August 24, 1924.
Dear Miss Woods: --
Alice House of this city recently died; she owned more or less real estate, bonds, stocks, etc., and had no near relatives -- that is no brothers or sisters, being the last of her immediate family. Miss House was always a consistent pacifist and was interested in both the W.I.L. and the Woman's Peace Union. When the latter organization had a branch in Cincinnati she was a member and a regular attendant at the meetings which were held all during the period of the war.
I have had an interview with the attorney who drew up her will, and who is also named as one of the executors; he tells me that after certain bequests are paid the residue of her estate is to go to her executors to be used for those organizations which maintain the right of free speech and that are working for permanent peace. There is only one organization which is maintaining the right of free speech, free press and free assemblage, the American Civil Liberties Union in which Miss House was profoundly interested. And I have given Mr. Petzhold (the attorney in question) information concerning it at his request.
I have also told him that the two organizations or peace societies in which Miss House was interested were the two referred to above. I have sent him a copy of the Outline ending with April 1922 and will provide additional information if required. I have also sent him what little information I have concerning the Woman's Peace Union, to whom I am also writing today along the lines of this letter to you.
I have a letter from Miss House in which she tells me that her will provides for the "American Civil Liberties Union and other organizations in which you are interested," which makes her wishes clear and explicit in my opinion. Mr. Petzhold also tells me that Miss House advised him, that in considering the organizations to be the beneficiaries under her will, to consult me. What I would suggest at the present is that I be given authority to act for this W.I.L. or at any rate given authority to secure legal assistance if it is required. The American Civil Liberties Union has an attorney in Cin'ti Mr. Alred Bettman, whose professional standing is very high, and the W.I.L. could do no better than to engage him if legal services are necessary. [page 2]
May I also suggest that these instructions come from the International President, Miss Addams? She is so well known that anything coming over her signature would be treated with profound respect. Already some other organizations which consider themselves as coming under the terms of Miss House's will are making application for attention. I believe we have the inside track by reason of the personal relations existing between Miss House and myself and also by reason of the letter referred to, and it would be my endeavor to confine the organizations to those I know of my own knowledge Miss House was interested in. I always felt her interest was in those individuals and societies which stood for peace during the war; it was the position she always maintained herself and she made no compromises.
Mr. Petzhold tells me he believes the residue of her estate, after the various bequests have been paid, will amount to considerable but he did not give me any idea as to the definite amount. And his idea and mine as to what constitutes "considerable" might be different, but even if it is only a few thousand dollars it will be [worthwhile].
I will be glad to hear from you as to your ideas in this matter and will be glad to carry them out to the best of my ability.
Sincerely yours,
Mary D. Brite [signed]
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845 Dayton St.
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