The Washington herald., 1914-10-04
OFFERS UNIQUE
idea in POLITICS
Mrs. Simeon H. Guilford Sug-
gests Safety First" for
Governments.
CALLS BALLOT BURDEN
Says Woman's Strongest Influences Is
Through Faithful Performance !
Of Duties as Wives.
CALLS BALLOT BURDEN
ny MRS. SIMEON H. GUm.FoRD,

ny MRS. SIMEON H. GUU.FoRD,
OIember Executive Board Pennsylrania Association
Opposed to Woman sufrage.l
At the outbreak of the war, much
anxiety was expressed in America for the
safety Of those OF US who were in the
war zone An altogether diSpropoTuonate
anxiety, IL seems to me, when one con-
siders how well Americans were treated,
and the courtesy and consideration shown
US by the busy officials 81 continental
nations that are engaged in a life and
death struggle that will drain their own
resources.
One of the things that impressed one
most in those first few days of universal
mobilization was the system and quiet
order that prevailed.
Americans who were in Berlin say that
the Germans facilitated their exodus
with the same marvellous order which
made their military system the surprise
OF the world In Paris. too, where the
writer happened TO be at the outbreak Of
hostilities. there was little of the nervous
impulsiveness often associated with the
French character. but rather a sober.
clockwork efficiency. The government
seemed to have its officials well trained
and long accustomed to handling crowds
and crises, and everything from the
entrafning of an army corps to the ex-
animation Of tourists passports proceed
cd with calm order instead Of unguided
haste.
Detailed descriptions have made Ameri
cans familiar with most of the historic
events and important incidents of the
wars first week. but little has been said
OF the wonderful system of cooperation
and governmental efficiency that most
European nations have developed in
their administrations. Here We are apt
TO classify as red tape" practically any
thing that conflicts with our own ideas
OF the most direct way in which to do
things, which are not always scientific
but often theoretical Many of our gov
ernmentaI functions are carried on in
a manner to merit our criticism, but in
Europe generally the system of modern
business efficiency rather than a purely
political administration seems to be
more noticeable at the helm.
Modern business the Model.
In the government of business and in
dustry a marvellous development has
taken place within the last few years, in
spite of rather than because Of legisla-
ton and politics. Capital and labor.
because of a growing mutual understand
ing are working closer to cooperation
and harmony throughout the country, If
not the world. The employer who doesn't
know that he must have contented,
weIl-paid and Well-fed employees to make
his business a success is becoming obsO-
lete: and. on the other hand, the educat-
ed employe is learning more and more
that business conditions must be kepp
sound to insure the success of genius
and the reward of labor alike. a concen-
trated competition in scientific age has
developed business and industrial eff
cheney to a phase where safety first"
= 49, a1wzn4n
years ago, is a national by-wOrd for con-
servation of both resources and human
ity.
But there is little safety first" in pol
itics. Me first" or us 6rst" is the
slogan of autoCrat and politicians the
world over, whether they wear a crown
or boss a municipal ward. Only a wise
and educated public opinion can insist
on the necessary cheeks and balances in
government, safety devices to protect
civilization from the wrecks of war. panic
or anarchy. We are usually satisfied
with speed at any price, and every one
who needs 10 use the trains Of govern
ment is asking to be made conductor or
engineer-Or TO vote for him.
Even some women are unable TO see
that we do not need more legislative
steam or more radical speed in govern
ment. or feminine hands at the throttles,
but straight right of way of efficiency,
resting on a rock k-baIlasted roadbed of
intelligence and morality, protected and
kept clear by an honest and nonpartisan
public opinion. Here women take their
best and strongest past-in conservation
protection. and eNaltatiOn Of the homes
and iresides government is made to
-serve
Government 81 Public Service.
A railroad is not built to develop
mechanical apparatus and horsepower.
nor to furnish levers for some men
to push and pull. but to serve a people
and a territory. So, too, government
is only a public service, not made to
give politicians jobs or everybody a
chance to take a turn at the manage
the whole people. and carry on public
business eficiently.
Anti-suffragists believe that the his
tory OF politics demonstrates that
women are both better fitted and more
inclined to attend to the safety de-
vices and straighten the tracks of
civilization and peace, If they avoid
the political contest over who is going
20 run the trains. We must make our
schedules and our laws for the bene-
Mt Of the public rather than for the
further entrenchment OF political
power. and we cannot do that IL all
Of us become politicians. We women
are represented in government just as
we are represented in the cab OF la
comotive or at the helm Of an ocean
liner, by men. Not always so efficient
ly in government however, because
there is already too much politics and
too little business-like patriotism.