xt70rx937t9n_51 https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt70rx937t9n/data/mets.xml https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt70rx937t9n/data/46m4.dao.xml unknown 13.63 Cubic Feet 34 boxes, 2 folders, 3 items In safe - drawer 3 archival material 46m4 English University of Kentucky The physical rights to the materials in this collection are held by the University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.  Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Laura Clay papers Temperance. Women -- Political activity -- Kentucky. Women's rights -- Kentucky. Women's rights -- United States -- History. Women -- Suffrage -- Kentucky. Women -- Suffrage -- United States. Laura Clay correspondence with Kate M. Gordon text Laura Clay correspondence with Kate M. Gordon 2020 https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt70rx937t9n/data/46m4/Box_3/Folder_8/Multipage2095.pdf 1910 1910 1910 section false xt70rx937t9n_51 xt70rx937t9n  

  

 571155111 I8. Anthnng memorial ifiunh

I{ATE BI. GORDON. OHAIRL‘IAN
moo PRY’I‘ANIA STREET

N EVV ORLEANS. LA.

My dear Miss Clay:
Last week I had a letter from Miss Shaw asking me to
take up Southern organization work, as it were, because the Board had

unanimously voted that I be put to that kind of work. This week, pre-

c/L” W
ceding a formal business letter, I get notice that they.wanted me_iol
Egbto nklahcma.

How, I think I made it pretty clear, in resigning the
Corresponding Secretaryship, that I did so because I believed that
the interests of the position demanded the presence of the Correspond~
ing Secretary at Feadquarters, and that E_nas not willing to give up
my home surroundings to follow the duties of office. I can't for the
world see where the difference would be if I go out on orfianization
tours in the South or campaign in Oklahoma. Consequently I have de-
clined to accept either position.~ Even if I felt inclined, I cannot
afford to accept either proposition. I do not go out as an ordinary
organizer in the field because of the bread and butter question at-
tached. The very influence the Board feels I weeld have as a Southern
organizer comes from the fact that I meet socially these people all
over the South. I have to dress in a certain way, and I am obligated,
( or I feel that I am obligated) when the peOple who have entertained
me come to New orleans to return in a measure some of the hospitality
received; and all of that kind of business requires a long purse. In
the meantime, the expenses of our homeéiziLrunning on just the same—

whether I am there or not- and I am\not assuming my share of the res-

UM
ponsibility sf it. When my time is paid, or so—called paid for, by

the National Association, I must pay out for clothes %hat I could "—

self make, and at the end of the year I would find that I-wee-consid—

 

 Swan l6. Anthony; memorial Zflnnh

KATE 1W. GORDON. CHAIR‘M’AN
moo PRYTANIA STREET

NE“’ ORLEANS.LA. #2
erably out of pocket, and yetyzppear to be a paid employee of the As—
sooiation.

Now, as a matter of fact, if I felt there was no suf-
frage work for me to do at home, I might feel differently, but there
is plenty of wood work, and I can assure you I m improving every cp-
portunity that petty interruptions will permit me to fulfil. Another
thine. I have not qui,e notten over the spirit shown when Miss Thomas
asked me to take the National position she wished creaégd in the city

-v -
of Washington. Of course, you and Mrs. Kelley wanted me to do it,

but the fault—findino that immediately took place with me and my work
[its avoaikae

W}

in Buffalo I recognized at once, and the fool headquarters that were
/

established at a lightening rate,and which has cost the Association
so much money fsomething like $5,000 when it is all summed up) had
for its motive "head me off", although I really had no idea of accept—
inD the offer.

I hope this little review will make you understand
why I do not wish to go out into the Southern field. Now for Oklaho—
ma. Mrs. Boyer's idea that a Southern woman is necessary is to me a
strained point. Mrs. Belmont offers to pay me $10? a month and expenr
ses. It would take several hundred dollars for me to get ready to go
at Short notice to Cklahoma, for I would need special wraps, which
would he of no earthly need to me in our Southern climate; but to go
campaigning one has to be provided for all kinds of weather, even
though it meant a short time. I personally believe that the money
Mrs. Belmont offers to give for my services paid to an Oklahoma Woman
would be far more effective. If a Southern woman is absolutely neces-

sary, why don't you go, with the prestige of a National officer. I

 

 Salaam Iii. Anthnng flflpmnrial Eflunh

KATE 1W, GORDON. CHAIRMAN
moo PRY’I‘ANIA STREET

NEVV ORLEANS.LA. #3

would be going simply on the basis of a paid organizer, and yet I
would be really out of money if I accepted the proposition, which I
positively will not. If it is impossible for you to do so, and they
still want a Southern woman, why not transfer Niss Pennfield.

I am rejoiced that firs. Boyer is going to be at the
helm. I think there are strcnq chances for victory. i understand
that a point has been raised that some of the signatures to the peti—
tion are forgeries, but as the accuser is a man who is to serve his
term in the penitentiary, i don't think we need to worry. i tell you,

it is a splendid tribute to the energies of those Oklahoma women—

thekéegetting those 40,000 signatures— and it seems to me it is a
MW

vindication of the attitude of the members of our Board who stood for
the recognition of Oklahoma.

hany thanks'for the information in regard to Kentucky
speakers. You certainly have a brilliant galaxy of women.

I am hard at work on the Susan B. Anthony Fund, the
possibilities of which are imply enormous, if we can only get our

women roused to the importance of it.

Very cordially yours,
/' % § _
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