The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-11-04

The lady canyaSSer OF England mas come
to be recognized as very important fac
] tor in electioneering work. So much ID
this the case that the Radicals have taken
a leaf out of the book Of the Primrose
4 League, and rely to no inconsiderable ex-
tent upon the activity of the feminine po-
litical missionary. Today, says the
London Daily Telegraph" the Primrose
dame is to be seen trudging up and down
the stairs OF model lodging houses and
penetrating such dingy quarters Of the
| town as are known, by fanciful but In
| accurate nomenclature, as Paradise
| Square and Pleasant Row. Mere male can
vassers have before now complained that
in the attempt to carry political enlight-
eminent into such thoroughfares they have
narrowly escaped with whole skin. Yet
in these same squalid streets the lady
canvasser pursues the even tenor Of her
way meeting with never n saucy word or
a depreeating look. She walks unharm-
ed. while in a neighboring cul-de-sac the
candidate in whose success she is so much
interested is. perhaps. being pelted with
something stronger than argument.
But while the lady canvasser may rely
on experiencing courtesy wherever size
goes. there are certain qualifications for
her work which. il she is wise. she never
neglects. Fer instance, il is Just as we'll
for her to don pretty toilette. for WELL
dressed woman commands added respect,
and a visit from her is invariably taken
as compliment. There is notion that
brilliant equipage is essential to sue
full INV
case Is shown by the fact that in the
present campaign ladies are turning the
bicycle to account
Not few Primrose League danes are
still away in the north, so that the car
riage and pair will hardly play so large
part in the London elections as in 1895,
when the dissolution took place in the
month of July. But the success already
achieved by lady cyclists is such as to sug
gest that the carriage is by no means indis-
pensable. While. however, a vehicle is
usually only necessary from tine standpoint
of convenience, it is surprising how much
attention is attracted by an eQuipage
which is little out Of the common. A
Primrose dame who has done some excep-
tionally successful canvassing in Surrey
side constituency attributes her good for
tune very much to her smart pony and
cart, and the diminutiye tiger who ac-
companies nef. IL was tQucuiuS- sne sdiu,
to see the interest taken by costermongers
in the pony's teeth. When other lady
canyassers came into the district they
were told: We're glad to see We. mum,
but will We send US the Idly with the pony
cart and tiger"
The gentle art of canvassing requires
plenty OF ready tao; as well as a persua-
siye and winning style. and the novice is
apt to find that even a little preliminary
Dali aAl
full of enthusiasm, called the other day
to canvass for vote In one of the divis-
ions OF Islington. His knock was answer
ed by middle-aged woman. and then the
colloquy ensued: ..~..s. 1sa y
rs your husband in?'
NO, POOR man, he's in heaven"
Dear me, I'm so sorry"
The unhappy canvasser retired in con-
fusion. His mistake in knocking at the
wrong door is one which the experienced
Primrose League canvasser never commits,
FOR her instructions are very precise.
Where there are many bells in a house
ascertain which bell. or how many knocks,
are required for the voter. and note the
iact Time will thus be saved for the
lext canvasser, and inconvenience to 9TH
sr occupants, who do not wish useless
Journey from the top of the house to an
.wer the door" Careful observance of this
To be successful a lady canvasser re-
lures to be a careful student of human
nature The first sentence addressed to
her by the voter should give her the cue,
and it is fatal to do all the talking
valuable lady in Chelsea began her politi-
al experiences by delivering a brief speech
10 the first elector she called upon. For
, full five minutes she breathlessly des-
,anted upon tine shortcomings OF her OPP
,t-bor cha iufprrIntpi
.emark. STOW it, missus; give the other
,eggars a chance" Rarely was rebuke
mere justified. for torrent of eloquenee
vas wasted for want of few judicious en-
luiries at the outset. Sometimes. or
course the canvasser has to do all the
alking. In other cases it is the voter
Who welcomes that task. 1t is pretty GER
ain that if man is at home during work.
ng hours he is politician. and very like
Y faddist In that event he may corner
ne lady canvasser. perhaps on local sub
ect as to which she is imperfectly inform
ID and there Is nothing for it but to note
he case as one in which it is desirable for
he candidate to call. more especially IL
he voter SAYS that be knows nothing OF
lin.
net with perfect courtsey, but with a lit
lie too much argument. The candidate
Tor the other next day. He may explain
With smile that he is the candidate, and
.et the abrupt answer. Thanks. we aren't
laving any today" This makes him think
whether, after all. the lady canvasser in
question is quite as discriminating as she
S pleasing.
The lady canvasser is always polite,
FEVER asks an elector bluntly sor his vote.
md is particularly non-cCmmitting in her
irst dealings with his wife. She soon
lnows. however, if 4 woman is aware as
o which party her husband intends to
support. and she quickly discerns if the
wife is not made the repository of her
political secrets. or is entirely
Indifferent to the whole subject. Each
ase needs its special treatment. the aim
n every instance being if possible to leave
pleasant impression behind. Sometimes
he lady canvasser gets Il written reply
ent on to her from the elector she has
ainly endeavored to see. One careful
otter wrote the other day. You may re-
v upon me ID. V. and other things per-
hitting. hope 10 record my vote for the
Jnionist candidate" Another forwarded
long explanation. Il am a Liberal-a
yhig of the old school. | cannot vote for
Liberal Unionist. I could vote for
.iberal-TOry. l am unwilling TO be drag
ed through the inconsistent acts of Jo-
eph Chamberlain This reads like
ase in which a really clever lady can
asser might with advantage make an
Their call.