen when another war comes? It will be much more destructive than the last and many put an end to Civilization itself. That is the crisis, we are on the brink of destruction and if we can turn back from the precipice and organize a league of nations to prevent war we may live. Mr Simon cannot understand how some people can treat the league so flippantly as shown by some of the cartoons appearing in the Press indicate. We must have this league of nations or nothing. The basis of the league is the five (5) great nations - Great Britain, these United States, France, Italy and Japan. These nations can invite other nations to join them in a covenant, and it is not likely that any nation could withdraw and face an economic boycott of all the others. Of course the nations will have to give up some of their privileges, it is so in a partnership, it is so in a corporation it is so in 81 marriage they become partners in family life. We combine for the good of the whole, and we should be willing to abandon some of the individual sovereignty for the good of the whole world. In regard to the Monroe doctrine - if we can go to Europe they can also come over here. The Monroe Doctrine should be abandoned. We are too much inclined to have our thinking done for us by people who lived 50 or 100 years ago, take the Dexter Farm for the poor - vegetables are still raised there the same as 100 years ago instead of cutting it up into house lots as Mr Dexter if he were alive would probably advise. So as to George Washington's advice about entangling alliances. It is not our duty as a nation to live a separate and cloistered life, but to enter the family of Nations as we have reached the maturity of 140 years of National Life. It is curious that the same objections to the League of nations were advanced against the Constitution of the United States even Patrick Henry said the Constitution would abrogate our treaties with other nations. Criticism has not changed much it is about the same to day as it was in 1790. The league should not be treated in a partisan spirit. President Wilson is undertaking with all his heart and soul to do a 82 great work for humanity. We are now well advanced on the road that will lead to permanent peace, to the Parliament of man, the federation of the world. In answer to questions he said we are not really giving up our sovereignty but extending it. A gentleman present said the Old Colony Trust Co. of Boston will send for a post card a pamphlet of the League of Nations containing speeches of Sen. Lodge, Ex. President Taft, and speech of President Wilson. Discussion from the floor followed. Attendance 10 meeting adjourned at 10-10 P. M. John T. Giddings Sec'y. 83 Friday March 21, 1919 Meeting began at 8.05 P. M. Miss Enid Pierce presiding. Miss Pierce then addressed the class on the League of Nations. She said that the opponents of the league were mostly republicans of the partisan type, she advocates that from now on until it is settled that all who favor the League should try to influence others in favor of it as a means of preventing future wars. President Wilson's ideas were grand and if he cannot have the league as he desires, it will be due to the selfishness of the nations and the opposition here at home. We realize that it may not be perfect but it can be amended. Mrs Elizabeth Hadley then addressed the class on the Prohibition (National) Amendment. She said there is a great fear in the minds of the friends of temperance that the opponents may take the law away from us. Rhode Island is peculiar and in being opposed to it shows that there is much good in it. The 18th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution is regularly made and ratified by over 3/4 of the states. All over the country State Legisla- 84 tures have been elected on the Prohibition issue so that they really represent the people. The amendment has been ratified by 45 of the 48 states only R. I. Connecticut and New Jersey failed to ratify. We feel that the amendment was carried by an overwhelming majority. It is now a part of the U. S. Constitution and the objection to it by lawyers on constitutional grounds is absurd the question being is the Constitution constitutional. Ex Senator Baily of Texas says that the Constitution only recognizes the legislatures of the states not the referendums. It would mean millions of dollars for the liquor men if they could merely delay the enforcement of the law. Ex President M. H. Taft says that it is now the duty of all to secure the enforcement of the amendment regardless of previous opinions. R. I. has made herself ridiculous by proposing to test the constitutionality of the law it is a big job for a small tackler. There are some people who are so contentious that they cannot agree without a great deal of talk and opposition. It is an evil thing to poison the 85 human stock and drinking leads to vice and lowers the efficiency of the people. The whole world is looking to America for salvation from the liquor traffic. The battle is now won all we need to do now is to education. Questions were answered and a general discussion followed, in answered to questions Mrs Hadley said 'The light wines and beers are harmful in proportion to the quantity of alcohol in them. The Alcohol in Sweet Spirits of Nitre counteracts the influence of the Nitre to a certain extent - it would be better if the Nitre could be taken without the alcohol. The Supreme Court has always invariably stood with the Temperance People. R. I. is trying to have the State Law superior to the Federal law. The War Department has enacted that after next July all over 1/2 of one per cent was alcoholic and could not be manufactured, and the Supreme Court has decided that a law of a Department of Congress is as valid as if passed by Congress itself. Attendance 8. meeting adjourned at 9-45 P.M. attest John T. Giddings Sec'y 86 Friday April 4, 1919 Class called to order at 8-15 Miss Enid Pierce presiding. Mr. Arthur Schwartz then addressed the meeting on the subject of what is behind the indemnities. There is a good deal of truth in the tales of atrocities. The criminal class are usually held down by fear of the law and on the battlefield this restraint is removed. In all countries before the war there were bread lines and circuses. The Jews contributed more of their population to the war in proportion than any other Nationality. The Allies were practically defeated when the Americans came into the war. German's Capital is $80,000,000,000. The only way that Germany can pay the indemnity by goods is to allow the markets of the world to be opened to her, but if they do Germany will become supreme commercially, and if she is not to have a large army she will be all the more efficient. But by this programme the goods of Germany would come into competition with the goods of the Allies and they are not likely to permit that. If the indemnity was to be paid by Germany labor going into Northern France and Belgium the German workman would 87 compete with the French and Belgian workman and that would not be permitted. There is another way that Germany would pay the indemnity which was proposed in the Peoples Forum by John S. Godman of Boston, and that is by taxing the land values and natural resources of Germany - but that would reduce the Junker Class to the ranks of the proletarians and make Germany really democratic and the Government of the allies would not allow that. To Indemnify is practically impossible. How can Human Life be indemnified? you cannot bring back the dead, the best policy is to look forward to the future rather than to the past. The people require the statement of recognized authorities before they will believe in policies. What is behind the movement for indemnities? They are going to try in all the countries to put over Militarism. Universal service which has been of much great service to the landed interests of Prussia is desired by the Autocracies of Great Britain and France to bolster up the privileged classes. The indemnity cannot be collected but the average man must be made to believe that the robber Germans cannot be trusted 88 and they they will have to keep 250,000 or more Americans in Germany to watch them and England and France will have to do the same and also America will have to keep an army at home to replace the men in Germany each year, and the people may favor it. The upper classes are studying Psychology and are trying to find out how they can force an army on the people without the people opposing it. The people will be led to believe that the Germans are likely to start another war if not watched so the question of indemnity may be used to foist an army upon the American People. If we get Militarism we will get industrial feudalism and our democracy will be under the iron heel of the Military Caste. What is industrial feudalism? What Germany had before the war. The stomach was filled but the mind was left barren. This can be accomplished by paying the teacher such small salaries that they will have no interest in their work. A general discussion followed. Mrs Algeo announced that at the next meeting the Suffrage conventions at St. Louis would be discussed by Mrs. J. W. Algeo, 89 Miss Mabel Orgelman and Miss Mary T. Cass of Woonsocket. The attendance was 15. Meeting adjourned at 10 - o'clock. attest John T. Giddings Sec'y. Friday April 11th 1919 Class called to order at 8-25 Mrs J. W. Algeo, presiding. Mrs Algeo addressed the class on the St. Louis Convention of the National Woman Suffrage Party. Every thing at the Convention went smoothly there was no hitch anywhere. Mrs Algeo read the speech of Carrie Chapman Catt. Mrs Catt advocated a league of women voters as a memorial to those who died in the war. The proposed league to make the country and the world safe for democracy. She urged uniform laws for women and children all over the country. There should be many changes in laws and customs. The most vital change suggested is to remove illiteracy of which there is considerable 1/4 of all the men examined for the army were found to be illiterate. 2 1/2 millions of farmers cannot read the bulletins of the agricultural department. The illiterate furnish a fertile soil for enemy propaganda. Before the foreigners can love the land 90 they must understand it. There is a great unrest in this country among the industrial population, and the employers of labor assume an attitude of self defense and offer a stubborn resistance to all change and become reactionary. We have a more forceful opposition to democracy in this country than most of us realize. Mrs. Catt advocated nine fronts as of vital importance in the reconstruction following the war. 1 - Compulsory education of children from 5 to 14 years of age. 2 - Education of adults. 3 - English the National Language no public schools to teach any other. 4 - Higher qualifications for citizenship 5 - Direct citizenship of women. 6 - Education and citizenship through foreign language newspapers compulsory 7 - Oath of allegiance. 8 - Schools of Citizenship 9 - An education qualification for all voters after a reasonable time. We should engage in a nation wide campaign against the worlds oldest enemy - ignorance. A number of French women have married colored soldiers of the U. States and are coming 91 back with them and this may cause difficulty for the French women when they get to the U. States. A general discussion followed. Mr. Arthur Schwartz told of the effects of illiteracy among the soldiers of the camp, who could not read their orders. Next Friday evening there will be an address on social hygiene by Dr. Margaret S. Hardman. Attendance 10 Meeting adjourned at 10-10 P.M. attest - John T. Giddings. Friday April 18, 1919 Class called to order at 8-20 Mrs. J. W. Algeo presiding. Mrs Algeo announced that we were planning to have Dr. Anna Howard Shaw address the R. I. W. S. Party and also the R. I. equal W. S. Party in March but the newspapers announced that Mrs. Shaw would be the guest of the R. I. Equal Suffrage Party, and Mrs Shaw declined to come unless both organizations extended the invitation, and Mrs. Algeo wrote to Miss Anthony to learn if the R. I. E. Suffrage party would write with us and plan to have Dr. Shaw address both organizations in May. Mrs Algeo suggested that there be a contest in City and Town Halls to see what women will register for voting first 92 on the 1st of July 1919. Dr Margaret Hardman then addressed the class on Social Hygiene. The germs belong to the lower order of the vegetable kingdom, therefore the lower order of the vegetable kingdom tends to destroy the higher order of the Animal Kingdom, and the lower order of the Animal Kingdom (insect pests) tends to destroy the higher order of the vegetable kingdom such as fruits Etc. In teaching girls Hygiene she begins with the flowers male and female and explains the reproductive functions, she explained about Hybridizing the flowers the Dahlia & Cactus Plants, Etc. she said people are devoting much time to the perfecting of plants flowers, animals Etc. but very little attention to perfecting human beings. If they would devote as much attention to the human seed we would have a much more perfect human race. The statistics of hospitals show that 78% of cases of women having their sexual organs removed was due to Gonorrhea. Syphilis may not always be produced by sexual intercourse, a kiss may cause it. It is a blood disease, a woman with syphilis may nurse a child and not give the child the disease and a child with syphilis may nurse the mother and not contract 93 the disease. Gonorrhea is not a blood disease we get it almost wholly from sexual intercourse. The matter of Gonorrhea is very dangerous to the human eye, in N. Y. State there is a law making it compulsory to put nitrate of silver in the eyes of a new born infant inside of four (4) hours as if any of the disease should get into the eyes of the infant it would go blind for life after 4 hours. There is great danger from using towels of a person who has the disease, she told of a man who washed his face and used a towel that had been used by a gonorrhea patient and after several hours the cause was known but then it was too late and the man became blind for life as there is no cure for blindness caused by gonorrhea in the eyes. When children are born blind it is almost wholly due to Gonorrhea. She advocated raising the age of consent to 18 years. She said the women of Colorado during the first year they had the vote raised the age of consent from 11 to 18 years, and that is why she became a suffragette. Every woman should be taught how to care for another woman in childbirth. She does not believe in teaching children 5 years of age sexual hygiene 94 they should be taught at Maturity or earlier by the mother and the story could be illustrated by natural means as kittens puppies or apple blossoms. The age of maturity may be from 11 up to 15 or 18 years of age. Every girl or boy who does not learn sexual hygiene in a clean way up to 17 will learn it in an unclean way. The state should have a paid examiner to give a clean bill of health to those contemplating marriage. A discussion followed and questions were answered. Attendance 15 the class voted to discontinue the meetings for the season Mrs Algeo announced that the meetings may be resumed in the summer, the class adjourned at 9-45. Attest John T. Giddings Sec'y. Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.