The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-12-09
he Hears Their Plea,
but Gives No En-
cOuragenent.
FOLLOWING RULE
SET FOR HIMSELF
Will Urge Upon Congress No
Legislation Not Subjected to
Organic Consideration" by
Party-His First Time
Face to Face With
Votes for Women"

Washington, Decou.bcr e-woma1
suffrage the question which has
vigorously projected itself in tho po-
litical forum-confrcntcd President
wilson to-day, personined by sixty
members of the National American Wo-
man Suffrage Association. who pleaded
that he use his influence with Congress
to obtain the ballot for the women OF
the nation
1t was the first time the President
mad been brought face to face with the
issue in formal way He told his
callers that Whatever might be his per
sonal views on woman suffrage or any
other subject. he had made it a rule
not TO urge legislation upon Congress
that had not been the subject Of or
sanic consideration" by the Democratic
party OF which he considered himself
the spokesman
The President said that when mem
bers OF Congress consulted him he
would freely give his views. and he
added that, having already been asked
his opinion about the organization Of
standing committee in the House of
Representatives TO consider woman suf-
traGc. he had expressed himself in favor
of such committee.
Varying Emotions.
Some of the members Of tho delcEa-
tion were disappointed. some felt en-
DR.. Anna Howard Shaw expressed the
view that the Presidents Endorsement
OF the idea OF special committee in
the House was all that could have been
expected under the circumstances.
II was a quiet. earnest group OF suf-
fragists who stood in a circle, with the
President in its centre, in the White
Eouse offices. Most Of them had walk
cd In defiance OF q freezing gale, en-
thusiastic about their mission. and de-
tcrmined to get definite expression
from the chief executive. They consti-
tutcd tho special committee appointed
by the convention of the national or
gani2atlon TO await the Presidents re-
covery from his Illness.
'"rhis is 10 be no mere handsha X
ing affair" remarked one of the lead
csr TO tho assembled group. "Dr. Shaw
VIII do all the talking and the hand |
shaking. TOO
II was said that she who spoke re-
mcmhcrcd a visit OF New Jersey suf-
iragists- who took the President a mes
sage on woman suffrage and shook
hands with him, but got no reply.
The President nodded pleasantly TO
the women as they formed Il circle
around him. and Dr. Shaw stepped
forward she told in a straightfor-
ward. simple way how unavailing had
been the frequent pilSrimagcs OF the !
women at WASHINGTON heretofore and !
how committees OF Congress had listen
ed courtcously. but had buried their /,
case She appealed TO the President /,
I'm the spirit OF justice" to urge lluon ,
Congress TO pass Il suffrage amendment
to the Federal Constitution She sug-
sestcd three ways FOR tho President to .
help the cause of suffrag gc-by 4 spe-
clal message on the subject, a refer
ehce to 1t In any general message
he might send. or the use OF his innu-
nini
standing committee in the House of
Representatives to consider the subject
Listens I'm Silence.
The President listened in silence.
He had not been asked FOR his own
views on woman suffrage, so he did not
give it 10 them. on the proposal to
send 4 message to Congress, he cited his
rule of adhering to party policies in
that when consulted by mem
bers of Congress, he might give his
views freely.
There MAS pause after the presi-
lent finished speaking. and with an
,ir of not having quite hceu satisfied
Dr. Shaw resumed:
Since we are not members Of any
political party" she asked who is
going to speak for us-thcre is no one
o speak for US"
II realize that" intcrjcctcd the Pres
dent
Unless We speak for ourselves"
And YOU do that very admiralty"
cjoincd MIR Wilson. and general
augh broke the solemnity of tho oc-
asion
81 should like 10 shake hands with
IS many of YOU as want" added tho
resident smilinGly. and several wo-
ncn stepped forward. others hung
Jack and driftcd ont of the onicc Those
Sho stayed behind spoke cordially to
lac President of his courtesy I'm re
ewing the delegation after his ill
Icss. ana some referred IL having
otcd for him In suffrage states. The
'omcn hlcd out and posed for n pie
urc. and went forth IN the teeth of
he wind again i'll thrccs and fours to :
ondcr over what the President said ,
President Wilson's address to tho !
elegation was. in part as follows: {
Il want YOU. ladies. il possible to {
Continued On Twelfth Pagc) +;