Why Mr. Graham acted as he did, Emmeline was unsure but he had wounded
her with remarks made at their first meeting. ‘He certainly insulted me deeply
the only time I have seen him since the fund has been in existence by telling
me I and my children were objects of charity.’
In a calm manner, Emmeline then outlined the achievements of her daugh-
ters. Christabel was still a student ‘but at no cost to me’. Sylvia, who was
studying art in Italy, was considered by all those who knew her work ‘very
talented & industrious & no doubt she will make a position for herself after
next year as a designer & decorative artist’, while Adela had a ‘distinct literary
gift’ and would go from the High School to Owens College. Then the feminist
sting came about the way in which the male administrators wanted to give
priority to the education of her son at the neglect of her daughters. ‘I believe &
my husband thought it too that it is quite as important to give opportunity of
education to gifted girls as to boys. I am carrying out his wishes in what I am
doing.’ Arguing her case, clearly and passionately, Emmeline explained about
Harry and why the decision of the Committee to withhold the money from her
now was against her present needs:
Harry who although 13 is still in an elementary stage (he was delicate
as a little one & went to school late indeed he has only just left kinder-
garten) will later on follow the same course. He wishes to be an
Engineer & I feel for him the Technical School will be the best.
However it is too early to decide as to this until he is more advanced.
When he is old enough to go to College or to be apprenticed his sisters
will be independent & with me will see that their only brother & my
only son will have every opportunity. ... If my income from other
sources is reduced now at what I maintain is the most expensive stage
in the children’s lives I shall be obliged to take more money out of the
business [Emerson’s] instead of as now letting profits go to increase the
very small capital with which I started a venture which has been
entirely justified by results. I am building up a source of independence
for the future there. Even if the worst happened & I died before Harry’s
Education is complete my life is insured for £1500 & I pay the
premiums amounting to over £40 per ann [annum] so that is amply
provided for. I have told you all this in order that you may see how
right I am in saying that it is for the next 2 or 3 years that the money is
of use to us.Despite this long explanation, Emmeline could not compromise over the
original terms agreed for payment of the money:
I must repeat what I wrote to you this morning. I cannot without a
sacrifice of self respect accept any reduced sum. Rather will I try to do
without it altogether. I have had a big struggle & so far have succeededWIDOWHOOD AND EMPLOYMENT