Life — April 4, 1912 — page 30: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

The New Era E arc glad to note that the splen- did idea of Mrs. Pankhurst is at last beginning to take root in this country. The following incidents may be of interest: Troy, N. Y.—Several ladies who sent their washing to the laundry here and did not like the way it was done up marched to the laundry works and destroyed it with bombs this morning. The owners of the property were very much pleased to think that the ladies showed so much independence, especially as they moved in the highest circles of so- ciety. Peoria, I-t.—The progressive spin- sters of this town have been very much displeased over the fact that quite a large number of married people are living happily in their homes with their children and seem to be enjoying themselves, In order to break up this scheme the old maids formed them- selves into a platoon and yesterday invaded some of the principal homes of Peoria. They took the rugs out of the houses and burned them, smashed in the windows and chas- tised the children heartily. The whole affair is highly commendable and shows that courage and spirit can carry the day if properly applied. The town council has presented a vote of thanks to these enterprising recalcitrants. Rome, Ga.—For some time there has been trouble in the choir of the Presbyterian Church. Several ladies recently withdrew and realizing that they did not have enough money to start a church of their own, they yes- terday proceeded to demolish the building. They battered in the stained glass windows and chopped up the pews with axes which they secured from the fire department. The Pres- bytery was at first inclined to be very angry, but when told that these la- dies had performed the acts because they were infused with a new spirit of independence, apologized for its criti- cism, “The fact is,” the Presbytery stated, “that we live in a world that moves so fast it is sometimes hard for us old fogies to assimilate new ideas —especially feminine ones.” Ry, Lv SPRING—AND ITS EFFECT ON New Yorx.—Several ladies yester- day afternoon entered the Waldorf Hotel about two o'clock and find- ing that the dining-rooms were all crowded, were naturally very angry. They insisted that they should have seats, but were politely told by the head waiter that this would be im- possible. Thereupon these ladies, arming themselves with appropriate weapons, which they hurriedly secured from several sporting goods stores nearby, returned and chopped up the tables, demolished the china, destroyed the linen, and in fact displayed a great deal of activity until seats were finally given them. The damage is estimated at $63,000, Mr. Boldt, the proprietor of the Waldorf, when seen, smiled and said: “It was due to the fact that I was not there, Of course, we regret the loss of so much prop- erty; but ladies naturally have rights which should be respected by the ma- jority. We will, therefore, charge the amount up to profit and loss and are pleased that the damage was not any greater.” A prominent suffragette when in- formed of the facts, smiled and said: “Tt was bound to come. Up to the present time the rights of property have been absurdly respected. It ought to be understood, however, from now on, that when we women want a thing the best way to get it is to smash right and left until our rights are recognized. Mrs. Pank- hurst and her sisters have performed a great service to humanity.” comicbooks.com