Republican Congress Passes Amendment
The Republican Congress convened in Special Session May 19.
Instantly Republican leaders in control of the 66th Congress caucused
and organized for a prompt passage of the amendment. May 21st the
Republican House of Representatives passed the measure by a vote of 304
to 89—the first thing of any importance done by the new House. This was
42 votes above the required two-thirds majority, whereas the vote in
the House in January, 1918, under Democratic control had given the
measure only one vote more than was required.
Immediately the Democratic National Committee passed a resolution
calling on the legislatures of the various states to hold special
legislative sessions where necessary, to ratify the amendment as soon
as it was through Congress, in order to “enable women to vote in the
national elections of 1920.”
When the 64th vote was assured two more Republican Senators announced
their support, Senator Keyes of New Hampshire and Senator Hale of
Maine, and on June 4th the measure passed the Senate by a vote of 66 to
30,—2 votes more than needed.[1] Of the 49 Republicans in the Senate,
40 voted for the amendment, 9 against. Of the 47 Democrats in the
Senate, 26 voted for it and 21 against.
[1] These figures include all voting and paired.
And so the assertion that “the right of citizens of the United States
to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any
state on account of sex,” introduced into Congress by the efforts of
Susan B. Anthony in 1878, was finally submitted to the states for
ratification[1] on June 4th, 1919.
[1] When a constitutional amendment has passed Congress it must be
ratified by a majority vote of 36 state legislatures and thereupon
proclaimed operative by the Secretary of State of the United States
before it becomes the law of the land. For ratification data see
Appendix 1.
I do not need to explain that the amendment was not won from the
Republican Congress between May 19th and June 4th, 1919. The Republican
Party had been gradually coming to appreciate this opportunity
throughout our entire national agitation from 1913 to date. And our
attack upon the party in power, which happened to be President Wilson’s
party, had been the most decisive factor in stimulating the opposition
party to espouse our side. It is perhaps fortunate for the Republican
Party that it was their political opponents who inherited this lively
question in 1913. However, the political advantage is theirs for having
promptly and ungrudgingly passed the amendment the moment they came
into power. But it will not be surprising to any one who has read this
book that I conclude by pointing out that the real triumph belongs to
the women.
Our objective was the national enfranchisement of women. A tiny step,
you may say. True! But so long as we know that this is but the first
step in the long struggle of women for political, economic and social
emancipation, we need not be disturbed. If political institutions as we
know them to-day in their discredited condition break down, and another
kind of organization—perhaps industrial—supplants them, women will
battle for their place in the new system with as much determination as
they have shown in the struggle just ended.
That women have been aroused never again to be content with their
subjection there can be no doubt. That they will ultimately secure for
themselves equal power and responsibility in whatever system of
government is evolved is positive. How revolutionary will be the
changes when women get this power and responsibility no one can
adequately foretell. One thing is certain. They will not go back. They
will never again be good and willing slaves.
It has been a long, wearying struggle. Although drudgery has persisted
throughout, there have been compensatory moments of great joy and
beauty. The relief that comes after a great achievement is sweet. There
is no residue of bitterness. To be sure, women have often resented it
deeply that so much human energy had to be expended for so simple a
right. But whatever disillusionments they have experienced, they have
kept their faith in women. And the winning of political power by women
will have enormously elevated their status.
Appendices
APPENDIX 1
TEXT OF THE NATIONAL SUFFRAGE AMENDMENT
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States
extending the right of suffrage to women.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States o f America in Congress assembled (twothirds of each House
concurring therein), That the following articles be proposed to the
legislatures of the several States as an amendment to the Constitution
of the United States, which when ratified by three- fourths of the said
legislatures, shall be valid as part of said Constitution, namely:
“ARTICLE—SEC. 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote
shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on
account of sex.
“SEC. 2. Congress shall have power, by appropriate legislation, to
enforce the provisions of this article.”
RECORD OF ACTION ON NATIONAL SUFFRAGE AMENDMENT
In Congress
Drafted
By Susan B. Anthony in 1875
First Introduced
January 10, 1878, by Hon. A. A. Sargent, in the Senate
Reported from Committee
In the Senate 1878, Adverse majority. 1879, Favorable minority. 1882,
Favorable majority, adverse minority. 1884, Favorable majority, adverse
minority. 1886, Favorable majority. 1890, Favorable majority. 1892,
Favorable majority, adverse minority. 1896, Adverse majority. 1913,
Favorable majority. 1914, Favorable majority. 1917, Favorable majority.
1919, Unanimously favorably.
In the House 1883, Favorable majority. 1884, Adverse majority,
favorable minority. 1886, Favorable minority. 1890, Favorable majority.
1894, Adverse majority. 1914, Without recommendation. 1916, Without
recommendation. 1917, Without recommendation. 1918, Favorable majority.
1919, Favorable majority.
Voted Upon
In the Senate January 25, 1887. Yeas 16, nays 94. Absent 25 (of whom 4
were announced as for and 2 against). March 19, 1914. Yeas 35, nays 34,
failing by 11 of the necessary two thirds vote. October 1, 1918. Yeas
54, nays 30, failing by 2 of the two-thirds vote. February 10, 1919.
Yeas 55, nays 29, failing by 1 of the necessary two-thirds vote. June
4, 1919. Yeas 56, nays 25, passing by 2 votes over necessary two-thirds
majority.
In the House January 12, 1915. Yeas 174, nays 204, failing by 78 of the
necessary two-thirds vote. January 10, 1918. Yeas 274, nays 136,
passing by 1 vote over necessary two-thirds majority. May 21, 1919.
Yeas 304, nays 89, passing by 42 votes over necessary two-thirds
majority
State; Date of Ratification; Vote: Senate, House; Party of Governor;
Party Controlling Legislature
1 Wisconsin June 10, 1919 24—1 54—2 Rep. Rep.
2 *Michigan June 10, 1919 Unan. Unan. Rep. Rep.
3 *Kansas June 16, 1919 Unan. Unan. Rep. Rep.
4 *Ohio June 16, 1919 27—3 73—6 Dem. Rep.
5 *New York June 16, 1919 Unan. Unan. Dem. Rep.
6 Illinois June 17, 1919 Unan. 133—4 Rep. Rep.
7 Pennsylvania June 24, 1919 32—6 153—44 Rep. Rep.
8 Massachusetts June 25, 1919 34—5 184—77 Rep. Rep.
9 *Texas June 29, 1919 Unan. 96—21 Dem. Dem.
10 *Iowa July 2, 1919 Unan. 95—5 Rep. Rep.
11 *Missouri July 3, 1919 28—3 125—4 Dem. Div’d.
12 *Arkansas July 20, 1919 20—2 76—17 Dem. Dem.
13 *Montana July 30, 1919 38—1 Unan. Dem. Rep.
14 *Nebraska Aug. 2, 1919 Unan. Unan. Rep. Rep.
15 *Minnesota Sept. 8, 1919 60—5 120—6 Rep. Rep.
16 *New Hampshire Sept. 10, 1919 14—10 212—143 Rep. Rep.
17 *Utah Sept. 30, 1919 Unan. Unan. Dem. Dem.
18 *California Nov. 1, 1919 Unan. 73—2 Rep. Rep.
19 *Maine Nov. 5, 1919. 24—5 72—68 Rep. Rep.
20 *North Dakota Dec. 1, 1919 38—4 103—6 Rep. Rep.
21 *South Dakota Dec. 4, 1919 Unan. Unan. Rep. Rep.
22 *Colorado Dec. 12, 1919 Unan. Unan. Rep. Rep.
23 Rhode Island Jan. 6, 1920 37—1 89—3 Rep. Rep.
24 Kentucky Jan. 6, 1920 30—8 72—25 Rep. Div’d.
25 *Oregon Jan. 12, 1920 Unan. Unan. Rep. Rep.
26 *Indiana Jan. 16, 1920 43—3 Unan. Rep. Rep.
27 *Wyoming Jan. 27, 1920 Unan. Unan. Rep. Rep.
28 *Nevada Feb. 7, 1920 Unan. Unan. Dem. Div’d.
29 New Jersey Feb. 10, 1920 18—2 34—24 Dem, Rep.
30 *Idaho Feb. 11, 1920 29—6 Unan. Rep. Rep.
31 *Arizona Feb. 12, 1920 Unan. Unan. Rep. Dem.
32 *New Mexico Feb. 19, 1920 17—5 36—10 Rep. Rep.
33 *Oklahoma Feb. 27, 1920 24—15 84—12 Dem. Dem.
34 *West Virginia Mar. 10, 1920 15—14 47—40 Dem. Rep.
35 *Washington Mar. 22, 1920 Unan. Unan. Rep. Rep.
36 *Tennessee Aug. 18, 1920 25—4 49—47 Dem. Dem.
* States ratifying at Special Session.
APPENDIX 2
COUNTRIES IN WHICH WOMEN VOTE
Azerbaijain (Moslem) Republic 1919
Australia 1902
Austria 1918
[1]Belgium 1919
British East Africa 1919
Canada 1918
Czecho Slovakia 1918
Denmark 1915
[2]England 1918
Finland 1906
Germany 1918
Holland 1919
Hungary 1918
Iceland 1919
Ireland 1918
Isle of Man 1881
Luxembourg 1919
[3]Mexico 1917
New Zealand 1893
Norway 1907
Poland 1918
Rhodesia 1919
Russia 1917
Scotland 1918
[4]Sweden 1919
United States 1920
Wales 1918
[1] Electoral Reform Bill as passed granted suffrage to widows who have
not remarried and mothers of soldiers killed in battle or civilians
shot by Germans.
[2] Women over age of 30—Bill to reduce age to 21 has passed its second
reading.
[3] No sex qualification for voting in constitution. Women haze so far
not availed themselves of their right to note, but are expected to do
so in the coming elections.
[4] To be confirmed, in 1920.
APPENDIX 3
Resolutions Demanding Investigations
Resolution (171) to authorize an Investigation of the District of
Columbia Workhouse.
Introduced in the House by Miss Jeannette Rankin, Representative from
Montana.
October 5, 1917.
Text of Resolution:
Resolved, That a select committee of seven Members of the House of
Representatives be appointed by the Speaker to investigate the
administration of the District of Columbia Workhouse at Occoquan,
Virginia, and to report thereon as early as possible during the second
session of the Sixty-fifth Congress. Said committee is authorized to
sit during the recess in Washington, District of Columbia and
elsewhere, to subpoena witnesses, and to call for records relating to
the said workhouse. To defray the necessary expenses of such
investigation, including the employment of clerical assistance, the
committee is authorized to expend not to exceed 1,000 from the
contingent fund of the House.
Resolution (130) to authorize an Investigation of Mob Attacks on
Suffragists.
Introduced in the House by John Baer, Representative from North Dakota.
August 17, 1917.
Text of Resolution:
WHEREAS, in the city of Washington, D. C., about 350 feet from the
White House premises is a building known as the Cameron House, in which
is located headquarters and main offices of a woman’s organization at
which is continually congregated women of character, courage and
intelligence, who come from various sections of the United States, and
WHEREAS, on three successive days, to wit: the 14th, 15th and 16th days
of August, 1917, on said days immediately following the closing of the
day’s work by the clerks and employees of the Executive Departments,
hundreds of these clerks and employees, acting with sailors, then and
now in the service of the United States Navy and in uniform at the
time, and soldiers, then and now in the service of the United States
Army, also in their uniforms at the time,—and these clerks, employees,
sailors and soldiers, and others, formed themselves into mobs and
deliberately, unlawfully and violently damaged the said headquarters
and offices of the said woman’s organization by pelting rotten eggs
through the doors and windows, shooting a bullet from a revolver
through a window, and otherwise damaging said Cameron House, and also
violently and unlawfully did strike, choke, drag and generally mistreat
and injure and abuse the said women when they came defenseless upon the
streets adjoining as well as when they were in the said building; and
WHEREAS, the organized police of the City of Washington, District of
Columbia, made no attempt to properly safeguard the property and
persons of the said defenseless women, but, on the contrary, said
police even seemed to encourage the lawless acts of the mob; and
WHEREAS, such lawlessness is in the Capital of the United States and
within a few hundred feet of -the Executive Mansion and offices of the
President of the United States; and
WHEREAS, these attacks upon defenseless women are not only an outrage
and crime in themselves, that prove the perpetrators and those lending
aid to the same to be cowards, but in addition, create throughout the
world contempt for the United States and set a vicious example to the
people throughout the United States and the world at large, of
lawlessness and violence; and encourage designing cowards and
manipulators everywhere to form mobs to molest the innocent and
defenseless under any pretext whatever; and
WHEREAS, there seems to be no activity or attempt on the part of any
one in authority in the City of Washington, District of Columbia, nor
by the government officials to apprehend, arrest or punish those
perpetrating the violence, on account of which the same may occur
indefinitely unless Congress acts in the premises; and
WHEREAS, the legal status upon the premises stated would excuse the
occupants of the Cameron House if they were so disposed in firing upon
the mobs aforesaid, and thus create a state of greater violence and
unlawless, to further injure the prestige and good name of the United
States for maintaining law and order and institutions of democracy;
therefore be it
Resolved, that the Speaker appoint a Committee of seven members to
investigate into all the facts relating to the violence and unlawful
acts aforesaid, and make the earliest possible report upon the
conditions, with the purpose in view of purging the army and navy of
the United States and other official departments, of all lawless men
who bring disgrace upon the American flag by participating in mob
violence, and also to inquire regarding the conduct of all government
employees and the police of the city of Washington, District of
Columbia, with a view to maintaining law and order.
APPENDIX 4
Suffrage Prisoners
Note:—Scores of women were arrested but never brought to trial; many
others were convicted and their sentences suspended or appealed. It has
been possible to list below only those women who actually served prison
sentences although more than five hundred women were arrested during
the agitation.
MINNIE D. ABBOTT, Atlantic City, N. J., officer of the N.W.P. [National
Woman’s Party]. Arrested picketing July 14, 1917, sentenced to 60 days
in Occoquan workhouse.
MRS. PAULINE ADAMS, Norfolk, Va., wife of leading physician, prominent
clubwoman and Congressional District Chairman of the N.W.P. Arrested
picketing Sept. 4, 1917. Sentenced to 60 days in Occoquan workhouse.
Arrested watchfire demonstration Feb. 9, 1919, but released on account
of lack of evidence.
EDITH AINGE, Jamestown, N. Y., native of England, came to America when
a child, and has brought up family of nine brothers and sisters. Worked
for state suffrage in N. Y. 1915. Served five jail sentences. Sentenced
to 60 days in Occoquan for picketing Sept., 1917, 15 days in Aug.,
1918, Lafayette Sq. meeting, and three short terms in District Jail in
Jan., 1919, watchfire demonstrations.
HARRIET U. ANDREWS, Kansas City, Mo., came to Washington as war worker.
Arrested watchfire demonstration and sentenced to 5 days in District
Jail Jan., 1919.
MRS. ANNIE ARNEIL, Wilmington, Del., did picket duty from beginning in
1917. One of first six suffrage prisoners. Served eight jail sentences,
3 days, June, 1917; 60 days in Occoquan, Aug.—Sept., 1917, picketing;
15 days, Aug., 1918, Lafayette Sq. meeting and five sentences of 5 days
each in Jan. and Feb., 1919, watchfire demonstrations.
BERTHE ARNOLD, Colorado Springs, Colo., daughter of prominent
physician. Educated at Colo. State Univ. Student of music Phila.;
member of D.A.R.; kindergarten teacher. Arrested Jan., 1919, watchfire
demonstration, sentenced to 5 days in District Jail.
VIRGINIA ARNOLD, North Carolina, student George Washington and Columbia
Univs., school teacher, later organizer and executive secretary N.W.P,
in Washington. Served 3 days June, 1917, with first pickets sentenced.
MRS. W. D. ASCOUGH, Detroit, Mich. Former Conn. State Chairman, N.W.P.
Studied for concert stage London and Paris. Abandoned concert stage to
devote time to suffrage. Sentenced to 15 days Aug., 1918, Lafayette Sq.
meeting, and 5 days Feb., 1919, in watchfire demonstration. Member
“Prison Special” which toured country in Feb., 1919.
MRS. ARMY Scorr BAKER, Washington, D. C., wife of Dr. Robert Baker, and
descendant long line of army officers. Three sons in service during
World War. Known as the diplomat of the N.W.P., and as such has
interviewed practically every man prominent in political life. Member
executive committee of N.W.P. and has been political chairman since
1918. Arrested picketing and sentenced to 60 days in Occoquan, Sept.,
1917.
MRS. CHARLES W. BARNES, Indianapolis, Ind., officer of Ind. Branch,
N.W.P. Arrested picketing Nov., 1917, sentenced to 15 days in jail.
MRS. NAOMI BARRETT, Wilmington, Del., arrested watchfire demonstration
Jan. 13, 1919. Sentenced to 5 days in District Jail.
MRS. W. J. BARTLETT, Putnam, Conn., leader Conn. State Grange. Arrested
Aug., 1917, picketing, sentenced to 60 days.
MRS. M. TOSCAN BENNETT, Hartford, Conn., wife of lawyer and writer,
member D.A.R. and Colonial Dames, has been active in state suffrage
work for many years. Member National Advisory Council, N.W.P. and Conn.
state treasurer. Arrested Jan., 1919, watchfire demonstration.
Sentenced to 5 days in District Jail.
HILDA BLUMBERG, New York City, native of Russia, one of youngest
prisoners. Educated and taught school in this country. Arrested
picketing, Sept., 1917; sentenced to 30 days in Occoquan; arrested
again Nov. 10, sentenced to 15 days.
MRS. KATE BOECKH, Washington, D. C., native of Canada, one of first
women aeroplane pilots. Arrested picketing Aug., 1917, case appealed.
Arrested applauding in court Jan., 1919, served 3 days.
MRS. CATHERINE BOYLE, Newcastle, Del., munitions worker during World
War. Arrested Jan., 1919, watchfire demonstration, sentenced to 5 days
in jail.
LUCY G. BRANHAM, Baltimore, Md., organizer N.W.P., graduate Washington
College, Md.; M. A., Johns Hopkins; graduate student Univ. of Chicago
and Ph.D. Columbia. Won Carnegie hero medal for rescuing man and woman
from drowning at St. Petersburg, Fla. Arrested picketing Sept., 1917,
sentenced to 60 days in Occoquan and District Jail.
MRS. LUCY G. BRANHAM, Baltimore, Md., mother of Miss Lucy Branham,
widow of Dr. John W. Branham who lost his life fighting a yellow fever
epidemic in Ga. Arrested watchfire demonstration Jan., 1919; sentenced
to 3 days in District Jail.
MRS. JOHN WINTERS BRANNAN, New York City, daughter of the late Charles
A. Dana, founder and editor N. Y. Sun., trusted counselor of President
Lincoln; wife of Dr. Brannan. Pres. Board of Trustees Bellevue
Hospital; member executive committee N.W.P., state chairman New York
Branch. Did brilliant state suffrage work as officer of Woman’s
Political Union in N. Y. Arrested picketing July 14, 1917, sentenced to
60 days in Occoquan; pardoned by President after serving 3 days. Again
arrested picketing Nov. 10, 1917, sentenced to 45 days.
JENNIE BRONENBERG, Philadelphia, Pa. Student Wharton School, Univ. of
Pa. Arrested Feb., 1919, sentenced to 5 days in District Jail.
MRS. MARY E. BROWN, Wilmington, Del., state press chairman, N.W.P.
Father member First Del. regiment; mother field nurse, Civil War.
Descendant Captain David Porter, of Battleship Essex, War of 1812.
Arrested watchfire demonstration Jan. 13, 1919, sentenced to 5 days in
District Jail.
LOUISE BRYANT, New York City, formerly of Portland Ore., author, poet
and journalist, wife of John Reed. Correspondent for Phila. Public
Ledger in Petrograd for six months during Russian revolution. Arrested
Watchfire demonstration Feb., 1919, sentenced to 5 days in District
Jail.
Lucy BURNS, New York City, graduate Vassar College, student of Yale
Univ. and Univ. of Bonn, Germany. High School teacher. Joined English
militant suffrage movement 1909, where she met Alice Paul, with whom
she joined in establishing first permanent suffrage headquarters in
Washington in Jan., 1913; helped organize parade of March 3, 1913; vice
chairman and member of executive committee Congressional Union for
Woman Suffrage [later the N.W.P.], for a time editor of The Suffragist.
Leader of most of the picket demonstrations and served more time in
jail than any other suffragist in America. Arrested picketing June,
1917, sentenced to 3 days; arrested Sept., 1917, sentenced to 60 days;
arrested Nov. 10, 1917, sentenced to six months; in January, 1919,
arrested watchfire demonstrations for which she served one 3 day and
two 5 day sentences. She also served 4 prison terms in England.
MRS. HENRY BUTTERWORTH, New York City, comes of an old Huguenot family.
Active in civic and suffrage work in N. Y. for past 20 years. Charter
member National Society of Craftsmen. Arrested picketing Nov., 1917,
sentenced to 30 days in Occoquan.
MRS. LUCILLE A. CALME9, Princeton, Ia. Great-granddaughter of George
Fowler, founder of New Harmony, Ind. Government worker during World
War. Arrested watchfire demonstration Jan. 13, 1919, sentenced to 5
days in District Jail.
ELEANOR CALNAN, Methuen, Mass. Congressional district chairman of Mass.
Branch N.W.P. Arrested picketing July 14, 1917, sentenced to 60 days in
Occoquan, pardoned by President after 3 days; arrested Sept., 1917,
sentenced to 60 days in Occoquan. Arrested in Boston, Feb., 1919, for
participation in Boston demonstration at home coming of President;
sentenced to 8 days in Charles St. Jail.
MRS. AGNES CHASE, Washington, D. C., formerly of Ill.; engaged in
scientific research work for U. S. Dept. of Agriculture. Arrested
Lafayette Sq. meeting August, 1918, sentenced to 10 days. Arrested
watchfire demonstration Jan., 1919, sentenced to 5 days.
MRS. PALYS L. CHEVRIER, New York City, arrested watchfire demonstration
Jan., 1919, sentenced to 5 days. Member “Prison Special” which toured
country in Feb., 1919.
MRS. HELEN CHISASKI, Bridgeport, Conn., munition worker and member of
Machinists’ Union. Arrested watchfire demonstration Jan. 13, 1919;
sentenced to 5 days in jail.
MRS. WILLIAM CHISHOLM, Huntington, Pa., now deceased; arrested
picketing Sept. 4, 1917, sentenced to 60 days in Occoquan.
JOSEPHINE COLLINS, Framingham, Mass., owns and manages the village
store at Framingham Center. She encountered serious opposition from
some of her customers on account of her militant activities; one of
first members N.W.P.; arrested in Boston Feb., 1919, for taking part in
welcome to the President; sentenced to 8 days in Charles St. Jail.
MRS. SARAH TARLETON COLVIN, St. Paul, Minn., member famous Tarleton
family of Alabama, wife of Dr. A. R. Colvin, Major in the Army, and
Acting Surgical Chief at Fort McHenry during World War; graduate nurse
Johns Hopkins training school, Red Cross nurse in this country during
war; Minnesota state chairman N.W.P. Member “Prison Special.” Arrested
watchfire demonstrations Jan., 190; sentenced to 2 terms of 5 days
each.
BETTY CONNOLLY, West Newton, Mass., household assistant, arrested in
Boston, Feb., 1919, demonstration of welcome to President Wilson;
sentenced to 8 days in Charles St. Jail.
MRS. ALICE M. COSU, New Orleans, La., vice chairman La. state branch
N.W.P. Arrested picketing Nov., 1917, and sentenced to 30 days in
Occoquan workhouse.
CORA CRAWFORD, Philadelphia, Pa., business woman. Marched in 1913
suffrage parade in Washington. Arrested watchfire demonstration Jan.,
1919; sentenced to 5 days in District Jail.
GERTRUDE CROCKER, Washington, D. C., formerly of Ill., educated at
Vassar College and Univ. of Chicago. National Treasurer N.W.P. 1916;
government worker, 1917. Served 3 jail sentences: 30 days for picketing
in 1917, 10 days for assisting Lafayette Sq. meeting 1918, and 5 days
for participating watchfire 1919.
RUTH CROCKER, Washington, D. C., formerly of Ill., sister of Gertrude
Crocker. Came to Washington for suffrage, later government worker.
Served 30 days at Occoquan for picketing in 1917 and 3 days in District
Jail for watchfire demonstration Jan., 1919.
Miss L. J. C. DANIELS, Grafton, Vt., and Boston. Arrested picketing
Nov. 10, 1917, sentenced to 15 days. Took part in Capitol picketing
Nov., 1918; arrested watchfire demonstration Jan. 9, 1919, sentenced to
5 days in District Jail. Arrested in Boston for participation in
welcome demonstration to President, sentenced to 8 days in Charles St.
Jail.
DOROTHY DAY, New York City, member of the “Masses” [now the
“Liberator”] staff. Arrested picketing Nov. 10, 1917, sentenced to 30
days in Occoquan workhouse.
EDNA DIXON, Washington, D. C., daughter of physician; teacher in public
schools. Arrested picketing Aug., 1917, sentenced to SO days in
Occoquan workhouse.
LAVINIA L. DOCK, Fayetteville, Pa., associated with the founders of
American Red Cross nursing service; secretary of American Federation of
Nurses and member of International Council of Nurses. Assisted in
relief work during Johnstown flood and during Fla. yellow fever
epidemic; army nurse during Spanish-American War, author of “The
History of Nursing,” “The Tuberculosis Nurse,” and a number of other
text books on nursing. One of early workers of Henry St. Settlement in
N. Y., and founder of visiting nurse movement in N. Y. On staff of
American Journal of Nursing. One of first six pickets to serve prison
sentence of 3 days in June, 1917. Later that summer she served 25 days
in Occoquan; and in Nov. 15 days.
MRS. MARY CARROLL DOWELL, Philadelphia, Pa., wife of William F. Dowell,
magazine editor and writer with whom she has been associated in
business. Active club and suffrage worker in Pa. and N. J., state
officer Pa. branch N.W.P. Arrested watchfire demonstration Jan. 20,
1919, and served 5 days in District Jail.
MARY DUBROW, Passaic, N. J.; student Univ. of N. Y.; teacher in N. J.
until she joined suffrage ranks as organizer and speaker. Arrested
watchfire demonstration Jan. 6, 1919, sentenced to 10 days.
JULIA EMORY, Baltimore, Md.; daughter of late state senator, D. H.
Emory. Gave up work for Trade Union League to work for suffrage in
1917. Sentenced to 30 days in Occoquan for picketing Nov., 1917. After
her release became organizer N.W.P. Aug., 1918, arrested and sentenced
td 10 days Lafayette Sq. meeting. Jan. 7, 1919, sentenced to 10 days,
and later in that month to 5 days for watchfire demonstrations. Led
Capitol picket Oct. and Nov., 1919, and suffered many injuries at hands
of police.
MRS. EDMUND C. EVANs, Ardmore, Pa., one of three Winsor sisters who
served prison terms for suffrage. Member of prominent Quaker family.
Arrested watchfire demonstration Jan., 1919, and sentenced to 5 days in
District Jail.
Lucy EWING, Chicago, Ill., daughter of Judge Adlai Ewing, niece of
James Ewing, minister to Belgium under Cleveland; niece also of Adlai
Stevenson, Vice-President under Cleveland. Officer Ill. Branch N.W.P.
Arrested picketing Aug. 17, 1917, sentenced to 30 days in Occoquan
workhouse.
MRS. ESTELLA EYLWARD, New Orleans, La. Business woman. Came to
Washington to take part in final watchfire demonstration Feb., 1919;
arrested and sentenced to 5 days in District Jail.
MARY GERTRUDE FENDALL, Baltimore, Md., graduate of Bryn Mawr College;
campaigned for N.W.P. in West 1916; national treasurer of organization
June, 1917, to December, 1919. Arrested and sentenced to 3 days, Jan.,
1819, for applauding in court.
ELLA FINDEISEN, Lawrence, Mass. Arrested picketing Nov. 10, 1917,
sentenced to 30 days at Occoquan.
KATHARINE FISHER, Washington, D. C., native of Mass. Great-
greatgranddaughter of Artemas Ward, ranking Major General in
Revolutionary War. Teacher, social worker and later employee of U. S.
War Risk Bureau. Written prose and verse on suffrage and feminist
topics. Arrested picketing Sept. 13, 1917, sentenced to 30 days at
Occoquan workhouse.
MRS. ROSE GRATZ FISHSTEIN, Philadelphia, Pa., native of Russia. Came to
America at 15. Had been imprisoned for revolutionary activities in
Russia and fled to this country following release on bail. Operator in
shirt factory; later union organizer; factory inspector for N. Y. State
Factory Commission. Feb. 9, 1919 arrested watchfire demonstration and
sentenced to 5 days in District Jail.
ROSE FISHSTEIN, Philadelphia, Pa., sister-in-law of Mrs. Rose G.
Fishstein, born in Russia, educated in N. Y. and Phila. Student of
Temple Univ., business woman. Arrested watchfire demonstration, Feb.,
1919, sentenced to 5 days in District Jail.
CATHERINE M. FLANAGAN, Hartford, Conn., state and national organizer
for N.W.P.; formerly secretary for Conn. Woman Suffrage Association.
Father came to this country as Irish exile because of his efforts in
movement for Irish freedom. Arrested picketing August, 1917, sentenced
to 30 days in Occoquan workhouse.
MARTHA FOLEY, Dorchester, Mass., active worker in Mass. labor movement.
Arrested in demonstration at homecoming of President in Boston, Feb.,
1919; sentenced to 8 days in Charles St. Jail.
MRS. T. W. FORBES, Baltimore, Md., officer of Just Government League of
Md.; arrested watchfire demonstration Feb. 9, 1919, sentenced to 5 days
in District Jail.
JANET FOTHERINGHAM, Buffalo, N. Y., teacher of physical culture.
Arrested picketing July 14, 1917, sentenced to 60 days in workhouse,
but pardoned by President after 3 days.
MARGARET FOTHERINGHAM, Buffalo, N. Y., Red Cross dietician, stationed
at military hospital at Waynesville, N. C., during war. Later dietician
at Walter Reid Military Hospital, Washington, D. C. Arrested picketing
Aug., 1917, sentenced to 60 days.
FRANCIS FOWLER, Brookline, Mass., sentenced to 8 days in Charles St.
Jail for participation in demonstration of welcome to President,
Boston, Feb., 1919.
MRS. MATILDA HALL GARDNER, Washington, D. C., formerly of Chicago,
daughter of late Frederick Hall, for many years editor of Chicago
Tribune, and wife of Gilson Gardner, Washington representative of
Scripps papers. Educated Chicago, Paris and Brussels. Associated with
Alice Paul and Lucy Burns when they came to Washington to begin
agitation for federal suffrage and member of national executive
committee of N.W.P. since 1914. Arrested July 14, 1917, sentenced to 60
days in Occoquan; Jan. 13, 1919, sentenced to 5 days in District Jail.
ANNA GINSBERG, New York City; served 5 days in District jail for
watchfire demonstration Feb., 1919.
REBA GOMROROV, Philadelphia, Pa.; born in Kiev, Russia. Educated in U.
S. public schools; social worker; assistant secretary and visitor for
Juvenile Aid Society of Phila. President Office Workers’ Association;
secretary of Penn. Industrial Section for Suffrage; member N.W.P.,
Trade Union League. Sentenced to 5 days in District Jail Jan., 1919,
for watchfire demonstration.
ALICE GRAM, Portland, Ore., graduate Univ. of Ore., came to Washington
to take part in picket Nov. 10, 1917. Arrested and sentenced to 30 days
in Occoquan workhouse. Following release assistant in press dept.
N.W.P.
BETTY GRAM, Portland, Ore., graduate Univ. of Ore. Abandoned stage
career to take part in picket demonstration of Nov. 10, 1917. Worker in
Juvenile courts of Portland. Sentenced to 30 days in Occoquan
workhouse; later arrested in Boston demonstration of Feb., 1919, and
sentenced to 8 days in Charles St. Jail. Business manager of The
Suffragist and national organizer for N.W.P.
NATALIE GRAT, Col. Springs, Col., daughter of treasurer Col. Branch N.
W. P. Arrested picketing Aug. 17, 1917, sentenced to 30 days in
Occoquan workhouse.
MRS. FRANCIS GREEN, New York City, one of second group of women to
serve prison sentences for suffrage in this country. Served 3 days in
District Jail following picket demonstration of July 4, 1917.
GLADYS GREINER, Baltimore, Md., daughter of John E. Greiner ,
engineering expert, member of Stevens Railway Commission to Russia in
1917. Graduate of Forest Glen Seminary, Md.; did settlement work in
mountain districts of Ky.; has held tennis and golf championships of
Md., and for 3 years devoted all time to suffrage. Arrested picketing
July 4, 1917, sentenced to 3 days in District Jail; arrested Oct. 20,
1917, sentenced to 30 days in District Jail; arrested Lafayette Sq.
meeting Aug., 1918, sentenced to 15 days in District Jail. Recently
taken up work in labor movement.
MRS. J. IRVING GROSS. Boston, Mass., charter member of Mass. Branch
N.W.P. Father and husband both fought in Civil War. Arrested 5 times
Lafayette Sq. meetings Aug., 1918, and sentenced to 15 days in District
Jail. Arrested in Boston demonstration on Common following landing of
President and sentenced to 8 days in Charles St. Jail.
ANNA GWINTER, New York City, arrested for picketing Nov. 10, 1917, and
sentenced to 30 days in Occoquan workhouse.
ELIZABETH HAMILTON, New York City, arrested for picketing Nov. 10,
1917, and sentenced to 30 days in Occoquan workhouse.
ERNESTINE HARA, New York City, young Roumanian, arrested for picketing
Sept., 1917, and sentenced to 30 days in Occoquan workhouse.
REBECCA HARRISON Joplin, Mo., arrested final watchfire demonstration
Feb. 10, 1919; sentenced to 5 days in District Jail.
MRS. H. O. HAVEMEYER, New York City; widow of late H. O. Havemeyer;
leader of suffrage movement for many years; one of its most eloquent
speakers, and generous contributor to its funds; active in Liberty Loan
campaigns, in the Land Army movement of N. Y. State, and in working for
military rank for nurses. As member of “Prison Special” spoke for
suffrage in the large cities. Arrested Feb. 10, 1919, for taking part
in final watchfire demonstration; sentenced to 5 days in District Jail.
KATE HEFFELFINGER, Shamokin, Pa.; art student; sentenced to 6 months in
District Jail for picketing Oct. 15, 1917; another month later added
for previous offense. Aug., 1918, sentenced to 15 days for
participating in Lafayette Sq. meeting; Jan., 1919, sentenced to 5 days
for participation in watchfire demonstration.
MRS. JESSICA HENDERSON, Boston, Mass., wife of prominent Bostonian, one
of liberal leaders of Boston; identified with many reform movements.
Mother of 6 children, one of whom, Wilma, aged 18, was arrested with
her mother, spent night in house of detention, and was released as
minor. Sentenced to 8 days in Charles St. Jail Feb., 1919, for
participation in Boston demonstration of welcome to President.
MINNIE HENNESY, Hartford, Conn.; business woman, having supported
herself all her life; arrested for picketing Oct. 6, 1917, and sentence
suspended. Rearrested Oct. 8, 1917, and sentenced to 6 months.
ANNE HERKIMER, Baltimore, Md., Child Labor inspector for U. S.
Children’s Bureau. Arrested Feb., 1919, and sentenced to 5 days in
District Jail for participating watchfire demonstration.
ELSIE HILL, Norwalk, Conn.; daughter of late Ebenezer J. Hill, 21 years
Congressman from Conn.; graduate Vassar College and student abroad.
Taught French in District of Columbia High School. Lately devoted all
her time to suffrage. Member of executive committee of Congressional
Union 1914-1915; President D.C. Branch College Equal Suffrage League,
and later national organizer for N.W.P. Aug., 1918, sentenced to 15
days in District Jail for speaking at Lafayette Sq. meeting. Feb.,
1919, sentenced to 8 days in Boston for participation in welcome
demonstration to President.
MRS. GEORGE HILL, Boston, Mass.; sentenced to 8 days in Boston, Feb.,
1919, for participation in welcome to President.
MRS. FLORENCE BAYARD HILLES, Newcastle, Del.; daughter of late Thomas
Bayard, first American ambassador to Great Britain and secretary of
state under Cleveland. Munitions worker during World War. After the war
engaged in reconstruction work in France. Chairman Del. Branch N.W.P.
and member of national executive committee. Arrested picketing July 14,
1917, sentenced to 60 days in Occoquan workhouse; pardoned by President
after 3 days.
MRS. J. A. H. HOPKINS (ALLISON TURNBULL), Morristown, N. J., state
chairman N.W.P., member executive committee N.W.P. 1917, and president
and officer of various women’s clubs. Her husband was leader
Progressive Party and later supported President Wilson, serving on
Democratic National Campaign Committee in 1916. At present Chairman
Committee of 48. Mrs. Hopkins arrested July 14, 1917, for picketing,
sentenced to 60 days in workhouse; pardoned by President after 3 days.
MRS. L. H. HORNBBY, New York City, formerly of Ill., one of first women
aviators in this country. Arrested for picketing Nov. 10, 1917;
sentenced to 30 days in District Jail.
ELIZABETH HOFF, Des Moines, Ia.; came to Washington to work for war
department during war; later with Red Cross. Sentenced to 5 days in
jail, Jan., 1919, for watchfire demonstration.
EUNICE HUFF, Des Moines, Ia.; sister of Elizabeth; also engaged in war
work in Washington. Sentenced to 3 days in jail Jan., 1919, for
applauding suffrage prisoners in court.
HAZEL HUNSINs, Billings, Mont.; graduate Vassar College; later
instructor in Chemistry, Univ. of Mo. Joined suffrage movement as
organizer for N.W.P. Later investigator for War Labor Board. Active in
all picketing campaigns. Aug. 1918, sentenced to 15 days for
participation in Lafayette Sq. meeting.
JULIA HURLBUT, Morristown, N. J., vice chairman N. J. Branch N.W.P. In
1916 assisted in Washington state campaign. Arrested picketing July 14,
1917, sentenced to 60 days in Occoquan workhouse; pardoned by President
after 3 days. Engaged in war work in France during war.
MARY INGRAM, Philadelphia, Pa.; graduate Bryn Mawr College; Pa.
chairman of N.W.P.; secretary of National Progressive League 1912. Has
held offices of vice president of Pa. Women’s Trade Union League,
director of Bureau of Municipal Research of Phila-, member of board of
corporators of Woman’s Medical College of Pa., where she was former
student. For several years manager woman’s department of Bonbright and
Co., investment brokers. Arrested for picketing July 14, 1917;
sentenced to 60 days in Occoquan, pardoned by President after 3 days.
MRS. MARK JACKSON, Baltimore, Md., arrested picketing Aug., 1917,
sentenced to 30 days.
PAULA JAKOBI, New York City; playwright, author of “Chinese Lily.” Once
matron of Framingham reformatory for purpose of studying prison
conditions. Arrested picketing Nov. 10, 1917, and sentenced to 30 days
in Occoquan workhouse.
MAUD JAMISON, Norfolk, Va.; came to Washington in 1916 as volunteer
worker of N.W.P. Later became assistant in treasurer’s department. Had
been school teacher and business woman before joining N.W.P. Took
active part in picketing from the beginning; one of first group
arrested, June, 1917; served 3 days in District Jail; later served 30
days in District Jail; Oct., 1917, sentenced to 7 months. Released by
Government after 44 days. Jan., 1919, served 5 days in jail for
participation in watchfire demonstration.
MRS. PEGGY BAIRD JOHNS; New York City, formerly of St. Louis, newspaper
woman and magazine writer. Sentenced to 30 days in Occoquan workhouse
Aug., 1917; and 30 days in Nov., 1917, for picketing.
WILLIE GRACE JOHNSON, Shreveport, La., state officer, N.W.P. and
prominent in civic work. Successful business woman. Arrested in final
watchfire demonstration Feb., 1919. Sentenced to 5 days in District
Jail.
AMY JUENGLING, Buffalo, N. Y.; of Swiss and German ancestry. Graduated
with honors from Univ. of N. Y. Has lived in Porto Rico and North
Carolina, in latter state doing educational work among mountaineers. At
present engaged in Americanization work. Nov., 1917, sentenced to 30
days in Occoquan workhouse for picketing.
ELIZABETH GREEN KALB, Houston, Texas; graduate Rice Institute, 1916;
student Univ. Chicago, 1916. Won Carnegie Peace Prize in Texas state
intercollegiate oratory contest in 1915. In 1918 became active worker
for N.W.P., taking part in Capitol picket. Arrested watchfire
demonstration Jan., 1919, sentenced to 5 days in District Jail. In
charge of literature and library dept. of N.W.P. at national
headquarters.
RHODA KELLOGG, Minneapolis, Minn.; graduate Univ. of Minn. and Pres. of
Univ. Equal Suffrage Club. Sentenced to ~?4 hours for applauding
suffrage prisoners in Court Jan., 1919, sentenced to 5 days in District
Jail for participation in watchfire demonstration same month.
MRS. FREDERICK W. KENDALL, Hamburg, N. Y.; wife of one of editors of
Buffalo Express; writer, public speaker and club leader. Arrested for
picketing, Aug., 1917, and sentenced to 30 days in Occoquan workhouse.
MARIE ERNST KENNEDY, Philadelphia, Pa.; formerly state chairman N.W.P.
Arrested Feb., 1919, in watchfire demonstration, sentenced to 5 days in
jail.
MRS. MARGARET WOOD KESSLER, Denver, Col.; vice president Woman’s
Progressive Club of Col. Sept., 1917, sentenced to 30 days in Occoquan
for picketing.
ALICE KIMBALL, New York City. Has been engaged in Y.W.C.A. work, and as
librarian in N. Y. Public Library, and later as labor investigator.
Sentenced to 15 days in District Jail for taking part in Lafayette Sq.
meeting Aug. 10, 1918.
MRS. BEATRICE KINKEAD, Montclair, N. J., active member of N.W.P. in N.
J. Joined picket of July 14, 1917. Sentenced to 60 days in Occoquan,
but pardoned by President after 3 days.
MRS. RQBY E. KOENIG, Hartford, Conn. Took part in Lafayette Sq. meeting
of Aug., 1918, and suffered sprained arm from rough treatment by
police. Arrested and sentenced to 15 days in District Jail.
HATTIE KRUGER, Buffalo, N. Y. Trained nurse; ran for Congress on
Socialist ticket in 1918. Worker in Lighthouse Settlement,
Philadelphia, and for time probation officer of Juvenile Court of
Buffalo. Nov. 10, 1917, sentenced to 30 days in Occoquan workhouse for
picketing.
DR. ANNA KUHN, Baltimore, Md., physician. Arrested picketing Nov. 10,
1917, sentenced to 30 days.
MRS. LAWRENCE LEWIS, Philadelphia, Pa., maternal ancestor of family
which took possession 1660 land grant in Conn. from King, paternal
ancestor Michael Hillegas who came Phila. 1727, a founder of Phila.
Academy Fine Arts, Assembly, etc. Son of Hillegas was first U. S.
treasurer; sister of Dr. Howard A. Kelly, well-known surgeon, formerly
professor Johns Hopkins Hospital, author of many medical books; sister
of Mrs. R. R. P. Bradford, founder and Pres. of Lighthouse Settlement,
Phila.; member executive committee of N.W.P. since 1913; chairman of
finance 1918; national treasurer, 1919; chairman ratification committee
1920; active in state suffrage work many years; served 3 days in jail
for picketing July, 1917; arrested Nov. 10, 1917, sentenced to 60 days;
arrested Lafayette Sq. meeting, Aug., 1918, sentenced to 15 days;
arrested watchfire demonstration Jan., 1919, sentenced to 5 days in
jail.
KATHARINE LINCOLN, New York City, formerly of Philadelphia. Was working
for Traveler’s Aid when she came to picket Nov. 10, 1917. Sentenced to
30 days in Occoquan workhouse. Worked for N.W.P. for several months;
later campaigned for Anne Martin, candidate for U. S. Senate from Nev.’
DR. SARAH H. LOCKREY, Philadelphia, Pa.; graduate Woman’s Medical
College of Pa. Served as interne Woman’s Hospital in Phila., and later
head of gynecological clinic of same hospital. Surgeon on West Phila.
Hospital for Women and Children. Received degree of Fellow of American
College of Surgery 1914. Chairman of her Congressional District for the
N.W.P. Aug., 1918, sentenced to 15 days in District Jail for taking
part in Lafayette Sq. meeting.
ELIZABETH MCSHANE, Philadelphia, Pa., graduate Vassar College;
principal of school near Indianapolis, later business woman. Assisted
in Pa. health survey, working with the American Medical Association.
Aug., 1918, sentenced to 15 days in jail for participation in Lafayette
Sq. meeting. Jan., 1919, served 5 days for participating in watchfire
demonstration. Member of “Prison Special” 1919.
MRS. ANNIE J. MAGEE, Wilmington, Del., one of first Del. supporters of
N.W.P. Took part in many pickets. Arrested watchfire demonstration
Jan., 1919, and sentenced to 5 days in District Jail.
MRS. EFFIE B. MAIN, Topeka, Kan., arrested for taking part in Lafayette
Sq. meeting Aug. 10, 1918; sentenced to 10 days in District Jail.
MAUD MALONE, New York City, librarian in N. Y. Lifelong suffragist;
arrested for picketing, Sept. 4, 1917, and served sentence of 60 days
at Occoquan workhouse.
ANNE MARTIN, Reno, Nev.; graduate Leland Stanford Univ.; studied in
English Univs. Professor of history in Univ. of Nev. As Pres. of Nev.
Woman’s Civic League led successful fight for state suffrage in 1914.
Served as legislative chairman for Congressional Union, and N.W.P. and
member of executive committee. When N.W.P. was formed, in 1916, elected
its chairman. When it combined with Congressional Union, she became
vice chairman. In 1918 ran on independent ticket for U. S. Senate. July
14, 1917, sentenced to 60 days at Occoquan workhouse for picketing.
Pardoned by President after 3 days.
MRS. LOUISE PARKER MAYO, Framingham, Mass., of Quaker descent. Taught
school for five years before marriage to William 1. Mayo, grandson of
Chief Justice Isaac Parker of Mass. Mother of 7 children. Arrested for
picketing July 14, 1917; sentenced to 60 days in Occoquan workhouse;
pardoned by President after 3 days.
NELL MERCER, Norfolk, Va.; member of Norfolk Branch, N.W.P. Business
woman. Feb., 1919, sentenced to 5 days in District Jail for
participation in final watchfire demonstration.
VIDA MILHOLLAND, New York City; daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John E.
Milholland and sister of Inez Milholland Boissevain. Student at Vassar
where won athletic championships and dramatic honors. Studied singing
here and abroad, but on death of sister gave up career of promise to
devote herself to suffrage work. July 4, 1917 arrested and served 3
days in District Jail for picketing. In 1919 toured the country with
“Prison Special,” singing at all meetings.
MRS. BERTHA MOLLER, Minneapolis, Minn., campaigned for state suffrage
before joining N.W.P. Interested in industrial problems. Of Swedish
descent, one of ancestors served on staff of Gustavus- Adolphus, and 2
uncles are now members of Swedish parliament. She served 2 ,jail
sentences, one of 24 hours for applauding suffragists in court, and
another of 5 days for participation in watchfire demonstration, Jan.,
1919.
MARTHA W. MOORE, Philadelphia, Pa., of Quaker ancestry, student at
Swarthmore College; charter member of Congressional Union; has devoted
herself to social service work, Children’s Aid, Traveler’s Aid, etc.
Arrested and sentenced to 5 days in District Jail Jan., 1919, for
participation in watchfire demonstration.
MRS. AGNES H. MOREY, Brookline, Mass., comes of line of Colonial
ancestors who lived in Concord. Following picket of Nov. 10, 1917,
sentenced to 30 days at District Jail and Occoquan. Chairman of Mass.
Branch N.W.P., of which she was one of founders, and member of National
Advisory Council N.W.P. Member of “Suffrage Special” of 1916, and a
gifted speaker and organizer.
KATHARINE A. MOREY, Brookline, Mass., daughter of Mrs. A. H. Morey;
also officer State Branch N.W.P. Organizer election campaign 1916 in
Kansas and has many times assisted at national headquarters. One of
first group pickets sentenced, served 3 days, June, 1917; Feb., 1919,
arrested in Boston demonstration of welcome to President and sentenced
to 8 days in Charles St. Jail.
MILDRED MORRIS, Denver, Col., well-known newspaper woman of Denver.
Came to Washington for Bureau of Public Information during war. Later
investigator for War Labor Board. Now Washington correspondent
International News Service. In Jan., 1919, served 5 day sentence in
District Jail for lighting watchfire.
MRS. PHOEBE C. MUNNECKE, Detroit, Mich.; assisted with meetings and
demonstrations in Washington winter of 1918-19. Jan., 1919, arrested
for lighting watchfire, sentenced to 10 days in jail. Later sentenced
to 3 days in jail for applauding suffrage prisoners in court.
GERTRUDE MURPHY, Minneapolis, Minn., superintendent of music in Minn.
public schools. Jan.; 1919, served 24-hour sentence for applauding
suffragists in court. Later served 5 days in District Jail for
participation in watchfire demonstration.
MRS. MARY A. NOLAN, Jacksonville, Fla., born in Va.; descended from
family of Duffy, Cavan, Ireland. Educated at convent of Mont CIO
Chantal in W. Va. As young woman was teacher and leader in Southern
library movement. Suffrage pioneer; prominent in Confederate
organizations of South. In 1917 joined N.W.P., came to Washington to
picket. Arrested Nov. 10, 1917, sentenced to 6 days in District Jail,
but sent to Occoquan workhouse. January, 1919, arrested many times in
watchfire demonstrations; sentenced to 24 hours in jail. Oldest
suffrage prisoner.
MRS. MARGARET OAKES, Idaho; arrested Lafayette Sq. meeting Aug., 1918,
and sentenced to 10 days in District Jail.
ALICE PAUL, Moorestown, N. J. English Quaker ancestor imprisoned for
Quaker beliefs died in English prison; born of Quaker parentage and
brought up in this small Quaker town. Received her A.B. degree from
Swarthmore College, and her M.A. and Ph.D. from Univ. of Pa. Graduate
of N. Y. School of Philanthropy, and studied at Universities of London
and Birmingham, specializing in economics and sociology. While in
England took part in militant campaign under Mrs. Pankhurst. On return
to America, she was appointed chairman in 1913 of the Congressional
Committee of the National American Woman Suffrage Association. Founded
Congressional Union for Woman Suffrage; made chairman. When this became
an independent organization reappointed chairman. When it merged with
the N.W.P. in 1917, she was chosen chairman of the combined
organizations, and has continued in this office to the present date.
Has served 6 prison terms for suffrage, 3 in England and 3 in United
States. In Oct., 1919, she was sentenced to 7 months for picketing and
served 5 weeks before released on account of hunger strike. While in
jail suffered the severest treatment inflicted upon any suffrage
prisoner. In Aug., 1918, sentenced to 10 days for participation in
Lafayette Sq. meeting. In Jan., 1919, sentenced to 5 days for lighting
a watchfire.
BERRY POTTIER, Boston, Mass., of French descent; art student;
participated in Boston demonstration at home-coming of President, and
sentenced to 8 days in Charles St. Jail.
EDNA M. PURTELLE, Hartford, Conn., sentenced to 5 days in District Jail
for participation in Lafayette Sq. meeting Aug., 1918.
MRS. R. B. QUAY, Salt Lake City, Utah; arrested in Nov. 10, 1917,
picket; sentenced to 30 days in District Jail, but sent to Occoquan
workhouse.
MRS. BETSY REYNEAU, Detroit, Mich., wife of Paul Reyneau; portrait
painter. Arrested picketing July 14, 1917. Sentenced to 60 days in
Occoquan, but pardoned by the President after 3 days.
MRS. C. T. ROBERTSON, Salt Lake City, Utah; active worker for reforms
affecting women. Arrested in Nov. 10, 1917, picket; sentenced to 30
days in District Jail, but sent to Occoquan workhouse.
MRS. GEORGE E. ROEWER, Belmont, Mass., graduate of Radcliffe, active
suffragist since college days; wife of well known attorney of Boston
and granddaughter of prominent figures in German Revolution of 1848 who
were exiled to the United States. Sentenced to 8 days in Boston Charles
St. Jail following participation in welcome demonstration to the
President, Feb. 1919.
MRS. JOHN ROGERS, JR., New York City, wife of Dr. John Rogers, Jr.,
celebrated thyroid expert, is a descendant of Roger Sherman, signer of
the Declaration of Independence. A pioneer worker for state suffrage
before taking up national work. Before entering suffrage movement
active in improving conditions in New York public schools. Chairman
Advisory Council of the N.W.P., and one of the most forceful speakers
in the suffrage ranks. In 1916 and 1919 as member of “Suffrage Special”
and “Prison Special” toured the country speaking for suffrage. July 14,
1917, sentenced to 60 days in Occoquan workhouse for picketing, but was
pardoned by the President after 3 days.
MARGUERITE ROSSETTE, Baltimore, Md., young artist, and niece of Dr.
Joshua Rossette, well known social worker. Took part in N.W.P.
demonstrations, served 5 days in District Jail for participation in
final watchfire demonstration, Feb., 1919.
MRS. ELISE T. RUSSIAN, Detroit, Mich., born in Constantinople of
Armenian parentage. Educated in this country. Taught school in Mass.
until marriage. State officer N.W.P. Sentenced to 5 days in District
Jail for participation in Jan., 1919, watchfire demonstration; and 8
days in Boston in the Charles St. Jail for participation in welcome
demonstration to President in Feb., 1919.
NINA SAMARODIN, born in Kiev, Russia, graduate of Kiev University. In
1914 came to America on visit, but entered industrial fight, becoming,
first, worker and then union organizer. Teacher Rand School of Social
Science, New York. Sentenced to 30 days in Occoquan for picketing
September, 1917.
MRS. PHOEBE PERSONS SCOTT, Morristown, New Jersey, graduate of Smith
College where she specialized in biology and botany. Did settlement
work at New York Henry St. Settlement. Worked for state suffrage before
joining N.W.P. and becoming one of its officers. Sentenced to 30 days
in District Jail for picketing Nov. 10, 1917, but sent to Occoquan
workhouse.
RUTH SCOTT, Bridgeport, Conn., munitions worker. Sentenced to 5 days in
District Jail for participation in watchfire demonstration Jan., 1919.
BELLE SHEINBERG, New York City; of Russian descent; student of New York
Univ., who left her studies to picket in Washington Nov. 10, 1917.
Sentenced to 30 days in Occoquan workhouse.
MRS. LUCILLE SHIELDS, Amarillo, Texas. Picketed regularly during 1917.
July 4, 1917, served 3 days in District Jail for picketing; served 5
days Jan. 13, 1919, for participation in watchfire demonstration. Soon
after release sentenced to 3 days for applauding suffrage prisoners in
Court.
MRS. MARTHA REED SHOEMAKER, Philadelphia, Pa., graduate of Vassar
College. Served 5 days in District Jail for participation in final
watchfire demonstration of Feb. 9, 1919.
MRS. MARY SHORT, Minneapolis, Minn., state officer N.W.P. Sentenced to
30 days in Occoquan workhouse for picketing November 10, 1917.
MRS. LOIS WARREN SHAW, Manchester, N. H., student of Vassar and
Radcliffe, mother of six children. Wife of V. P. and General Manager
McElwain Shoe Co., N. H., chairman N.W.P. Sentenced to 8 days in
Charles St. Jail after participation in Boston demonstration to welcome
President Feb., 1919.
RUTH SMALL, Boston, Mass., participant in several state suffrage
campaigns before taking up national work. In charge of Boston
headquarters of N.W.P. for a time. For taking part in Boston
demonstration on the return of the President in Feb., 1919, sentenced
to 8 days in Charles St. Jail.
DR. CAROLINE E. SPENCER, Colorado Springs, Col., formerly of
Philadelphia. Secretary Col. Branch, N.W.P. Graduate Woman’s Medical
College of Pa. October 20, 1917, arrested for picketing and sentenced
to 7 months’ impl1sonment. For participating in watchfire demonstration
Jan. 13, 1919, sentenced to 5 days in District Jail.
MRS. KATE STAFFORD, Oklahoma City, Okla., active worker for reforms
affecting women and children in her own state. Mother of six children.
Picketed Nov. 10, 1917, and was sentenced to 30 days in District Jail.
DORIS STEVENS, Omaha, Neb., now resident New York City. Graduate of
Oberlin College; social worker and teacher; organized and spoke for
state suffrage campaigns in Ohio and Michigan; ,joined Congressional
Union in 1913. Organized first Convention of women voters at Panama
Pacific Exposition in 1915; managed 1916 election campaign in Cal. for
N.W.P. Has acted successively as executive secretary, organizer,
legislative chairman, political chairman, and executive committee
member of N.W.P. Arrested for picketing July 14, 1917; sentenced to 60
days in Occoquan workhouse; pardoned by President after 3 days.
Arrested N. Y. Mar., 1919, picket demonstration Metropolitan Opera
House, but not sentenced.
ELIZABETH STUYVESANT, New York City, formerly of Cincinnati; dancer by
profession; active in settlement work and in campaign for
birth-control. July 4, 1917, arrested for picketing and sentenced to 3
days in District Jail.
ELSIE UNTERMAN, Chicago, Ill., social worker who took week’s vacation
in January, 1919, to come to Washington to picket. She served 3 days in
District Jail for applauding suffragists in court.
MABEL VERNON, Wilmington, Del., Secretary N.W.P., graduate Swarthmore
College. Fellow student with Alice Paul. Gave up position as high
school teacher when Congressional Union was founded to become organizer
and speaker. With remarkable gifts as a speaker, has addressed large
meetings in every part of the country. As brilliant organizer has had
charge of many important organization tasks of N.W.P. Organized the
transcontinental trip of voting envoys to the President. Campaigned in
Nev. 1914 and 1916. Became national organization chairman N.W.P.
Organized the Washington picket line for several months. One of the
first six women to serve prison sentence for suffrage in District Jail.
For picketing June, 1917, served 3 days.
MRS. ELSIE VERVANE, Bridgeport, Conn., munitions worker and President
of Woman’s Machinist Union of Bridgeport. In Jan., 1919, came to
Washington with group of union women and took part in watchfire
demonstration; arrested and served 5 days in District Jail.
IRIS CALDERHEAD [now wife of John Brisben Walker], Marysville, Kansas,
now resident of Denver, Colo., daughter of former- Representative
Calderhead of Kansas. Graduate of Univ. of Kansas and student at Bryn
Mawr. Abandoned school teaching to work for suffrage; became organizer
and speaker for N.W.P. July 4, 1917, arrested for picketing and served
3 days in District Jail.
MRS. ROBERT WALKER, Baltimore, Md., officer Md. Branch N.W.P. A Quaker
and graduate of Swarthmore College; wife of a captain in the late war
and mother of 3 children. Arrested July 14, 1917, for picketing and
sentenced to 60 days in Occoquan workhouse. Pardoned by President after
3 days.
BERTHA WALLERSTEIN, New York City, student of Barnard College; served 5
days in District Jail Jan., 1919, for watchfire demonstration.
MRS. BERTHA WALMSLEY, Kansas City, Mo., holding government position at
time arrested for applauding suffragists in court; served 3 days in
District Jail.
MRS. WILLIAM UPTON WATSON, Chicago, Ill., treasurer state branch,
N.W.P. Sentenced to 30 days Occoquan workhouse for picketing Aug. 17,
1917. Aug., 1918, sentenced to 5 days for participation in Lafayette
Sq. meeting.
MRS. C. WEAVER, Bridgeport, Conn., worked during war in munitions
factory. Came to Washington for watchfire demonstration of Jan. 13,
1919; arrested and sentenced to 5 days in District Jail.
EVA WEAVER, Bridgeport, Conn., daughter of Mrs. C. Weaver, also worked
in munitions factory; arrested with mother Jan. 13, 1919, and served 5
days in District Jail.
MRS. HELENA HILL WEED, Norwalk, Conn., graduate of Vassar and Montana
School of Mines. One of few qualified women geologists of country.
Daughter of late Congressman Ebenezer Hill. At one time vice-president
general of D.A.R. Prominent member of Congressional Union and N.W.P.
from early days. One of first pickets arrested, July 4, 1917; served 3
days in District Jail. Aug., 1918, arrested for participation in
Lafayette Sq. meeting; sentenced to 15 days. Jan., 1918, sentenced to
24 hours for applauding in court.
CORA A. WEEK, New York City, of Norse descent; parents Wisconsin
pioneers; studied art in Boston; became member Art Student’s League of
New York; helped organize Oliver Merson Atelier in Paris; exhibited
Paris Salon. Arrested for picketing Nov. 10, 1917; sentenced to 30 days
in District Jail. Member of “Prison Special” 1919.
CAMILLA WHITCOMB, Worcester, Mass., chairman 4th Congressional District
Mass. N.W.P. Nov. 10, 1917, sentenced to 30 days in jail for picketing.
SUE WHITE, Jackson, Tenn., state chairman N.W.P.; recently edited The
Suffragist; organizer and research chairman. Belongs to prominent
pioneer families of Tenn. and Ky. and is descendant of Marshall and
Jefferson families of Va. Court and convention reporter for ten years;
1918 appointed by Governor Secretary of Tenn. State Commission for the
Blind. Identified with U.D.C. and D.A.R., the Federation of Women’s
Clubs and Parent Teachers’ Association. Has done much to organize
suffrage sentiment in her state. Feb. 9, 1919, arrested and served 5
days in District Jail for participating in final watchfire
demonstration.
MARGARET FAY WHITTEMORE, Detroit, Mich. Her grandmother, a Quaker,
started suffrage work in Michigan. Daughter of one of leading patent
attorneys of country. N.W.P. organizer since 1914. Imprisoned 3 days
for picketing July 4, 1917. Jan., 1919, served 24 hours in jail for
applauding in court.
MRS. HARVEY W. WILEY, Washington, D. C., daughter of General Kelton,
and wife of Dr. Harvey Wiley, food expert and ex-director of the pure
food department of U. S. Government. Member of national advisory
council of N.W.P. Has done lobbying, political work and picketing for
N.W.P. Nov. 10, 1917, sentenced to 15 days in District Jail; appealed
her case; later sustained by higher court.
Ross WINSLOW, New York City, born in Poland and brought to this country
when child. Began work at age of 11 in Philadelphia; for many years
worked in hosiery factory in Pittsburg; later employed in shop in
Philadelphia. Recently has won success as an actress. Has brilliant
gifts; 1916 spoke throughout West in suffrage campaign of N.W.P. Oct.
15, 1917, sentenced to 7 months in District Jail for picketing.
MARY WINSOR, Haverford, Pa.; comes of family of pioneer Quaker descent.
Educated at Drexel Institute of Philadelphia, at Bryn Mawr and abroad.
At request of American Academy of Political and Social Science made
survey of English suffrage movement. Founder and Pres. of Pa. Limited
Suffrage Society. Sept., 1917, sentenced to 60 days at Occoquan
workhouse for picketing. Later sentenced to 10 days for participation
in Lafayette Sq. meeting. Has worked and spoken for suffrage in many
parts of the country. Member “Prison Special” Feb., 1919.
ELLEN WINSOR, Haverford, Pa., sister of Mary Winsor and of Mrs. Edmund
C. Evans, both of whom served prison sentences. Jan., 1919, sentenced
to 5 days in District Jail for participation in watchfire
demonstration.
MRS. KATE WINSTON, Chevy Chase, Md., wife of Prof. A. P. Winston,
formerly Professor of economics at Univ. of Col. and at Univ. of Tokio.
Jan., 1919, arrested and sentenced to 5 days in District Jail for
participation in watchfire demonstration.
CLARA WOLD, Portland, Ore., newspaper writer. Of Norwegian parentage;
her family closely related to Henrik Ibsen. Graduate of Univ. of Ore.
Took part in Lafayette Sq. meeting of Aug., 1918; sentenced to 15 days.
Jan., 1919, arrested for participation in watchfire demonstration and
sentenced to 5 days. For several months acted as editor of The
Suffragist.
JOY YOUNG, New York City, formerly of Washington, D. C., wife of
Merrill Rogers. Former assistant on The Suffragist and later organizer
for N.W.P. in various parts of the country. Served 3 days in District
Jail for picketing July 4, 1917.
MATILDA YOUNG, Washington, D. C., sister of Joy Young; has devoted all
her time to suffrage for several years. Youngest picket arrested, being
19 years old when she first served a prison term. For picketing Nov.
10, 1917, sentenced to 15 days in District Jail; served two terms in
jail in Jan., 1919; 5 days for watchfire demonstration; 3 days for
applauding suffrage prisoners in court.
APPENDIX 5
Directors of National Campaign
Executive Committees Listed by Years
CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 1913
Miss Alice Paul, N. J., Chairman
Miss Lucy Burns, N. Y., Vice-chairman
Mrs. Mary R. Beard, N. Y.
Miss Crystal Eastman, N. Y.
Mrs. Lawrence Lewis, Pa.
CONGRESSIONAL UNION FOR WOMAN SUFFRAGE
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 1914
Miss Alice Paul, N. J., Chairman
Miss Lucy Burns, N. Y., Vice-chairman
Mrs. Mary R. Beard, N. Y.
Mrs. O. H. P. Belmont, N. Y.
Miss Crystal Eastman, N. Y.
Mrs. Gilson Gardner, D. C.
Miss Elsie Hill, Conn.
Mrs. William Kent, Cal.
Mrs. Lawrence Lewis, Pa.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 1916
Miss Alice Paul, N. J., Chairman
Miss Lucy Burns, N. Y., Vice-chairman
Mrs. Mary R. Beard, N. Y.
Mrs. O. H. P. Belmont, N. Y.
Miss Crystal Eastman, N. Y.
Mrs. Gilson Gardner, D. C.
Miss Elsie Hill, Conn.
Mrs. Donald R. Hooker, Md.
Mrs. William Kent, Cal.
Mrs. Lawrence Lewis, Pa.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 1916
Miss Alice Paul, N. J., Chairman
Miss Lucy Burns, N. Y., Vice-chairman
Mrs. O. H. P. Belmont, N. Y.
Mrs. John Winters Brannan, N. Y.
Mrs. Gilson Gardner, D. C.
Mrs. Donald R. Hooker, Md.
Mrs. William Kent, Cal.
Mrs. Lawrence Lewis, Pa.
Miss Anne Martin, Nevada
Mrs. Harriot Stanton Blatch, N. Y.
WOMAN’S PARTY (Formed June, 1916)
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Miss Anne Martin, Nev., Chairman
Mrs. Phoebe Hearst, Cal., 1st Vice-chairman
Judge Mary M. Bartelme, Ill., 2nd Vice-chairman
Miss Mabel Vernon, Nev., Secretary
Miss Alice Paul, N. J., ex-officio
NATIONAL WOMAN’S PARTY
(After Amalgamation of Congressional Union and Woman’s Party)
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 1917
Miss Alice Paul, N. J., Chairman
Miss Anne Martin, Nev., Vice-chairman
Miss Mabel Vernon, Del., Secretary
Miss Gertrude L. Crocker, Ill., Treasurer
Mrs. Abby Scott Baker, D. C.
Mrs. O. H. P. Belmont, N. Y.
Mrs. John Winters Brannan, N. Y.
Miss Lucy Burns, N. Y.
Mrs. Gilson Gardner, D. C.
Mrs. Florence Bayard Hilles, Del.
Mrs. Donald R. Hooker, Md.
Mrs. J. A. H. Hopkins, N. J.
Mrs. William Kent, Cal.
Mrs. Lawrence Lewis, Pa.
Miss Doris Stevens, N. Y.
Miss Maud Younger, Cal.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 1915
Miss Alice Paul, N. J., Chairman
Miss Anne Martin, Nev., Vice-chairman
Miss Mabel Vernon, Del., Secretary
Miss Mary Gertrude Fendall, Md., Treasurer
Mrs. Abby Scott Baker, D. C.
Mrs. O. H. P. Belmont, N. Y.
Mrs. John Winters Brannan, N. Y.
Miss Lucy Burns, N. Y.
Mrs. Gilson Gardner, D.C.
Mrs. Thomas N. Hepburn, Conn.
Mrs. Florence Bayard Hilles, Del.
Mrs. Donald R. Hooker, Md.
Mrs. Lawrence Lewis, Pa.
Miss Doris Stevens, N. Y.
Miss Maud Younger, Cal.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 1919-1990
Miss Alice Paul, N. J., Chairman
Miss Mabel Vernon, Del., Secretary
Miss Mary Gertrude Fendall, Md., Treasurer
Mrs. Abby Scott Baker, D.C.
Mrs. O. H. P. Belmont, N.Y.
Mrs. John Winters Brannan, N.Y.
Miss Lucy Burns, N. Y.
Mrs. Gilson Gardner, D. C.
Mrs. Thomas N. Hepburn, Conn.
Mrs. Florence Bayard Hilles, Del.
Mrs. Donald R. Hooker, Md.
Mrs. Henry G. Leach, N. Y.
Mrs. Lawrence Lewis, Pa.
Miss Doris Stevens. N. Y.
Mrs. Richard Wainwright, D. C.
Miss Maud Younger, Cal.
APPENDIX 6
Concerning Political Prisoners
Definitions
James Bryce:[1]
[1] James Bryce made this distinction in 1889 between the two kinds of
offenders. Letter Introductory to “Political Prisoners at Home and
Abroad,” Sigerson.
“Perhaps we may say that whenever the moral judgment of the community
at large does not brand an offence as sordid and degrading, and does
not feel the offence to be one which destroys its respect for the
personal character of the prisoner, it may there be held that prison
treatment ought to be different from that awarded to ordinary
criminals.”
George Sigerson:[2]
[2] “Political Prisoners at Home and Abroad.”
“Men may differ, in thought and deed, on many questions without moral
guilt. Forms of government and measures relating to the welfare and
organization of society have been, in all ages and countries, questions
on which men have entertained divergent convictions, and asserted their
sincerity by conflicting action, often at grave personal sacrifice and
the loss of life. On the other hand, all people are agreed in
condemning certain acts, stigmatized as crimes, which offend against
the well-being of the individual or the community.
“Hence, civilized states distinguish between actions concerning which
good men may reasonably differ, and actions which all good men condemn.
The latter, if permitted to prevail, would disintegrate and destroy the
social life of mankind; the former, if successful, would simply
reorganize it, on a different basis . . . . The objects may, in one
generation, be branded as crimes, whilst in the next those who fail to
make them triumph and suffered as malefactors are exalted as patriot
martyrs, and their principles incorporated amongst the foundation
principles of the country’s constitution.
“Attempts to effect changes by methods beyond the conventions which
have the sanction of the majority of a community, may be rash and
blameworthy sometimes, but they are not necessarily dishonorable, and
may even occasionally be obligatory on conscience.”
As to the incumbency upon a government to differentiate in punishments
inflicted upon these two classes of offenders, he further says: “When a
Government exercises its punitive power, it should, in awarding
sentence, distinguish between the two classes of offenders. To confound
in a common degradation those who violate the moral law by acts which
all men condemn, and those who offend against the established order of
society by acts of which many men approve, and for objects which may
sometime be accepted as integral parts of established order, is
manifestly wrong in principle. It places a Government morally in the
wrong in the eyes of masses of the population, a thing to be sedulously
guarded against.”
George Clemenceau:[1]
[1] Clemenceau in a speech before the French Chamber of Deputies, May
16th, 1876, advocating amnesty for those who participated in the
Commune of 1871. From the Annals de la Chambre des Deputies, 1876, v.
2, pp. 44-48.
“Theoretically a crime committed in the interest of the criminal is a
common law crime, while an offense committed in the public interest is
a political crime.” He says further, “That an act isolated from the
circumstances under which it was committed . . . may have the
appearance of a common law crime . . : while viewed in connection with
the circumstances under which it is committed (in connection with a
movement) . . . it may take on a political character.”
Maurice Parmelee:[1]
[1] “Criminology” by Maurice Parmelee, Chap. XXVIII. Author also of
“Poverty and Social Progress,” “The Science of Human Behavior,” “The
Principles of Anthropology and Sociology in their relation to Criminal
Procedure.” During the late war Dr. Parmelee was a Representative of
the U. S. War Trade Board stationed at the American Embassy, London;
economic advisor to the State Department, and Chairman of the Allied
Rationing Committee which administered the German Blockade.
“Common crimes are acts contrary to the law committed in the interest
of the individual criminal or of those personally related to the
criminal. Political crimes are acts contrary to the law committed
against an existing government or form of government in the interest of
another government or form of government . . . . .
“Furthermore, there are other offenses against the law which are not
common crimes, and yet are not political crimes in the usual
criminological sense . . . .
“Among these crimes, which are broader than the ordinary political
crimes, are offenses in defense of the right to freedom of thought and
belief, in defense of the right to express one’s self in words in free
speech, . . . and many illegal acts committed by conscientious
objectors to the payment of taxes or to military service, the offenses
of laborers in strikes and other labor disturbances, the violations of
law committed by those who are trying to bring about changes in the
relations between the sexes, etc.
“Common crimes are almost invariably anti-social in their nature, while
offenses which are directly or indirectly political are usually social
in their intent, and are frequently beneficial to society in their
ultimate effect. We are, therefore, justified in calling them social
crimes, as contrasted with the anti-social common crimes . . . . .”
TREATMENT ACCORDED POLITICAL PRISONFRS ABROAD
It is interesting to note what other countries have done toward
handling intelligently the problem of political offenders.
Russia was probably the first country in modern history to recognize
political prisoners as a class,[1] although the treatment of different
groups and individuals varied widely.
[1] Siberia received its first exiles [non-conformists] in the 17th
Century.
First of all, the political offender was recognized as a “political”
not by law, but by custom. When sure of a verdict of guilty, either
through damaging evidence or a packed jury, the offender was tried.
When it was impossible to commit him to trial because there were no
proofs against him, “Administrative Exile” was resorted to. These
judgments or Administrative orders to exile were pronounced in secret
on political offenders; one member of the family of the defendant was
admitted to the trial under the law of 1881. Those exiled by
Administrative order were transported in cars, but stopped en route at
the etapes, political prisoners along with common law convicts. Since
1866 politicals condemned by the courts to hard labor or to exile,
journeyed on foot with common law convicts.[1]
There were no hospitals for political exiles; doctors and ‘ surgeons
among the exiled helped their sick comrades.
Families were permitted to follow the loved ones into exile, if they
chose. For example, wives were allowed to stay at Lower Kara, and visit
their husbands in the prison in Middle Kara twice a week and to bring
them books.
When criminal convicts were freed in Siberia after serving a given
sentence at hard labor, they received an allotment of land and
agricultural implements for purposes of sustenance, and after two years
the government troubled no more about them. They became settlers in
some province of Southern Siberia. With political exiles it was quite
different. When they had finished a seven, ten, or twelve year
sentence, they were not liberated but transferred to the tundras within
the Arctic Circle.
Fancy a young girl student exiled to a village numbering a hundred
houses, with the government allowance of 8 to 10 shillings a month to
live on. Occupations were closed to her, and there was no opportunity
to learn a trade. She was forbidden to leave the town even for a few
hours. The villagers were for the most part in fear of being suspected
if seen to greet politicals in the street.
“Without dress, without shoes, living in the nastiest huts, without any
occupation, they [the exiles were mostly dying from consumption,” said
the Golos of February 2, 1881. They lived in constant fear of
starvation. And the Government allowance was withdrawn if it became
known that an exile received any monetary assistance from family or
friends.
Those politicals condemned to hard labor in Siberia worked mostly in
gold mines for three months out of twelve, during which period meat was
added to their diet. Otherwise black bread was the main food of the
diet.
When held in prisons awaiting trial or convicted and awaiting transfer
into exile, politicals did no work whatever. Their only occupation was
reading. Common criminals had to work in prison as well as in Siberia.
In the fortress of Sts. Peter and Paul,[1] Kropotkin was lodged in a
cell big enough to shelter a big fortress gun (25 feet on the
diagonal). The walls and floor were lined with felt to prevent
communication with others. “The silence in these felt- covered cells is
that of a grave,” wrote Kropotkin . . . . “Here I wrote my two volumes
on The Glacial Period.” Here he also prepared maps and drawings. This
privilege was only granted, to him, however, after a strong movement
amongst influential circles compelled it from the Czar.[1a] The Geo-
graphical Society for whom he was writing his thesis also made many
pleas on his behalf. He was allowed to buy tobacco, writing paper and
to have books—but no extra food.
[1] In the Trubeskoi bastion, one building in the fortress.
[1a] Set Memoirs of a Revolutionist, Kropotkin.
Kropotkin says that political prisoners were not subjected to corporal
punishment, through official fear of bloodshed. But he must mean by
corporal punishment actual beatings, for he says also, “The black
holes, the chains, the riveting to bar rows are usual punishments.” And
some politicals were al- leged to have been put in oubliettes in the
Alexis Ravelin[2] which must have been the worst feature of all the
tortures. This meant immurement alive in cells, in a remote spot where
no contact with others was possible, and where the prisoner would often
be chained or riveted for years.
[2] Another section of Sts. Peter and Paul Fortress.
More recently there was some mitigation of the worst fea- tures of the
prison régime and some additional privileges were extended to
politicals.
All this applied to old Russia. There is no documentary proof available
yet, as to how Soviet Russia treats its offenders against the present
government. The Constitution of the Russian Socialist Federated Soviet
Republic does not provide a status for political prisoners, but it does
provide for their re lease. It specifically deals with amnesty which is
proof of the importance with which it regards the question of political
offenders. It says: “The All-Russian Central Executive Com mittee deal
with questions of state such as . . . the right to declare individual
and general amnesty.[4]
[3] Adopted by the 5th All-Russian Congress of Soviets, July 10, 1918.
Reprinted from The Nation, January 4, 1919.
[4] Article 3, Chapter 9 . . . 49 q.
France has had perhaps the most enlightened attitude of all the nations
toward political offenders. She absolutely guarantees special
treatment, by special regulations, and does not leave it to the
discretion of changing governments.
On August 7, 1834; Thiers, in a ministerial circular, laid down the
fundamental principles upon which France has acted. The only obligation
upon the defendant, according to this circular, was to prove the
political nature of the offense,—“that it should be demonstrated and
incontestable that they have acted under the influence of their
opinions.”[1] Theirs advocated superior diet for political prisoners
and no work.
[1] Sigerson, Political prisoners at Home and Abroad, p. 89.
His edict was followed by special regulations issued for politicals
under the Empire, February 9th, 1867, through M. Pietri, Prefect of the
Seine. These regulations, illustrative of the care France exercised at
an early date over her politicals, defined the housing conditions,
diet, intercourse with comrades inside the prison and with family and
friends from the outside. Their privacy was carefully guarded. No
curious visitor was allowed to see a political unless the latter so
desired.
Kropotkin wrote[2] of his incarceration in Clairvaux prison in 1888, to
which he and twenty-two others were transferred from Lyons after being
prosecuted for belonging to the International Workingmen’s Association:
“In France, it is generally understood that for political prisoners the
loss of liberty and the forced inactivity are in themselves so hard
that there is no need to inflict additional hardships.”
[2] Memoirs of a Revolutionist, Kropotkin.
In Clairvaux he and his comrades were given quarters in spacious rooms,
not in cells. Kropotkin and Emile Gautier, the French anarchist, were
given a separate room for literary work and the Academy of Sciences
offered them the use of its library.
There was no intercourse with common law prisoners. The politicals were
allowed to wear their own clothes, to smoke, to buy food and wine from
the prison canteen or have it brought in; they were free of compulsory
work, but might, if they chose, do light work for which they were paid.
Kropotkin mentions the extreme cleanliness of the prison and the
“excellent quality” of the prison food.
Their windows looked down upon a little garden and also commanded a
beautiful view of the surrounding country. They played nine- pins in
the yard and made a vegetable and flower garden on the surface of the
building’s wall. For other forms of recreation, they were allowed to
organize themselves into classes. This particular group received from
Kropotkin lessons in cosmography, geometry, physics, languages and
bookbinding. Kropotkin’s wife was allowed to visit him daily and to
walk with him in the prison gardens.
Sebastian Faure, the great French teacher and orator, was sentenced to
prison after the anarchist terrorism in 1894 and while there was
allowed to write his “La Douleur Universelle”
Paul La Fargue, son-in-law of Karl Marx, wrote his famous “The Right to
be Lazy” in Sainte Pelagie prison.
France has continued this policy to date. Jean Grave, once a shoemaker
and now a celebrated anarchist, was condemned to six months in La Sante
prison for an offensive article in his paper, Les Temps Nouveaux. Such
is the liberty allowed a political that while serving this sentence he
was given paper and materials with which to write another objectionable
article, called “La Société Mourante et l’Anarchie,” for the
publication of which he received another six months.
It is interesting to note the comparatively light sentences political
offenders get in France. And then there is an established practice of
amnesty. They rarely finish out their terms. Agitation for their
release extends from the extreme revolutionary left to the members of
the Chamber of Deputies, frequently backed by the liberal press.
Italy also distinguishes between political and common law offenders.
The former are entitled to all the privileges of custodia honesta[1]
which means they are allowed to wear their own clothes, work or not, as
they choose; if they do work, one half their earnings is given to them.
Their only penal obligation is silence during work, meals, school and
prayers. A friend of Sr. Serrati, the ex-editor of the Italian journal
Il Proletario, tells me that Serrati was a political prisoner during
the late war; that he was sentenced to three and a half years, but was
released at the end of six months, through pressure from the outside.
But while there, he was allowed to write an article a day for Avanti,
of which paper he was then an editor.
[1] Sigerson, pp. 154-5.
Even before the Franco-Prussian War German principalities recognized
political offenders as such. The practice continued after the
federation of German states through the Empire and up to the overthrow
of Kaiser Wilhelm. Politicals were held in “honorable custody” in
fortresses where they were deprived only of their liberty.
For revolutionary activities in Saxony in 1849, Bakunin[2] was
arrested, taken to a Cavalry Barracks and later to Koeriigstein
Fortress, where politicals were held. Here he was allowed to walk twice
daily under guard. He was allowed to receive books, he could converse
with his fellow prisoners and could write and receive numerous letters.
In a letter to a friend[3] he wrote that he was occupied in the study
of mathematics and English, and that he was “enjoying Shakespeare.” And
.. : . “they treat me with extraordinary humanness.”
[2] The Life of Michael Bakunin—Eine Biographie von Dr. Max Nettlau.
(Privately printed by the author. Fifty copies reproduced by the
autocopyist, Longhaus.)
[3] To Adolph R—— (the last name illegible) October 15, 1849.
Another letter to the same friend a month later said he was writing a
defense of his political views in “a comfortable room,” with “cigars
and food brought in from a nearby inn.” The death sentence was
pronounced against him in 1850 but commuted to imprisonment for life.
The same year he was extradited to Austria where the offense was
committed, then to Russia and on to Siberia in 1855, whence he escaped
in 1860 in an American ship.
In 1869 Bebell[1] received a sentence of three weeks in Leipzig
(contrast with Alice Paul’s seven months’ sentence) “for the
propagation of ideas dangerous to the state.” Later for high treason
based upon Social-Democratic agitation he was sentenced to two years in
a fortress. For lèse majesté he served nine months in Hubertusburg—a
fortress prison (in 1871). Here politicals were allowed to pay for the
cleaning of their cells, to receive food from a nearby inn, and were
allowed to eat together in the corridors. They were only locked in for
part of the time, and the rest of the time were allowed to walk in the
garden. They were permitted lights until ten at night; books; and could
receive and answer mail every day. Bebel received permission to share
cell quarters with the elder Lielr knecht (Wilhelm), then serving time
for his internationalism. He says that political prisoners were often
allowed a six weeks’ leave of absence between sentences; when finishing
one and beginning a second.
[1] My Life, August Bebel.
According to Sigerson, politicals in Austria also were absolved from
wearing prison clothes, might buy their own food and choose their work.
I am told the same régime prevailed in Hungary under Franz Joseph.
The new constitution of the German Republic adopted at Weimar July 31,
1919, provides that[2] “The President of the Republic shall exercise
for the. government the right of pardon .. . . . Government amnesties
require a national law.”
[2] Article 49.
In the Scandinavian countries there is no provision for special
consideration of political prisoners, although a proposed change in
Sweden’s penal laws now pending includes special treatment for them,
and in Denmark, although politicals are not recognized apart from other
prisoners, the people have just won an amnesty for all prisoners
convicted of political offense as I write. Neither Switzerland nor
Spain makes separate provision for politicals, although there are many
prisoners confined in their prisons for political offenses, especially
in Spain, where there are nearly always actually thousands in Monjuich.
Portugal also subjects political offenders to the same regime as
criminals.
Concerning Turkey and Bulgaria, I appealed to George Andreytchine, a
Bulgarian revolutionist who as protégé of King Ferdinand was educated
at Sofia and Constantinople, knowing his knowledge on this point would
be authentic. He writes: “Turkey, which is the most backward of all
modern states, recognized the status of political prisoners before
1895, or shortly after the Armenian massacres. Thousands of Bulgarian,
Greek, Armenian and Arabian insurgents, caught with Arms in their
hands, conspiring and actually in open rebellion against the Ottoman
Empire, were sentenced to exile or hard labor, but were never confined
in the same prisons with ordinary criminals and felons. They were put
in more hygienical prisons where they were allowed to read and write
and to breathe fresh air. Among some of my friends who were exiled to
Turkish Africa for rebellion was a young scholar, Paul Shateff, by
name, who while there wrote a remarkable monograph on the ethnology and
ethnography of the Arabian Tribes in which he incidentally tells of the
special treatment given him and his fellow exiles as political
prisoners.
“There is something to be said for the political wisdom of the Sultans.
Amnesty is an established practice, usually at the birthday of the
Sultan or the coming to power of a new Sultan, or on Ramadan[1], a
national holiday.
[1] The month (the ninth in the Mohammedan year) in which the first
part of the Koran is said to have been received.
“In 1908 when the young Turks assumed control of the government, all
political prisoners were released and cared for by the state. My friend
Paul Shateff was sent at state expense to Bruxelles to finish his
studies.
“Bulgaria, another one of those ‘backward countries,’ established the
political regime even earlier than Turkey. Politicals are allowed to
read, to write books or articles for publication, to receive food from
outside, and are periodically released on amnesty.”
And now we come to England. In general England, too, give’s political
offenders much lighter sentences than does America, but, except in
isolated cases, she treats them no better. She does not recognize them
as political prisoners. If they are distinguished prisoners like Dr.
Jamison, who was permitted to serve the sentence imposed upon him for
leading an armed raid into the Transvaal in 1895, in a luxuriously
furnished suite, to provide himself with books, a piano, and such food
as he chose, and to receive his friends, special dispensation is
allowed; or like William Cobbett, who was imprisoned for writing an
alleged treasonable article in his journal, The Register, in 1809; or
Leigh Hunt for maligning the Prince Regent who, he believed, broke his
promise to the Irish cause; Daniel O’Connell and six associates in 1844
for “seditious activity”; John Mitchell, who in 1848 was sent to
Bermuda and then to Van Dieman’s Land.[2] These British prisoners,
while not proclaimed as politicals, did receive special privileges.[3]
[2]English penal colony in Tasmania.
[3]For details of their handsome treatment see Sigerson, pp. 19–20,
More recently Bertrand Russell, the distinguished man of letters who
served sixty-one days in lieu of payment of fine for writing a pamphlet
intended to arouse public indignation against the treatment of a
certain conscientious objector, received special privileges. In England
the matter of treatment rests largely with the will of the Prime
Minister, who dictates the policy to the Home Secretary, who in turn
directs the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Prisons. The Home
Secretary may, however, of his own accord issue an order for special
privileges if he so desires, or if there is a strong demand for such an
order. Many government commissions and many distinguished British
statesmen have recommended complete recognition and guarantee of the
status of political prisoners, but the matter has been left to common
law custom and precedent, and the character of the prime minister. In
the case of Ireland the policy agreed upon is carried out by the Lord
Lieutenant of Ireland.
It is difficult to generalize about England’s treatment of Irish
political offenders. From the earliest nationalist activities she has
treated them practically all as common criminals, or worse, if such a
thing is possible. She has either filled English prisons, or, as in the
sixties, put them in convict ships and sent them to Bermuda and
Australia for life sentences along with common convicts where they
performed the hardest labor.. Irish prisoners have fought with signal
and persistent courage for the rights due political offenders. Lately,
after militant demonstrations within the prisons and after deaths
resulting from concerted hunger striking protests, some additional
privileges have been extended. But these can be and are withheld at
will. There is no guarantee of them.
As early as 1885 Canadian nationalists who had taken part in an
insurrection in Upper Canada on behalf of self-government and who were
sent to Van Dieman’s Land in convict ships, entered a vigorous protest
to Lord Russell, the Home Secretary, against not receiving the
treatment due political prisoners.
England has to her credit, then, some flexibility about extending
privileges to politicals. We have none. England has to her credit
lighter sentences—Irish cases excepted. No country, not excluding
imperial Germany, has ever given such cruelly long sentences to
political offenders as did America during the late war.
I have incorporated this discussion in such a book for two reasons:
first, because it seemed to me important that you should know what a
tremendous contribution the suffrage prisoners made toward this
enlightened reform. They were the first in America to make a sustained
demand to establish this precedent which others will consummate. They
kept up the demand to the end of the prison episode, reinforcing it by
the hunger strike protest. The other reason for including this
discussion here is that it seems to me imperative that America
recognize without further delay the status of political offenders. As
early as 1872 the International Prison Congress meeting in London
recommended a distinction in the treatment of common law criminals and
politicals, and the resolution was agreed upon by the representatives
of all the Powers of Europe and America with the tacit concurrence of
British and Irish officials. And still we are behind Turkey in adopting
an enlightened policy. We have neither regulation, statute nor
precedent. Nor have we the custom of official flexibility.
Note—The most conspicuous political prisoner from the point of view of
actual power the United States has ever held in custody was Jefferson
Davis, the President of the Confederate States, during the rebellion of
the South against the Union. He was imprisoned in Fortress Monroe and
subjected to the most cruel and humiliating treatment conceivable. For
details of his imprisonment see the graphic account given in “Jefferson
Davis—A Memoir” by his wife, Vol. II, pp. 653-95.