Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1914-02-02
PRESIDENT
WILSON IS
NOT MOVED
Says, Despite Pleas of Women,
He Cannot Declare in Favor
of Suffrage.
PARTY'S PLATFORM
MUST BE FOLLOWED
No Matter What May Be His
Personal Wishes He Must
Hew to Line.
PARTY'S PLATFORM
MUST BE FOLLOWED
UNITED PRESS LEASED wrRn.l

Washington, Feb. president Will
son was called upon today definitely to
declare his position in regard to woman
suffrage, He did so. His hand was
forced by delegation of suffragists,
400 strong, who wanted to know just
where he stood on, the suffrage ques-
tion, and they found out.
GAS leader of the democratic party, ,"
the president told the delegation, "I
cannot advocate any legislation which
is not approved by the democratic ma
tiOnal committee.
The women begged and implored but
the president, although deeply touched
by their pleas, stuck to his position.
The reception of the suffragists was
picturesque. The women had marched
in body to the White House, where
a committee of 20, headed by Mrs.
Glendover Evans, president of the
Massachusetts Trades Women 3 League,
entered the executive offices. They
were cordially received by the presi-
dent Six of the delegation made
speeches.
81 need not tell you," the president
said, Chow delegation of working
women appeals to me. Your earnest
appeals have touched me deeply.
Must Wait for Party.
"There is much l would like to say
but as have explained to other dele
cations of women, 1 cannot speak, as
the leader of my party, on any legisla-
tion until my party itself takes a posi-
tion on that legislation. The national
democratic convention at Baltimore
took a position ON national questions.
The suffrage question was not among
its planks As its candidate the voters
approved the party's position in cleo
ting me. l feel bound to fulfill all
party promises. All can say to you
is that your representations have pro.
foundly impressed me-"
"But," Mrs, Evans interrupted
"when l saw you ut seagrit-"
"Excuse me, please broke in the
president, "but at seagrit there were
many things I discussed but 1 made
no positive statement ! went no fur
ther than have gone today"
Urge Him TO Act,
"You must remember" said Mrs
Evans, "that when | saw you at Sea
grit you were cunning for votes"
az beg your pardon, Mrs. Evans
cut in the president, 81 was not gun
ming for votes--I was seeking them. )
"However Mr., President" replied
Mrs Evans, al want to tell you tina
] have believed in you. believe, too
that you favor our cause. and man.
other working women like myself work
ed our finger nails OFF in your behalf
Cannot we hopel Won't you speal
to your party's national committe
meni You have power that few me
have. We don't ask something tina
is impossible, All we ask, my dear sii
IS iustice"
President Deeply Affected.
President Wilson appeared deeply al
fected and embarrassed He hung hi
head in thought for few seconds an
then replied;
"Don't you see the position I al
placed inf have explained just wheI
stand I cannot consult my personi
inclinations. / have to follow m
party's platform And this ! intend
do"
President Wilson then ordered thu
the remainder Of the delegation be n
mitted. As the women filed past
shook hands with each.
Rose winslow, Pennsylvania te
tile worker, impressed the president
little speech she made just before Il
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