Springport, Mich., Dec. 16, 1908.
My Dear Mr. Watson:
Anything that appears to have your endorsement is worthy of
consideration, and, as the language of Dr. S. Leland, in your last
Magazine, in his speech refers to woman in an offensive manner, I
inflict this article upon you and consider it only fair that it be
placed before the same readers. Dr. Leland refers to woman in the
following language:
“They will be anything for love, and if they can’t get that * * * some
will rush into the lecture field—join the Salvation Army—form Women’s
Rights Societies, and do deeds that make the angels weep.”
It’s not surprising that women join the Salvation Army, since it’s an
Army that has done more good than all the churches on earth have ever
done; but what really puzzles me is how Dr. Leland happened to know
that the angels weep because women rush into the lecture field—form
Women’s Rights Societies, etc. Was he so close to the angels that he
could hear the rustle of their wings? There is no known record of
angels weeping over woman suffrage societies, etc. The only thing
that approaches a record of weeping angels is, that Lucifer, in his
tilt with heavenly comrades, =might= have wept, not because of woman
suffrage societies, evidently, but probably because he happened to be
kicked over the battlements of Glory. We hope Dr. Leland, who is now
dead, found better favor in the beyond than did Lucifer, since he was
no doubt as good a man would like to find a place could be.
Dr. Leland informs us that “true women are not public
brawlers”—otherwise lecturers. The poor, dear man! Did he think a
public lecturer had to be a brawler? The sainted Mary E. Willard was a
public lecturer, imagine her a public brawler! She did more good than
and left an Influence superior to that of any man in the nation. Her
name is found upon the scroll of honor, where many a man would like to
find a place. Mrs. Maud Ballington Booth is a =public speaker=. Let all
men uncover their heads at the mention of her name.
Dr. Leland says: “Administrative faculties are not hers.”
Without a trial how could he know she was so deficient? Man has
demonstrated his ability in that line; God forbid that woman develops
the same kind if the opportunity ever occurs.
Public plunder and panics, the murder of babies in workshop and
factory, a Congress, so corrupt that trusts and corporations rule the
land—such is the administration of man. Dr. Leland says the forum is
no place for her silver voice, but the rotten reign of man makes it
the most appropriate place, for the cesspool will not cleanse itself.
We are informed further that “woman discusses =not= the course of the
planets.” What the discussion of the planets has to do with the right
of suffrage is not exactly clear, as I believe there are a few voters
who are unqualified to discuss the course of the planets. In case
it has a bearing, I would announce that it was a woman who drew the
world’s prize in competition with the wisest in this line but a short
time ago. The Doctor said:
“She guides =no= vessels through the night and tempest across the
trackless sea.” But she does greater things. She possesses the heart
and heroism to jeopardize her life in rescuing the shipwrecked. We have
many a Grace Darling, we have many a Florence Nightingale, who have
manifested greater bravery and brain than required to guide a vessel.
But this latter charge will not hold today.
Finally, as a clincher, the Doctor stated that “the strength of
Milton’s poetic vision is far beyond her delicate perception, she would
have been affrighted at that fiery sea upon whose flaming billows—
‘Satan, with head above the waves
And eyes that sparkling blazed.’”
We =again= find the Doctor an =incompetent= judge of woman. A wife who
has to encounter a drunken husband time after time, and who lives in
terror of her life, is used to blazing eyes and bleared eyes, and all
kinds. She would prefer to meet Satan, any time, for there is no record
of his being a “drunk.”
Woman asks for the ballot that she may vote this worst of hells out of
her life. Yet we find men who respect her so much they would withhold
this privilege of defense.
Such chivalry is sick and needs medicine.
(Mrs.) Marion Todd.
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