What does the author of the Equal pay bill letter argue?

Based on this excerpt the authors are mostly likely to attempt to answer which question?

What can be inferred by the description of this setting

Fondly do we hope—fervently do we pray—that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. use context clues to determine which choice is the correct definition of scourge in paragraph 5. a) reward or spoils b) curse or affliction c) to clean vigorously d) to punish or chastise