One hundred years ago
The Royal Geographical Society is in hot water. A section of its members recently passed a resolution that no more ladies should be admitted Fellows, and caused a discussion so bitter that at the meeting on the 29th ult. Lord Mayo moved that the vote should be rescind- ed. It was agreed, however, before the vote was taken that it was better to call a meeting specially to consider the sub- ject, and let its vote be final. There can be little doubt of the ultimate decision. Women nowadays travel, explore, and are as interested in geography as men are, and there can be no reason for for- bidding them to attend, or to hold office, in a geographical society. Their opponents urge that their presence interferes with business, and tends to make of a learned society a sort of gar- den party; and no doubt lecturers who address a mixed audience pose more, and tend to dwell more on the "interest- ing statements" they have to make. Women get bored, in fact, a little quick- er than men, and show it with more effect on speakers' minds. There is some truth in the objection, such as it is, but the chairman can call members back to business; and it is a little late in the day to exclude a whole sex from discus- sions it knows a great deal about, because a few of its members chatter. What is really required is a resolution to admit women both to membership and office, with a proviso that they must submit to be answered, rebuked, or even derided, just as if they were men. They are too apt to ask for equality Plus deference.
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