Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-13
ARMY SERVICE FOR WOMEN
In France They Must Fight Il They
Wish to Vote.
WOMAN DOCTORS ODD VIEWS
She Advocat Government Positions
for Those Patriotic Women
who Respond TO Call
of Country.

ONGs l1-NoRE1AaHl-A 9AeH
speaking countries the only opposition to
women's suffrage has been popular trad
ton and a certain immaturlty on the wom-
ems part for civic responsibilities. But in
France. aside from the usual Gallo con-
s~ervatlsm that greets any attempt at fem
mime emancipation, there is another bar
rier. That is the compulsory army service
which every voter must undergo as a COM
ponent part of his citizenship.
DIR. Msdelsine Pelletier, president of the
women's Solidarity league, who recently
attracted considerable attention by limiting
In a vague sort of way that she was ready
to do military service in exchange for a
vote. has followed that statement up by
giving your correspondent a complete ex-
position Of her views on the interesting
subject.
"Of course the conscript service is a
logical necessity II women are granted the
right to VOTE she explained. Although
1 am the first to proclaim my willingness
for such service, there are many French
women who would do likewise, only they
aren't courageous enough to say so.
II know the idea sounds ridiculous at
first, but that is mainly because of its
novelty. Naturally, 1 don't mean to adj
vocate army service without any qualtfica~
tons. 1, don't expect women to serve in
the rank and flle-at least, at present. How
ever, only two-thirds of the army Is given
over to active field work. The other third
have much more passive duties. These
duties women could perform as well as
men. For instance, they could help in the
manufacture of army supplies, could make
uniforms and shoes. The provision depart
ment could be turned over to them and they
could work in the stables and kitchens,
could act as orderlies, and, of course, serve
on the medical staff. Later, when popular
opinion had grown more accustomed to the
idea women could serve regularly in the
infantry, cavalry and artillery. This would
mean, of course, a special military educa-
ton, schools, etc.
WAY to Overcome DImcuIty.
Naturally the majority of French women,
however great their civic zeal, will prefer
to renounce their pretensions to the vote
rather than serve. 1 would overcome that
difficulty In this way: The vote would be
granted only to those who were willing to
do their service and, as a compensation for
their public spirit, certain privileges would
be granted them after their term of service
was over. For example, women who had
served would be assured positions in the
government with a pension after so many
years. They could be postmasters, could be
given charge of the tobacco shops which
are under state control, or could be en-
ployed as government clerks.
Believe me, there are many women of
the lower classes-and, or course, these
privileges would hardly appeal to the smart
set-who have to work anyway and who
would be glad to serve one year with the
prospect of an assured income afterward.
THE idea of women serving in the army
is not new in France. Certain papers ex-
list showing that similar projects were dis
cussed during the revolution. At that time
the cause was further advanced than now
and certainly the plans would have been put
into operation II Napoleon had not come to
the front and focused all attention on his
own schemes. Several women during the
les and Mdlle. de Foernig, disguised them
selves as men, and history tells US that
they made excellent officers.
Uniform for JOINER
ut seems to me that a uniform for
women is of the highest Importance. 1t Is
like a medal or a title. 1t confers a certain
prestige and dignity. 1t would give to
women that courage Of their convictions
which so many seem to lack. They could
wear the knickerbockers and short jackets
Of the Zouaves-of course in the colors Of
their respective regiments.
"Our first step is to get a parliamentary
hearing. This will strengthen the purpose
of many lukewarm ones. Many need such
concrete signs before they can realize the
intrinsic worth of a cause. We must start
on a humble footing. This year M. Fer
dinaid Buisson. a deputy from Paris. will
lay before the Chamber of Deputies a bill
f~avoring women's votes in municipal mat
tiers. II that passes, we may hope for
greater developments, and who knows?
perhaps in a few years my idea OF military
service may be receiving grave official at
tention and later official sanction. Then
everyone will find it quite logical and prac-
teal. II is only the pioneer who bears the
brunt of popular ridicule. Time is the great
revolutionist."