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WOMEN OF DISTINCTION.
47

problems of the age. As a writer her articles are characterized by a clear, vigorous, incisive style, and have embraced a wide range of thought, from the purely literary to the more practical, social, economic and scientific questions now confronting us. These have appeared in various periodicals, usually under the signature "R. K. Potter," a nom de plume which she selected while yet a student, and has ever since retained.

In some moods the poetic strain of her nature asserts itself, and several little gems have thus found their way into print. Among these may be mentioned "Isles of Peace," "The Zephyr," and "Royal To-day." During the early years of her work in teaching she made quite a name as a lecturer, and by many friends was urged to give up teaching and enter the field as a lecturer, but feeling that the class-room was the place where her efforts would result in the greatest good to the greatest number, she decided to remain there. Mrs. Silone used to relate that before Josephine could talk plainly, when asked what she wanted to be when grown, the answer would invariably be, "I want to be a tool-teacher."

Mrs. Yates is the mother of one child, a little daughter, and in the line of special study much of her work is done with the hope of being the better prepared to wisely direct the education of this child.