The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-05-12
H0ODOO JOB GIVEN
TO MISS BINGHAM
AFTER ILLNESS.

NEW YORK, May 12-Accepting dare
10 become president of the Professional
W omen's League. a position that Tor
years has carried sickness or death 10
the family OF the incumbent. Amelia
Bingham yesterday was nominated ana
elected TO the office after score OF
members had refused TO be candidates
Tor what they regarded as a post Ger
tain 10 bring misfortune.
Honorable p0sr2" said one ScOTer'
How about an honorable lost NOR
temp
Owing 10 the fact that the Office was
not coveted by the members. Miss Bing-
ham was almost q unanimous choice.
No; that doesn't mean everybody in the
league loves Amelia. Maybe ii was be
cause she was fat on her back, seri-
ously IT, that her foes took revenge by
eleCting her. But Just you walt TIL
Amelia Bingham gets on her feet Ana
she will The doctors said so at mid
night
The presidency OF the league came TO
be regarded as a "hoodoO" office after
three presidents had lost their hus-
bands while serving their terms and one
president had been severely Ill for
months
President Resigns.
The election yesterday was in striking
contrast TO those held in olden DAYS
when prestige and security attached 10
the presidency. Yesterday election hao
been made necessary because Mrs Su-
zanne Westford had resigned. She had
pleaded that, because she was on the
road with her sister. Lillian Russell, she
would not have time TO attend 10 the
duties of the office. Mrs Westford was
one or the presidents who was widowed
when she held the III Omened title. Like
bereavements came to Mrs. A, NJ Palmer
and 10 Mrs Sarah + Knowles. Several
or those who did not have husbands 10
lose in their terms Of Office were seized
with severe illnesses. Most of them
came unpleasantly close 10 death. one
OF these was Mrs. Edwin Arden. she
has not recovered fully even now.
Owing "a The superstition Of the mem
hers yesterday 1t was feared the league
would have a hard time finding a can
didate for president. Holders of minor
offices We're sounded. but all shuddered
and declined with as much diplomacy as
possible Mrs. Z. l. Fernandez, present
second vice president. would not hear
OF promotion.
Decide on Amelia Bingham.
Finally somebody hit on the name OF
Amelia Bingham. She was not at the
club meeting. y member said, "Its
hardly nice 10 ask woman just out
of the surgeons hands 10 run for this
hooGoo job"
But other persons asserted Amelia
scoTned the superstition surrounding thu
Office of president of the league; so
committee of her friends went 10 hel
and asked her TO be the candidate. Miss
Bingham looked up from her bed and
smiled a wan smile
Now. honestly, girls" said she VIII
brave attempt at POPULARITY, don
Won think I've been through enough
without running for office?"
Brt her friends assured her there
v-ollId not be the slightest opposition ID
her candidacy. Invalids are easy prey
40 fattery, Of course. So finally Miss
Bingham said. Go ahead Wen, th'
friends kept their promise
Miss Bfngham's name went befcr'
the members and when the ballots were
counted in the evening il was found
she had received at least two-thlru'
of the votes. The directors elected wer'
Mrs T,aona Ross, Mrs. Belle De RIVERA
Airs y. II. Price, Mrs. Sarah L
Knowles and Mrs. Diana II. Lageh.