American suffragist and peace activist (1859–1947) who was one of the leading forces behind the adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920, ensuring women the right to vote. TLS, one page, 8.5 x 11, personal letterhead, May 1, 1936. Catt writes to artist, writer, and activist Charlotte Brate (1890–1967). In part: “Once upon a time there was a woman suffrage campaign in the State of New York. The Committee wanted to have posters along the railway and this was agreed to. They brought the posters to me one day to inspect. There were two splendid young men, in partnership, who had the matter in charge and I said to them: ‘How many votes do you suppose these posters will win?’ They said, hesitatingly: ‘Perhaps not one.’ I followed, then, with the question: ‘Why, then, employ posters?’ They replied: ‘It is not any one thing that wins the day, but it is a very great number of things and, altogether, they overwhelm the prejudices of the people and, because there are so many ways of saying the same thing, they vote as they should.’ I have always remembered the conversation and I think they were quite right. The more things that are done, the better for any cause, so, perhaps, wearing PAX jewelry and dresses may bring results of which I do not know. Never take anybody’s doubts as a final argument. None of us have anything to guide us but our own heads…. Do not send me a PAX dress. Perhaps I shall be wearing them in the front row when I see how nice all the rest of you look in them….” Brate was evidently a member of the activist group the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom; a May 4, 1936 article on the organization in Time magazine describes “a blue and white silk scarf with an all-over design featuring the letters PAX.” A touch of mild wrinkling, otherwise fine condition. R&R COA.
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