DR. MARY WALKER DEAD.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIII, Issue 121, 23 May 1919, Page 7

DR. MARY WALKER DEAD.

INSISTED ON WEARING MEN’S

CLOTHES

American papers record the death of Dr. Mary Walker, in her 88th year. This lady had a somewhat extraordinary career, and was one who always insisted on wearing man’s clothes. She was a pioneer in many movements for the benefit of women quite half a century ago, when such things were looked upon with far less interest and favour than at present, She was not only one of the first women to take a medical degree, but also actually the .first to hold a military commission in a medical capacity. As a consistent weafer of man’s clothes she attained a celebrity which was world-wide. Congress granted her special authority to dress as she wished, and when she was captured by the enemy she was exchanged for an officer of the same rank. Throughout the four years of war she wore the regulation uniform, and when she returned to civilian life she arrayed her very small figure in a black frock coat and trousers, surmounted by a silk hat, and always canned a light cane. Occasionally, it is said, she was placed in an awkward situation and arrested by policemen who did not know, her, but she showed her documents promptly and obtained- release. “Do I ever have unkind things said to me,” she said once to an interviewer. “Yes, of course, by ill-bred people. But they are very few. When anyone does say anything unpleasant, I usually have something to say in Return that makes iis quits. I tell you trousers are a great thing.” Dr. Walker, was for long years an active fighter for women’s suffrage, and became president of the 'Women’s United States Constitutional Association,