June 10, 1881
London Herald and Observer
Editorials and Letters, page One, top left-hand column
“From the Editor in Chief:
It is with some embarrassment and sadness that I must make comments regarding any person of the fairer sex, but I would be negligent not to do so now. We here in the heart of the Empire are appalled by the behavior of those who see themselves as so-called New Women or Adventuresses. Such women are abhorrent to nature and decency, and in need of a stronger hand to guide them. Today I refer to one woman, whom I will not mention by name out of respect for the departed and her family, but who is well known to the Herald’s readership. This most recent, unseemly and not surprisingly disastrous adventure in Japan has proven me correct in my opinion that women should not be permitted access to higher academic institutions and the dangers involved in pursuing such adventures, such as the ascent of an active volcano. Not only did this woman endanger herself and her companions, but it was done out of sheer arrogance. Mankind, and certainly not womankind, shall never be in possession of a means to predict the acts of God beyond good Biblical reference. She has paid the ultimate price for her academic foolishness and womanly weakness.
To some degree, the learned men who encouraged her should be brought to account. It was their duty to see to it no one, not even a headstrong female, should come to harm. This editor is mortified at the prospect that a British woman has been killed in what cannot be anything but a foolish attempt by scientists to undermine and even mock the proper order of things. Her death is on their hands.”
Next Day, 1881
London H & O
Page 8, Bottom inside third column
“A correction must be issued: It has been brought to our attention that Miss L. Gantry of Cardiff, Wales and Sutton, Surrey was not killed during an eruption of a volcano in Japan. No persons were injured.”
June 12, 1881
London Telegraph (the Herald’s immediate competitor)
Under the column concerning odd events around the globe
“An eruption of pyroclastic nature has been observed and reported by British scientists. Dr. John Milne and Professor James Ewing of the Imperial College of Engineering, along with notable colleagues, were present to witness a large cloud of burning gases descending Mt. Tarumae of Hokkaido Island. The brave British men were able to record this phenomenon which occurred a mere mile away from them.
Despite rumors, the local correspondent was unable to verify that there was a woman present during the eruption.”
And …
“A strange occurrence has been reported from America: the Great Statue now under construction and presented to the United States by the people of France has been vandalized. The citizens of New York were awakened by the outrageous behavior of some person or persons playing a loud trumpet. Thinking it a prank, many chose not to give the rude action any consideration. However, an early morning trumpet blare was to draw attention to a flag draped across the newly completed base for the Statue of Liberty. No one recognized the flag: a sun with many stars on a black background. Authorities insist it is a prank and those responsible would be apprehended immediately.
An earlier suggestion that the striking Dirigible Mechanics and Pilot’s Union might be behind the prank has been dismissed. However, Trans-Atlantic Air Freight shipping remains at a standstill and the said Statue of Liberty remains unfinished – her pieces waiting in a warehouse to be assembled.”