Ruth Churchyard Williams to Jane Addams, March 4, 1918

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THE WOMAN'S PEACE PARTY
OF NEW YORK STATE

Buffalo, N.Y. March 4th, 1918.

Miss Jane Addams,
Hull House,
800 South Halsted St.,
Chicago, Ill.,

Dear Miss Addams: --

Much as I dislike to trouble you again about the New York State Convention matter, after deliberating a week I have decided I must ask you one question.

On the invitation of Mrs. Eaton of Syracuse I went there Feby. 21st, to meet Miss Crystal Eastman. We had a very frank talk together, in the course of which Miss Eastman justified her course by the following statement which Mrs. Eaton wrote out for me afterwards, that I might be very exact, not relying only upon my memory.

"After talking over with the board in Philadelphia, the desirability of our calling a convention, it was suggested that if Mrs. Williams did not call one within a month, then the New York City Peace Party should go ahead and call one. It was understood that the tacit consent of the board was given to this, Miss Addams saying 'Then go ahead.' I then said, 'Then I am to explicitly understand that we can then call the Convention' and Miss Addams said 'Yes.' "

I am very anxious to know how to regard this statement of Miss Eastman. I find that in every plan of adjustment I conceive, I come up against the thought of this, and I feel that I should love to know the truth no matter what it is.

Are you not coming this way soon, and if so will you not make me a visit of a few hours or a few days -- I should love it so dearly and we could have a frank and friendly talk about New York State Woman's Peace Party matters. Do not fear to come. I will not discuss them over much you may be sure -- I am sick of the whole affair and only long to settle it right.

Very sincerely,

Ruth C. Williams [signed]

↑I was so sorry to learn that you had been ill, and hope you are entirely recovered by this time. Affectionately Ruth C. W.↓