Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 February 1917 — WOMEN IN SECRET WARFARE [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

WOMEN IN SECRET WARFARE

I want to give to others hope and faith, I want to do all that the Master saith, I want to live aright from day to day; I’m sure I shall not pass again this way. ■. Who is It that says that women know little or nothing of the tactics of war?

Why, there isn’t one of Eve’s (laugh t ers who isn’t engaged in sec ret warfare from the cradle to ' the grave. Widows are generals in love’s warfare; maidens are volunteers ; married women arc life enlist ers. From the Time they wore p 1 n a f o r es, they have battled with each over their playthings. Soon as their dresses were let down ankle-length

the young women were engaged in polite warfare over their beaux. Moth"ers skirmished valiantly, engaging in royal secret battles to other in securing the man so many coveted for a son-in-law. A secret battle lias waged among the social blimbers. They employ every known tactic to further their interest. There are secret and bitter wars going on between mothers and girls who want to marry their sons. Other wars are going on to keep daughters from marrying men who haven’t been able to wedge their way into the good

graces of the mothers. There are household warfares .where, the half-dozen girls refuse bitterly to be kept back to give the eldest daughter a chance. Secret warfares go on against the Innocent widows who are willing to marry the other woman’s rich brother or uncle who Is doing his best toward sister or niece to help bring up her family. There’s warfare on the stage when the public sees more talent and beau ty in one slaFthari file" other. You didn’t suppose the defeated candidate for stage honors was joyous over the other’s success, did you? Thus it is through every 7 walk in life; in every community there arewomen who are. at secret warfare over one thing or another. More often than not, it’s war between husband and wife over money matters. Jealousy Is not lacking as a favorite cause. It will therefore be seen that women are well up in every stage of warfare. They have been all through Its skirmishes, its defeats and its victories. They are natural-born warriors.

Once in a while we hear of a valiant, feminine soldier cutting and lashing with her tongue, if she has no other weapon. Women are the first, however, to sue for peace and appreciate It. Let no one worry hereafter ns to what women would do in case of war. Trust them to grope their way to victory. Bless their dear hearts, they’re used to it. They don’t have much to say about . it, .but if occasion demands they’ll defend those they love at all hazards. (Copyright, 1917.)