The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1909-08-10
WOMEN NOT READY
FOR PRESIDENCY
San Francisco Suffragettes OPP
pose Plan of Making Jane
Adams Candidate

San Francisco suffra gettes do not
think much of the plan of the Boston
enthusiasts who propose Jane Adams
of Hull house. Chicago. as a candidate
for the presidency of the United States.
Nor does Mrs. Florence Kelley of New
York, one of the vice presidents of the
national suffrage association. who is
visitor here
In fact, some of the leading members
of the local organization at their meet
ing yesterday afternoon expressed
themselves rather scornfully when in
terviewed in regard to their opinions.
It's absurd. simply absurd" said Mrs.
A. a. Sargent. honorary state presi-
dent. 1T would be injurious to the
cause, too"
LAUGHS AT IDEA
Mrs. Kelley laughed at the idea.
1T would be ridiculous to suggest
such thing as our gaining president
when we have not even the ballot" she
said. For one thing, it must be under
stood that Miss Adams never author
lied the use of her name for any such
scheme. She is an ardent suffra gist,
but would never consent to any such
thing. 1t is not practical, and there is
no use in starting such a plan. What
does commend itself to me as entirely
feasible is the suggestion made re-
Gently by some members of the Inter
national Council of Women, who were
in Denver, that the women of Colorado
send Mrs. Sarah Plat Decker to the
I mi al tot
easily be done there, l thinks and it
would be a good plan to try it. But
what chance have we to elect a woman
president when there are AZ states with
no rights of suffrageg'
DECIDEDLY PREMATURE
Mrs. William keith, than whom
there is no more ardent adherent of
the votes for women" doctrine. be-
lieved that it was decidedly prema
ture to try to elect woman presi-
dent.
1T would be bad for the movement
she said. I'VE must not try that yet
anyway"
Mrs. NJ. c. Beylor thought it would
be unwise TO attempt even candidacy
yet. 1T would antagonize men if we
did that sort of thing. They would be
annoyed by such move, and it does
our cause great harm to arouse the
opposition of men in that way" said
she.
DR. Minora Kibbe believes nothing
could be more unwise nor calculated
to do more harm, because it would rem
der the suffragists ridiculous
Mrs. Mary c. Carnage, who is one of
the most determined in the battle for
feminine rights, brought up the ques-
ton of the legality of such a proceed
ing. Would it be possible" she asked
for a woman to hold such an Office
when she is not an elector? 1 believe
only those with the right to vote can
hold the Office Anyway, ] do not think
it is a good thing. 1t is premature
and would make US laughable.'
PAST SUCH STAGE
Mrs Mary Sperry thought women
were past the stage when they would
use such methods. They are beyond
the days when they put Belva Lock
wood forward but they have not yet
reached sufficient strength to warrant
another attempt.
Mrs. Alice L. Park of Palo Alto was
one of the few to be found who thought
there was any virtue in the Boston
idea. and she found no hope of success
Yes, / think it might be good" she
said. because 1t would advertise us
Advertising is what we need, and such
a project would bring us prominently
before the public. Belva Lockwood
ran for president long time ago, you
know. and it made many people take
an interest in suffrage. and it made
many others talk and think about it"